Dusit Thani College launches new culinary degree to develop the next generation of “food architects”

New Food Technology and Creative Culinary Arts Programme, backed by Dusit International and developed with leading industry partners, responds to growing demand for food innovation talent by combining culinary creativity, scientific knowledge, and entrepreneurial skills. 

Dusit Thani College (DTC), part of Dusit International and one of Thailand’s leading hospitality education institutions, has announced the launch of a new bachelor’s degree programme in Food Technology and Creative Culinary Arts, marking its most significant culinary curriculum development in 15 years and supporting efforts to prepare the next generation of professionals for the changing needs of the food industry. 

With a curriculum comprising approximately 40% culinary arts, 40–50% food science, and 10–20% business studies, the new four-year programme aims to bridge the gap between culinary expertise and food science and help address the industry’s growing demand for multidisciplinary talent by developing a new generation of “food architects” – versatile professionals who can connect creativity, scientific knowledge, and commercial understanding to create innovative food products and solutions. 

According to research by the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) and the Office of National Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO), Thailand’s processed food and Future Food industries – including areas such as functional foods, alternative proteins, and sustainable food innovations – are expected to require more than 47,000 skilled professionals between 2025 and 2029. 

The programme also aligns with Thailand’s broader ambition to strengthen its position as a “Kitchen of the World” by developing talent capable of supporting the continued growth and advancement of the country’s food sector. 

“As the food sector evolves and areas such as food innovation, sustainability, and technology become increasingly important, there is a clear need for professionals who can combine creativity with scientific understanding and business knowledge,” said Mr Chanin Donavanik, Group CEO, Dusit International. “By developing graduates with the multidisciplinary capabilities needed to seize new opportunities and create meaningful innovations, this new programme will play an important role in strengthening the industry in Thailand and beyond while preparing talent for the opportunities ahead.” 

Open to students from all academic backgrounds, including those without a traditional science foundation, DTC’s Food Technology and Creative Culinary Arts degree combines practical culinary techniques, scientific principles, product innovation, and business knowledge. With its multidisciplinary foundation, the programme is designed to open diverse career pathways, including chefs, food entrepreneurs, research and development (R&D) specialists, food innovators, and professionals across hospitality and food manufacturing. 

Dr Atthawet Prougestaporn, Rector, Dusit Thani College, said, “The future of food requires professionals who think beyond traditional boundaries – combining the creativity of chefs with the scientific approach of food technologists and the mindset of entrepreneurs. Through this programme, we aim to give students the knowledge, practical experience, and industry exposure needed to turn ideas into innovative food products and solutions that create real value.” 

To ensure the curriculum reflects industry requirements, Dusit Thani College has collaborated with leading organisations from the public and private sectors, including Thai Union Group PCL, Ajinomoto Co., (Thailand) LTD., and the National Innovation Agency (NIA). Experts from these organisations have contributed insights and expertise to help shape course content and support the programme’s goal of enabling students to apply scientific knowledge throughout the culinary process, from concept creation to food innovation and product development. 

“This collaboration between education and industry is essential,” said Dr Atthawet. “By combining academic knowledge with practical expertise from leading organisations, we can help students develop practical skills that are immediately applicable in the workplace and aligned with the evolving needs of food businesses worldwide.” 

Set to welcome its first students in the 2027 academic year, the Food Technology and Creative Culinary Arts programme represents another milestone in Dusit Thani College’s ongoing evolution and the continued development of Dusit International’s integrated hospitality, education, and food businesses. 

“Investing in education and talent development remains central to Dusit’s mission of contributing positively to the industries and communities we serve,” added Mr Donavanik. “By working closely with our partners and leveraging Dusit’s unique expertise across hospitality, education, and food, we can help create meaningful opportunities for new generations of professionals while supporting the continued growth of the industry.”