1. Facilitating Food Innovations while Ensuring Food Safety
The week kicked off with the Roundtable on Novel Food Regulations, hosted by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) on 18 November 2024. This event brought together regulators, members of the industry, and academics to share best practices on safety assessments and regulatory frameworks for novel foods.
During the event, more than 200 event participants engaged in presentations and breakout sessions on key topics such as the development of a safety assessed media ingredient list for cell culture media components, and the production of fermentation-derived novel food products. The subsequent panel discussion by regulators also highlighted the importance of collaboration in the novel food ecosystem.
Later that evening, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Mr Gan Kim Yong graced the SIAW Welcome Reception. In his opening address, he announced the award of over $40 million to 12 promising initiatives under the second phase of the Singapore Food Story R&D Programme. Some notable projects include developing cost-effective scalable manufacturing processes to lower cultured meat production costs, and advancing disease management tools to improve yield and produce better quality seafood for aquaculture. Singapore’s leadership to standardise the safety assessment of cultivated meat production at the Codex Alimentarius Commission was also highlighted.
2. Transforming the Agri-Food Sector and Securing a Sustainable Future
The Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit held from 19-21 November 2024 brought together global agri-food leaders to accelerate climate-adaptation strategies for strengthening food security and future-proofing Asia's agri-food system. The event explored innovative solutions and financing models to ensure access to affordable, nutritious food while enhancing climate resilience, addressing the pressing challenges posed by climate change.
In his speech at the opening day of the Summit on 19 November 2024, Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment Dr Koh Poh Koon launched the Singapore Aquaculture Plan (SAP). Arising from a year-long collaboration involving a diverse group of over 30 stakeholders across the aquaculture value chain, the SAP outlines a strategic vision and roadmap for aquaculture developments in Singapore. Designed as a ‘living document’, the SAP will evolve with the industry to remain relevant and responsive to new developments.
A ceremonial launch of the SAP was officiated by Dr Koh Poh Koon at the SFA Pavilion at the Agri-Food Tech Expo Asia. This event held across 19-21 November 2024 gave visitors a chance to explore cutting-edge innovations, attend live demonstrations, and engage in discussions on emerging agri-food technologies. It provided a platform for businesses to network, collaborate, and establish long-term partnerships aimed at advancing food sustainability and security.
3. Building a Strong Ecosystem for Agri-Food Research and Innovation
The Global Agri-Food Scientific Symposium, held on 21-22 November 2024, brought together researchers, scientists and technology providers to catalyse discussions on advancing agri-food capabilities for climate-resilient and sustainable food ecosystems. Through keynotes, presentations and panel discussion, the event highlighted cutting-edge research innovations for urban cities and fostered a collaborative, knowledge-sharing platform among local and international Institutes of Higher Learning and Research Institutes.
In his opening speech at the Symposium, Dr Koh Poh Koon announced the launch of the second Future Foods grant call under the Singapore Food Story (SFS) R&D Programme 2.0. This grant call will focus on strengthening the nutrition and functionality of alternative protein products to boost consumer acceptance.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all attendees, partners, and stakeholders for your continued support and active participation. We look forward to welcoming you once again next year!