Food Gala 2.0 organized by SFNA

Food Gala Event 2024: A Resounding Success at UET Lahore, New Campus, KSK
The Department of Food Engineering & Biotechnology at the University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore, proudly organized the Flagship Food Gala Event 2024 at the New Campus, Kala Shah Kaku (KSK).

• The event highlighted the theme, “Food Security – Challenges and Innovations,” drawing attention to the critical global issue of food security and the importance of sustainable and innovative solutions in food science.
  The event commenced with a warm welcome and an insightful opening speech by Prof. Dr. Sikander Rafiq, Chairman of the Department of Food Engineering & Biotechnology. He extended a heartfelt welcome to esteemed guest speakers from diverse sectors, including the food, chemical, and health industries, as well as academia and research organizations. Prof. Rafiq emphasized the significance of bridging the gap between academia and industry to effectively address food security challenges.
  Distinguished Guest Speakers
  The event featured prominent speakers who shared their expertise, offering valuable insights into the importance of food, preservation techniques, and the role of innovative solutions in securing a sustainable future. The esteemed panel of speakers included:
  • Mr. Tauqeer Saeed, CEO, Ultra-Pure Group of Companies Limited
  • Mr. Saleem Ibne Fazil, Founder and Principal, Ibn-e-Fazil Institute of Emerging Technologies
  • Mr. Muhammad Imran, Senior Manager QA & Regulatory Affairs, K&N’s Foods Pvt Ltd
  • Dr. Hafiz Rehan Nadeem, President, National Alliance for Safe Food (NAFS)
  • Dr. Kanza Aziz Awan, HOD, Department of Food Science and Technology, UCP
  • Engr. Muhammad Ramzan, Plant Manager, Starchpack Package Ltd
  • Dr. Znair Azam, CEO, Bodyholics RYK Pakistan
  • Ms. Alisha Tariq, Team Leader, Nestlé Sheikhupura
  • Mr. Hafiz Shahzaib Ameer, Regional Sales Manager, BECS Lab Analytics
  • Dr. Salman Saeed: Principal Scientific Officer, PCSIR Lahore
• Honorable Presence
  The event was graced by the Vice Chancellor UET Lahore, Prof. Dr. Shahid Munir (T.I), who appreciated the efforts of students and faculty. He highlighted the importance of utilizing indigenous resources for food product development and commended the department’s role in organizing such a remarkable event. Shields were presented to the guest speakers, faculty, and organizers, including a token of appreciation for the Vice Chancellor.
  Prof. Dr. Shahid Imran’s Insights on Food Security
  In his thought-provoking talk, Prof. Dr. Shahid Imran, Campus Coordinator, shed light on the growing challenges of food security in the face of rapid population growth. He emphasized the essential role of food in human survival, addressing hunger, and ensuring overall well-being. Highlighting the increasing demand for food in the global market, he stressed the importance of developing sustainable solutions, improving food preservation, and leveraging innovation to meet the needs of future generations. His insights underscored the vital intersection of science, policy, and industry in addressing these pressing challenges.
  Student Engagement and Competitions
  The Food Gala also served as a platform for student innovation and creativity through poster competitions, food product development contests, and sports activities. The competitions were judged by a panel comprising representatives from academia, local food businesses, and industry professionals. Awards were presented for:
  • Best Innovative Product
  • Most Sustainable Solution
  Certificates and prizes were distributed to participants and winners, encouraging further exploration and contributions to food science.
  The event featured vibrant food stalls from renowned companies and creative student displays, showcasing innovation in food science. These stalls attracted widespread attention across the campus, adding excitement and engaging the audience with unique food products and presentations.
  Concluding Remarks and Networking Opportunities
  In his concluding remarks, Prof. Dr. Shahid Munir (T.I) emphasized future goals for addressing food security and fostering academia-industry collaboration. He also highlighted the importance of leveraging indigenous resources to develop essential food products.
• The VC and CC applauded the efforts of Ms. Zoufishan Latif and Mr. Muhammad Shakil for organizing such a vibrant event with combination of cultural, academic and recreational activities. The event provided an excellent networking opportunity for attendees, including industry experts, faculty, and students, to exchange ideas and build lasting partnerships.
  The Flagship Food Gala Event 2024 successfully achieved its objective of raising awareness about food security while inspiring innovation and collaboration. It was a true testament to the commitment of the Department of Food Engineering & Biotechnology in addressing critical global challenges.