Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Chemical & Bioengineering Technology (UniKL MICET) is exploring new opportunities to strengthen industry-based education in food safety and quality following a management visit to Nando’s Chickenland Malaysia Sdn Bhd on 14 August 2026.
The engagement centred on potential Work-Based Learning (WBL) placements for students of UniKL MICET’s Bachelor of Food Safety and Quality Technology (BFSQT) programme, creating opportunities for students to experience real-world food service operations while strengthening their professional and technical competencies.
Discussions covered industry expectations, workplace requirements and possible student placements, as well as ways to better align academic learning with operational practices in the food industry.
Nando’s operational experience and established food safety practices were also identified as areas that could complement the knowledge and technical competencies developed through the BFSQT programme.
Through the proposed WBL initiative, students would be able to apply knowledge in food safety, quality management, food handling, hygiene and operational practices within an actual industry environment.
The exposure would also help students develop competencies in teamwork, communication, problem-solving, discipline and compliance with industry standards — capabilities increasingly expected of graduates entering the food and food-service sectors.
The engagement supports UniKL MICET’s implementation of the 2 Years University, 1 Year Industry (2u1i) education model, which integrates university-based learning with structured industry exposure to produce graduates who are better prepared for evolving workforce requirements.
Beyond student placement, the initiative also complements UniKL MICET’s broader aspiration to expand its presence in halal-related education, research, technology and industry engagement.
With Malaysia continuing to strengthen its position within the global halal economy, the intersection of food safety, quality assurance, halal compliance, biotechnology and industry practice presents a strategic area in which UniKL MICET can further develop its expertise and contribution.
UniKL MICET and Nando’s Chickenland Malaysia are expected to continue discussions towards a potential Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which could formalise cooperation and expand WBL opportunities for the students.
The engagement contributes particularly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of SDG 4: Quality Education, through industry-integrated learning; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, through employability and workforce development; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, through university-industry linkages; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through strategic cooperation between higher education and industry.
