Thrilled to Host New Zealand Minister of State for Trade and Export Growth, Hon Rino Tirikatene and his Delegation at A*STAR SIFBI! 🤝🇳🇿🇸🇬

We were honored to welcome a distinguished delegation from New Zealand as part of their study tour and visit to the A*STAR’s Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation (SIFBI), marking a significant milestone in strengthening our scientific partnership.

During the visit, we had the pleasure of highlighting SIFBI’s capabilities in future foods, food sustainability and specifically, aquaculture research, where existing food waste is recycled by tapping on black solider fly larvae as feedstock.

The visit provided a platform for fruitful discussions and knowledge exchange between the hosts and visitors, which included researchers, industry experts, and government representatives. We explored common challenges and identified areas where our collective expertise can address global issues, fostering a sustainable and resilient future for the food innovation and biotechnology sectors.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the New Zealand delegation for their active engagement and valuable insights during their visit. New Zealand remains an important partner in Singapore’s for food innovation efforts. For instance, A*STAR and the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) embarked on a 3-year bilateral joint grant call on Future Foods to support and encourage the exchange of scientific strengths and capabilities in the area, with the first call for proposals launched in January 2020. The call focused on plant-based alternative proteins, prioritising algae (including seaweed) and microbial proteins. The bilateral collaboration between New Zealand and Singapore holds immense potential in driving breakthroughs in areas such as sustainable food production, and functional foods. By combining New Zealand's expertise in agricultural science with Singapore's commitment to innovation and technology, we are creating a synergistic environment for scientific advancement.

As we reflect on this successful visit, we are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. SIFBI is excited to learn more about New Zealand’s landscape in food waste valorisation, as we have recently embarked on the Circular Bioeconomy for Food programme.