About SIFST
Founding & Development
SIFST was founded in 1977 as a non-profit scientific society with members working in food science, food technology and related professions in industry, academia and government. The Institute was registered as a Professional Society by the Registrar of Societies in May of 1977. It started with only 40 members but currently it has over 300 Fellows (Fellows), Associates, Licentiates, Graduate members, Student members and Corporate members.
The Institute became a member of the Singapore Professional Centre in 1979 and was awarded membership of the International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST) in 1980. The Institute became an affiliate organisation of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) of the USA in 1989 and is a member of the Federation of Institutes of Food Science and Technology in ASEAN (FIFSTA).
Representatives of the Institute sit on the Advisory Committee for the Diploma in Chemical Process Technology (Food Technology) at Singapore Polytechnic, SPRING Singapore Food Standards Committee, Singapore Accreditation Council, Accreditation Scheme for HACCP/ISO22000 and the Food Advisory Committee of the Agri-Veterinary Authority of Singapore. SIFST also has representation on several national and international food related technical committees and working groups.
Mission & Objectives
The Institute is committed to the furtherance of Food Science and Technology through lifelong learning and interaction and collaboration amongst professionals, locally and worldwide, and has the following objectives:
- To promote the standing of the food profession and to maintain high ethical standards throughout the profession;
- To develop and maintain collaboration with other National and International bodies concerned with food science and technology;
- To promote the dissemination of knowledge and to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas amongst members;
- To further the education and training of food scientists and technologists.
SIFST Activities
- An Annual General meeting for the election of Council members
- An Annual SIFST dinner
- Regular professional meetings in the form of a lecture, seminar debate etc relating to current interests in Food Science and Technology
- SIFST student symposium
- Co-sponsorship and organisation of seminars and conferences e.g. the biannual ASEAN Food Conference
- The “SIFST Food Product Awards” namely “Best Food Product Award”; “Innovation Award” and “Healthier choice Award” for local food industries for their effort and innovation
- Community projects on Career Guidance and public lectures on food science, technology and nutrition
- Short courses e.g. n Implementation of HACCP; HACCP & GMP Internal Auditing
- Factory visits for members
- Overseas technical visits
SIFST Constitution
THE SIFST CONSTITUTION_24 April 2012 (download the pdf)