Image credit, Singapore Polytechnic
Singapore Polytechnic (SP) has marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of its pioneering Future Food Lab (FFL), a cutting-edge facility aimed at revolutionizing the food manufacturing landscape. The launch, officiated by Minister of State for Education and Manpower, Ms Gan Siow Huang, took place during the annual Joint Polytechnic-ITE Food Manufacturing Career Fair hosted by SP.
The FFL is poised to serve as a multifaceted hub, catering to the educational needs of students while fostering collaboration between academia and industry players. Beyond its role as a teaching facility, the lab will provide a conducive environment for startups to leverage SP’s technological resources, particularly from the School of Chemical & Life Sciences (CLS) and the Food Innovation & Resource Centre (FIRC), as they delve into groundbreaking food innovations.
A key highlight of the FFL is its Industry Now Curriculum (INC), offering students immersive learning experiences by tackling real-world industry challenges. Under this program, students will undergo rigorous training spanning up to 18 months, equipping them with the skills and expertise essential for a career in the dynamic food manufacturing sector. Additionally, the lab will facilitate mentorship opportunities for students by collaborating startups, ensuring they remain abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends.
In line with Singapore’s ambitious “30 by 30” goal, aimed at achieving 30% food self-sufficiency by 2030, the FFL will play a pivotal role in driving research and innovation in alternative food manufacturing sources and processes. As part of SP’s broader Future Food Innovation District (FFID), the lab will explore novel approaches to enhance food security and sustainability, addressing critical challenges facing the global food industry.
Dr Tan Tuan Lin, SP’s Senior Director for Computing, Chemical & Life Sciences Cluster, emphasized the institution’s commitment to nurturing a talent pipeline for the food manufacturing sector. He highlighted SP’s collaborative efforts with industry partners and other educational institutions to empower students with the necessary skills to thrive in this pivotal sector, crucial to Singapore’s economic resilience and food security.
The unveiling of the FFL underscores SP’s dedication to driving innovation and excellence in food manufacturing, positioning Singapore as a global leader in food technology and sustainability. As the nation continues its journey towards food self-sufficiency, initiatives like the FFL are instrumental in propelling Singapore’s food industry to new heights of success and resilience.
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