Chula and Nestlé Sign MOU

Chulalongkorn University—through its Faculty of Science, Department of Food Technology, College of Extension and Lifelong Learning for the People, and Center for Social Mission—together with Nestlé (Thailand) Ltd., held a ceremony to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on academic collaboration in food and beverages. The partnership aims to strengthen research and development skills in the food and beverage sector for Chulalongkorn personnel within a real industrial ecosystem while integrating industry insights into teaching and research to support Thailand’s growth toward becoming a regional leader.

The signing ceremony took place on May 26, 2026, at Ruen Chula Narumit. Prof. Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai, Chairman of the Chulalongkorn University Council, delivered congratulatory remarks while Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, gave the welcome address. Mr. Victor Seah, Chairman and CEO of Nestlé Indochina, expressed Nestlé’s commitment to creating shared value with society and thanked the university for the collaboration.

Ms. Frida Wakyoru Moshina, Executive Director of Human Resources at Nestlé Indochina, shared the vision behind student development through the academic partnership between Nestlé and Chulalongkorn University. Ms. Aline Mor, Director of the Nestlé Product Technology Centre in Singapore, introduced the company’s R&D center, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sukanya Sompiboon, Vice President of Chulalongkorn University, emphasized the direction of international student development through the collaboration.

The official MOU signing was carried out by Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat on behalf of Chulalongkorn University and Mr. Victor Seah on behalf of Nestlé Indochina. The ceremony also included the presentation of R&D internship scholarships to Mr. Rutchapong Jatupongpairoj and Ms. Chanjao Jorchuen, students from the Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Science. The event concluded with a presentation of the first collaborative activity: a Food Security Hackathon supported by Nestlé (Thai) Ltd.

Prof. Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai highlighted the critical role played by food science and nutrition in today’s world, especially regarding food security, which is closely linked to economic stability and quality of life. He noted that collaboration with a global leader like Nestlé represents an important step in enhancing education and student skill development through experiential learning. Chulalongkorn University aims to advance its “Student-Centered University” approach by giving students, faculty, and staff opportunities to learn directly from industry through short courses, study visits, and internships within Nestlé’s regional and global network.

He also emphasized the importance of sustainability knowledge, which is becoming an essential competency across disciplines, including science, economics, commerce, and the social sciences. This partnership, he said, will help prepare students to address future global challenges and create sustainable positive social impact. Food security is not only about food itself but also about the future of the nation. Chulalongkorn University is committed to advancing food and nutrition education by bridging classroom learning with practical application through collaboration with Nestlé.

Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat stated that “the food of the future” must deliver not only taste but also health, quality of life, and sustainability. These are key priorities for Chulalongkorn University as it drives innovation and national food security together with Nestlé, a global leader in food and nutrition. The collaboration seeks to develop knowledge, technology, and food innovations that promote long-term well-being for the Thai people.

He explained that food in the modern world should support physical and mental health while also contributing to social and national sustainability, especially as food security becomes an increasingly important global issue. This partnership represents another milestone in integrating academic expertise with real industrial experience to create future-oriented food innovations. The university also seeks to transform student learning from classroom theory to real-world practice by allowing students from fields such as health sciences, food science, business, and economics to work on actual industry challenges alongside global partners. This will help develop future-ready talent capable of driving Thailand’s food economy sustainably.

Mr. Victor Seah noted that Nestlé and Chulalongkorn University have maintained a strong partnership for many years in areas such as knowledge development, research, and youth empowerment. Nestlé is pleased to deepen this relationship through the new agreement, reflecting a shared commitment to innovation and human resource development for a sustainable future.

The collaboration aligns with Nestlé’s “Creating Shared Value” philosophy, which focuses on generating benefits for businesses, communities, society, and the environment. Nestlé places strong importance on improving quality of life through education, research, and youth development under the “Nestlé Needs YOUth” initiative, aiming to create long-term positive change for Thailand.

The three-year agreement covers three main areas:

1. Exchange of knowledge and experience, including training, seminars, testing, inspections, consultancy, and study visits related to food products and packaging.

2. Promoting student understanding of real industrial operations within the food sector.

3. Developing short courses to support lifelong learning for staff, students, and the public, while also supporting research and joint social mission activities.

In 2026, Nestlé is providing the opportunity for internships for the third consecutive year at its Product Technology Centre in Singapore for two students from Chulalongkorn University’s Department of Food Technology. The internships allow students to gain hands-on experience with international Nestlé teams developing innovative food and beverage products that are both nutritious and appealing to consumers of all ages.

Chulalongkorn University and Nestlé have maintained long-term cooperation, particularly in supporting food technology professionals. Nestlé supports approximately 1,000 Chulalongkorn students each year through educational activities, career guidance, internships, and special development projects, helping young people advance in their careers and in the field of food science in tangible ways.

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/411291/