Expanding Culinary and Food Science Education

　　Quanzhou is actively fostering talent in the culinary and food industry. Currently, 17 universities and vocational institutions offer programs in Chinese and Western cuisine, bakery and pastry arts, food processing technology, and food safety testing, with 32 specialized programs and over 6,300 enrolled students. Among them, three universities—Quanzhou Normal University, Minnan Science and Technology Institute, and Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University’s Anxi Tea College—offer bachelor’s degree programs in related fields. Additionally, two higher vocational institutions, Liming Vocational University and Quanzhou Light Industry Vocational College, provide seven specialized programs, while 12 secondary vocational schools run 22 specialized courses. Five technical schools also offer culinary programs, enrolling approximately 980 students. Each year, more than 2,300 graduates enter the industry.

　　Industry-Academia Collaboration for Culinary Excellence

　　Quanzhou's universities and vocational schools have implemented a “3+2” integrated talent development model, combining three years of secondary vocational education with two years of higher vocational training. Institutions such as Liming Vocational University collaborate with Jinjiang Jinxing Vocational Secondary School and Fujian Economic and Trade School on food processing technology programs. Quanzhou Light Industry Vocational College partners with Longhai Vocational and Technical School and Fuding Vocational Secondary School to offer Western culinary arts programs, while working with Dongshan Island Vocational Secondary School on Chinese culinary programs.

　　Bringing Culinary Arts into the Classroom

　　To enhance hands-on training, universities have incorporated traditional and modern culinary courses. Liming Vocational University offers courses such as Inheritance and Innovation in Minnan Traditional Foods, focusing on local specialties. Quanzhou Light Industry Vocational College teaches Culinary Product Processing Technology, covering classic Minnan dishes such as Five-Spice Rolls, Fried Vinegar Pork, Radish Balls, Anhai Rice Cakes, Minnan Beef Soup, Fried Noodles, and Ginger Chicken from Dehua. The college also provides courses on innovative culinary techniques, featuring dishes like New-Style Ginger Duck, Nourishing Pig Stomach Soup, Black Garlic Eel, Garlic-Baked Squid, Minnan Spring Rolls, Steamed Crab with Minced Meat, Minnan Tofu Casserole, and Stir-Fried Peanut Sprouts with Fish Rolls from Chongwu.

　　Strengthening Industry Partnerships and Practical Training

　　Quanzhou is integrating academic training with industry demands through collaborative education models. Huaqiao University plays a key role in the National Modern Catering Industry-Education Integration Initiative, serving as Vice Chairman of the governing body. Institutions such as Liming Vocational University and Quanzhou Light Industry Vocational College are part of the China Food Industry-Education Alliance and the Fujian Food Vocational Education Group, both as executive vice chair members. The city has also established the Quanzhou Food Vocational Education Group, comprising 67 member organizations, including provincial and municipal industry associations, educational institutions, and enterprises. Through school-enterprise partnerships and research collaboration, the initiative ensures a seamless connection between vocational education and industry needs.

　　Furthermore, Quanzhou Light Industry Vocational College has partnered with Shishi Honor Industrial Development Co., Ltd. to establish the Honor Chef Industry Academy, earning provincial-level recognition. Similarly, Nan’an Hongxing Vocational School has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Hilton China to develop customized training programs for aspiring culinary professionals.

　　Bringing Master Chefs into the Classroom

　　To elevate culinary training, six Culinary Master Studios have been established in various institutions. For instance, Zhang Qiongyu, a National Technical Expert, Youth Career Role Model, Fujian Provincial Skills Master, and recipient of the Fujian May Day Labor Medal, has launched a Master Chef Training Studio at Nan’an Hongxing Vocational School. These initiatives emphasize mentorship, skill inheritance, and professional development, ensuring the next generation of culinary talent is well-prepared for the industry.

　　By integrating education, industry collaboration, and hands-on training, Quanzhou is building a robust pipeline of skilled professionals, driving the city's culinary and food industry to new heights.