Holding of a special seminar at Fuji Oil's Asia R&D Center under an endowed-chair program established jointly by Japan’s MAFF and the ASEAN Secretariat

In cooperation with the Secretariat of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) has established endowed-chair programs at major agricultural and food-related universities in ASEAN member countries. The Fuji Oil Group began developing business in these countries at an early date, and endorses these programs.

While many Japanese companies are doing business in ASEAN countries, they face the task of recruiting and developing indigenous human resources to serve as principals who both have mastered Japanese technology and are thoroughly acquainted with the local culture. The provision of instruction in Japanese-style food processing, distribution, and related areas is aimed at assisting their efforts to reduce food loss and construct sound agricultural and foodstuff value chains.

On July 31, a special seminar under this program was held at the Asia R&D Center of Fuji Oil Asia Pte. Ltd., a member of the Fuji Oil Group. It attracted the participation of 23 students and seven teachers in the field of food science and technology at the National University of Singapore.

At the seminar, there was a lecture on Japan’s food industry by Mr. Tadaatsu Iwase, Deputy Director-General of the MAFF Food Industry Affairs Bureau. Personnel from Fuji Oil Asia described the properties of and manufacturing process for palm oil and palm kernel oil, from which specialty fats, its main products, are made. He also introduced the technology behind its specialty fats, which are ideal for making confections and bakery items. The program included a tour of the facilities and sampling of products. There followed a lively question-and-answer session which evidenced the high level of interest among the participating students.

The Fuji Oil Group is committed to continued contribution to the region in areas including human resource development.