Recently, the Department of Biosciences organized an industrial visit to the Ajinomoto (Malaysia) Berhad factory in Bandar Enstek. The delegation was warmly welcomed by the Ajinomoto team, kicking off a day of immersive learning. The group consisted of students currently enrolled in SSCB 4213 (Industrial Wastes Management), MSCB 1223 (Environmental Bioengineering), and MSCB 1523 (Industrial Technology and Bioreactor Design).
The visit began with an introduction to the Ajinomoto Group’s history since 1909 and the science behind their discovery of Umami. Students toured the gallery to view the evolution of products and gained insights into the company’s rigorous Halal and ISO certifications.
A key highlight of the trip was learning about Ajinomoto’s sustainability initiatives—topics highly relevant to the students’ coursework. They observed how the factory utilizes solar panels, advanced water filtration systems, and sustainable packaging to minimize environmental impact. The experience extended beyond observation as students participated in a sensory session to taste the Umami difference and took part in a lively cooking demonstration. This visit provided invaluable exposure to industrial practices, reinforcing the link between academic concepts and real-world technology.
