Innovations in sustainable food production and decarbonisation initiatives to headline 2023's Singapore International Agri-Food Week

SINGAPORE, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Singapore International Agri-Food Week (SIAW) returns for its third edition from 30 October to 2 November to showcase the latest innovations in sustainable food production in the region's agri-food industry. It will also spotlight decarbonisation initiatives to support companies in their transition to net zero emissions.

Held at Sands Expo & Convention Centre, SIAW is a focused platform for knowledge exchange, opportunities exploration, networking, and collaboration to bolster food security and strengthen supply chains for the region. The event is hosted by global investment leader Temasek and co-hosted by the Singapore Food Agency, in partnership with Economic Development Board, Enterprise Singapore, Singapore Tourism Board, Agency for Science, Technology and Research and event organisers, Constellar and Rethink Events. SIAW 2023 expects an estimated 15,000 attendees this year.

SIAW will open with a by-invite-only Roundtable on Novel Food Regulations, hosted by the Singapore Food Agency. Key events include the thought leadership focused Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit; the region's only focused exhibition platform Agri-Food Tech Expo Asia (AFTEA); and the Global Agri-Food Scientific Symposium to catalyse scientific advancement. More details on the individual events can be found in the Annex.

Focusing on accelerating the transition to a climate-smart food system, notable speakers for the Summit include Sunny Verghese, Executive Director, Co-Founder and Group CEO of OLAM; Joseph Taets, Senior Vice President and President of APAC, ADM; Yanjing Wang, VP R&D AMEA, KELLOGG; Simone Barg, Senior VP, Agricultural Solutions Asia Pacific, BASF; David Chen, CEO, EQUILIBRIUM; Beverley Postma, Executive Director, GROW ASIA; Corine Tap, Regional President Asia, FRIESLAND CAMPINA; Marie Cheong, Founding Partner, WAVEMAKER IMPACT and Frantz Braha, Chief Growth Officer, SALADSTOP! Group.

AFTEA will see a gathering of innovators from countries such as Singapore, China, France, Germany, Israel, Netherlands, the United Kingdom and many more, who will be showcasing their innovations and developments in the agri-tech space. These include Aerosprings Hydroponics, Siemens and Nutricell, amongst others. New national and regional pavilions joining this year include Western Australia, Bhutan and Spain. This year's highlights also include a Cultivated Meat Pavilion, hosted by the APAC Society for Cellular Agriculture (APAC-SCA), featuring cultivated meat; a Founder's Hub showcasing the best start-ups and experience sharing by various founders; and a Demo Day and Pitching Competition among 20 start-up companies by Republic Polytechnic's alumni and partners under the RP-Trendlines Agri-Food Incubation Programme.

Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, who will be the guest of honour, will give an opening address at the SIAW 2023 Gala Dinner on 1 November. Culminating the week's discussions, the 2023 Asia Food Challenge Report by Temasek, PWC and Rabobank will be launched and shared during the dinner. This bi-annual report focuses on decarbonisation activities and initiatives in the agri-food industry to reduce carbon emissions, address the emissions gap and avoid irreversible damage to the planet.

For latest information on these key events, please visit sginternationalagrifoodweek.com.sg.

ANNEX

Day 1: October 30, Monday

• Roundtable on Novel Food Regulations – Organised by SFA since 2019, the Roundtable is a platform for regulators, local and international industry players, and members of international organisations to discuss latest technologies for novel food production, challenges in safety assessment, and explore opportunities to advance the regulatory approach while encouraging food innovations. Key international stakeholder groups attending this year include the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, UK's Food Standards Agency, and US Department of Agriculture.

Days 2 – 4: October 31 – 2 November (Tuesday to Thursday)

• Asia Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit – Now in its sixth year, the summit convenes over 1,000 of the world's leading agribusinesses, food brands, growers, entrepreneurs, and investors to discuss how technology and investment can be targeted to have the greatest impact on the agri-food value chain in the Asia-Pacific region. Together these senior agri-food leaders will identify strategic priorities, share ideas and collaborate towards greater capacity, security and resilience.
  
  Hosted by Rethink Events, the three-day summit features networking, start-up pitches, roundtable discussions and themed programmes for agriculture, food-tech, indoor farming, and blue food. From supporting the region's smallholder farmers and seafood producers, to scaling novel foods and tackling energy efficiency in CEA, the summit will address the challenges in meeting demand for nutritious and affordable foods while reducing carbon throughout the supply chain.
  
  
• Agri-Food Tech Expo Asia - Organised by Constellar, the Expo provides a focused exhibition platform with a "living lab" environment, thematic experiential zones, sandbox and community- based learning for emerging and established industry players in the agri-food industry to launch, showcase and testbed their solutions. The second edition will deep-dive into three key areas – Innovation, Sustainability and Safety – to explore solutions and technologies that will enhance every stage and aspect of the food production and manufacturing supply chain for future generations in the Asia-Pacific region.
  
  
• SIAW Gala Dinner - The Singapore International Agri-Food Week 2023 Gala Dinner is set to gather a distinguished group of agri-food corporates, start-ups, investors, policy makers, and research scientists. This exclusive, invite-only event, held under the theme "Innovating for Sustainable Food Production in Asia," promises an evening of networking, a four-course dinner featuring locally produced ingredients, and insightful discussions.
  
  The Asia Food Challenge Report, co-authored by PwC, Rabobank, Temasek, and Terrascope, provides valuable insights into five crucial areas within the Asian agri-food sector that offer significant potential for decarbonisation. These areas include: rice cultivation, livestock farming, food waste management, fertiliser use, and deforestation. The report is backed by comprehensive on-the-ground data and highlights innovative technologies that can be implemented in these sectors.
  
  
• Global Scientific Symposium - Organised by SFA and the National University of Singapore, the symposium aims to bring together researchers, scientists, and technology solution providers to encourage the exchange of knowledge and catalyse scientific discussions amongst those with an interest in the food ecosystem. It also serves to advance cutting-edge science, technology and innovation, and foster collaboration to build agri-food capabilities for climate-resilient and sustainable food ecosystems.

Quotes by Partners and Organisers

• Temasek International – Mr Anuj Maheshwari, Head, Agri-Food

"Together as an industry, we need to co-create and catalyse solutions that can help feed a growing and   discerning population. In addition, the agrifood sector is extremely vulnerable to the effects of climate change. We can play a significant role to advance our efforts to decarbonise food systems globally and especially in Asia. To do so, we need close collaborations across the public and private sectors, embracing innovation and scaling solutions together. Platforms such as the Singapore International Agri-Food Week brings together the best in the industry to deliver equitable access for healthy and sustainable food to our global communities".

• Economic Development Board (EDB) – Mr Damian Chan, Executive Vice President

"Ensuring food security is a global concern, with increasingly complex and multifaceted challenges arising from global population growth, climate change, urbanisation, and changing consumption habits. Successfully tackling these challenges will require industry players to develop innovative solutions in collaboration with government and academia. The Singapore International Agri-Food Week provides a unique opportunity in enabling this, and we look forward to the formation of more exciting partnerships that will collectively shape the future of food."

• Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG) – Ms Jeannie Lim, Assistant Chief Executive Officer, Lifestyle & Consumer Group

"Agri-food tech innovations are increasingly important in offering alternative solutions for more sustainable and resilient means of food sources globally. Singapore aims to provide a platform for cross-border collaborations between the industry, research and innovation institutions to testbed and commercialise diverse solutions that can feed the world. Agritech companies and startups can also tap Singapore's well-connected ecosystem as a launchpad to explore growth opportunities in the region."

• Singapore Food Agency (SFA) – Dr Tan Lee Kim, Director-General (Food Administration) and Deputy Chief Executive Officer

"Amidst the backdrop of global challenges like climate change, population growth and geopolitical disruptions which affect our supply chains, food security comes into the spotlight. To overcome these obstacles, we must embrace, adapt, and pioneer groundbreaking technologies that enable sustainable food production, all while conserving precious resources. We must also ensure there is harmonious synergy between regulators and the agri-food sector, to usher in a new era where innovative foods can nourish us safely.

We encourage our partners in the agri-food industry to join us at this year's Singapore International Agri-Food Week as the world's leading food producers, agribusinesses, entrepreneurs, investors, research institutions and policymakers come together to learn, network, and collaborate. Not only is it an opportunity to discuss the regulatory approaches towards new innovative food, but this event is also where the conversation to bolster food security and strengthen supply chains for the region while ensuring food safety for consumers takes place."

• Singapore Tourism Board (STB) – Mr Yap Chin Siang, Deputy Chief Executive

"We are delighted to host the third edition of Singapore International Agri-Food Week (SIAW), with a full delegation of leading agri-food companies, investors, and thought leaders from around the world. The exciting line up of activities speaks volumes about our ability to bring together the brightest minds to connect, collaborate and explore new business opportunities. We will continue to work closely with the event partners to build a globally impactful platform for the agri-food sector, and position Singapore as the preferred agri-food innovation hub and a leading destination for world-class business events."

• Constellar - Mr Paul Lee, Chief Executive (Markets)

"The inaugural Agri-Food Tech Expo Asia last year attracted over 6,000 attendees from 66 countries and 163 exhibitors from 24 countries. The strong support for, and participation in, our debut edition reflects a shared vision and urgency to build a resilient and sustainable future for food production and security in Singapore and the region. Constellar is committed to accelerating the achievement of this vision as we continue to build a global community of exhibitors to further innovations, technologies and collaboration opportunities in food safety and security by leveraging our event as a platform."

• Rethink Events – Ms Jennie Moss, Founder and Managing Director

"With climate-smart food production top of the global agenda, this year's Singapore International Agri-Food Week could not be more timely. The Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit will identify the greatest opportunities for innovation in today's food system, showcase some of the most exciting technologies emerging, and bring together the right stakeholders to ensure that these solutions get to scale. We can't wait to see what new partnerships and collaborations are generated at this important event."

Corporate Profiles

About Temasek

Temasek is a global investment company with a net portfolio value of S$382 billion (US$287b, €264b, £232b, RMB1.98t) as at 31 March 2023.

Its Purpose "So Every Generation Prospers" guides it to make a difference for today's and future generations.

As an active investor, forward looking institution and trusted steward, it is committed to deliver sustainable value over the long term.

Temasek has overall corporate credit ratings of Aaa/AAA by rating agencies Moody's Investors Service and S&P Global Ratings respectively.

Headquartered in Singapore, it has 13 offices in 9 countries around the world: Beijing, Hanoi, Mumbai, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Singapore in Asia; and London, Brussels, Paris, New York, San Francisco, Washington DC, and Mexico City outside Asia.

For more information on Temasek, please visit www.temasek.com.sg.

About Economic Development Board (EDB)

The Singapore Economic Development Board, a government agency under the Ministry of Trade and Industry, is responsible for strategies that enhance Singapore's position as a global centre for business, innovation, and talent. We undertake investment promotion and industry development, and work with international businesses, foreign and local, by providing information, connection to partners and access to government incentives for their investments. Our mission is to create sustainable economic growth, with vibrant business and good job opportunities for Singapore and Singaporeans.

Visit www.edb.gov.sg for more information.

About Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG)

Enterprise Singapore is the government agency championing enterprise development. We work with committed companies to build capabilities, innovate and internationalise. We also support the growth of Singapore as a hub for global trading and startups, and build trust in Singapore's products and services through quality and standards.

Visit www.enterprisesg.gov.sg for more information.

About Singapore Food Agency (SFA)

As the lead agency for food-related matters, SFA's mission is to ensure and secure a supply of safe food for Singapore. SFA works hand-in-hand with the industry and consumers to grow our three "food baskets" – Diversify import sources, Grow local, and Grow overseas, as well as ensure food safety from farm-to-fork.

SFA also partners food businesses to strengthen capabilities, tap on technologies to raise productivity, undertake research to develop new lines of business, and catalyse industry transformation to ensure food security.

For more information on SFA, visit www.sfa.gov.sg.

About Singapore Tourism Board (STB)

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is the lead development agency for tourism, one of Singapore's key economic sectors. Together with industry partners and the community, we shape a dynamic Singapore tourism landscape. We bring the Passion Made Possible brand to life by differentiating Singapore as a vibrant destination that inspires people to share and deepen their passions.

Visit www.stb.gov.sg or www.visitsingapore.com for more information.

About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore's lead public sector R&D agency. Through open innovation, we collaborate with our partners in both the public and private sectors to benefit the economy and society. As a Science and Technology Organisation, A*STAR bridges the gap between academia and industry. Our research creates economic growth and jobs for Singapore, and enhances lives by improving societal outcomes in healthcare, urban living, and sustainability. A*STAR plays a key role in nurturing scientific talent and leaders for the wider research community and industry. A*STAR's R&D activities span biomedical sciences to physical sciences and engineering, with research entities primarily located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis.

Visit www.a-star.edu.sg for more information.

About Constellar

Constellar connects a global eco-system of event partners and consumers through a holistic portfolio of intellectual property (IP) in the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) industry. As Asia's partner of reference for curating innovative event and venue experiences, Constellar activates impactful networks to bring global markets, businesses and consumers together for sustainable growth. With our expertise and dedication, we are invested in helping you build trusted relationships with stakeholders for the long term and enabling cross-industry collaboration through world-class audience engagement solutions.

Visit www.constellar.co for more information.

About Rethink Events

Rethink summits are created by experts in agri-food, to tackle the issues most crucial to stakeholders throughout the value chain. With its global network of senior -level industry advisors, Rethink Events produces highly-focused leadership summits, including the renowned World Agri-Tech and Future Food-Tech series. Its experienced team is committed to providing world-leading platforms for knowledge-sharing, debate and high impact networking for business leaders and innovators focused on sustainable growth in the agri-food system.

Visit www.rethinkevents.com for more information.

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SOURCE Constellar