KUALA LUMPUR: Nestlé (Malaysia) Bhd has entered into a collaboration with Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) to expand halal-related science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education among secondary school students.
In a statement, Nestlé Malaysia said it signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with UPM’s Halal Products Research Institute at the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026.
Under the collaboration, both parties will jointly develop and implement modules, educator training and student outreach activities under the HalSTEM programme.
Through HalSTEM, students will take part in hands-on activities that demonstrate how STEM concepts are applied in Halal assurance and the food industry.
These include microscopy-based halal authentication, comparisons of plant- and animal-derived ingredients, artificial intelligence tools, water filtration, sertu soap-making and nutritional calculations.
Nestlé Malaysia head of halal affairs Nasrul Hadi Mohamed Nor said the programme was aimed at helping students understand how science, technology and innovation are applied in halal assurance and quality.
“Through HalSTEM, we want to help young Malaysians see how science, technology and innovation support Halal assurance and quality.
“By combining classroom learning and real industry exposure, we hope to spark greater interest in STEM and inspire the next generation of talent for the halal sector,” he said.
UPM deputy vice-chancellor (industry and community network) Shamsul Bahri Md Tamrin said UPM would contribute its research expertise to the development of the programme, while Nestlé Malaysia would provide industry input.
The collaboration builds on previous Halal@STEM programmes conducted in Terengganu and Melaka.
Nestlé Malaysia and UPM plan to extend HalSTEM to more students and educators across Peninsular Malaysia, with the longer-term aim of expanding it nationwide.
UPM will also support the development of the programme's modules and serve as a reference point for the initiative.
Nestlé Malaysia said the programme is also part of its SYNERGY Halal collaboration with the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim).
