AsianScientist (Jun 30, 2014) – Food and nutrition research in Singapore will receive a boost with the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE) joint investment of almost S$3.8 million (~US$3 million) for collaborative research projects.
Five research teams, based in New Zealand and Singapore, have been selected to investigate various aspects of food and nutritional science. With Asia experiencing a boom in its middle class, characterised by larger disposable incomes and more hectic lifestyles, Asian consumers are increasingly placing a greater emphasis on nutrition and its impact on health. As an export destination, Asia also forms approximately 40 percent of New Zealand’s F&B exports by value.
Mr. Lim Chuan Poh, Chairman of A*STAR, said, “This new partnership will bring together New Zealand’s expertise in the development and production of nutritious foods, and A*STAR’s strong capabilities in food and nutrition research, to further develop our understanding of the nutritional needs of Asian populations.”
Dr. Prue Williams, General Manager, Science Investments at MBIE’s Science, Skills and Innovation Group said, “Food and biomedical science are coming closer together as researchers attempt to prove the relationships between food, health, and the risk of developing disease. New Zealand’s world-class food and nutrition science capabilities combined with Singapore’s excellent knowledge base and access to impressive science infrastructure creates an exciting opportunity for collaborative gains for Singapore and New Zealand”.
The Singapore-New Zealand collaboration is a result of an agreement signed between A*STAR and MBIE in June 2013. The collaborative projects will commence in June 2014.
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Source: A*STAR.
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