The fourth edition of the Singapore International Agri-Food Week (SIAW) is set to take place from 18 to 22 November 2024 at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Marina Bay Sands. Recognised as Asia’s premier platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration, SIAW brings together industry leaders, policymakers, key decision-makers, and innovators from around the globe. The event aims to explore innovative solutions, foster partnerships, and accelerate agri-food technology adoption throughout the region.
A Pioneering Event in Agri-Food Innovation
Themed ‘Scaling Innovation in Asia’s Agri-Food Systems,’ SIAW 2024 will feature four key events: the Roundtable on Novel Food Regulations, the Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit, the Agri-Food Tech Expo Asia, and the Global Agri-Food Scientific Symposium. These events will showcase the latest advancements in sustainable food production and provide multiple opportunities for industry players to share insights and solutions for transforming the agri-food sector in Asia.
Welcome Reception and Opening Ceremony
SIAW 2024 will commence with an exclusive Welcome Reception, accessible by invitation only, on 18 November 2024. The event will be officiated by Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr. Gan Kim Yong, will officiate the reception. The event will serve as an excellent platform for networking, bringing together a distinguished group of agri-food corporates, start-ups, entrepreneurs, business executives, investors, policymakers, scientists, and trade partners.
Key Players and Strategic Partners
The SIAW is jointly organised by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and Temasek, with support from A*STAR, Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). The event’s organising partners include Constellar and Rethink Events. SIAW 2024 will be its largest edition yet, expecting over 12,000 attendees from 82 countries, featuring 300 exhibitors and 400 speakers. Additionally, Nurasa, a Temasek company focused on sustainable nutrition solutions, will serve as a Gold Partner for the event.
Scaling Innovation for Asia’s Future Food Systems
Asia is anticipated to play a major role in global population growth, with projections indicating that the region’s population will reach 9.7 billion by 2050. Asia’s growing ageing population will further increase the demand for better food quality and nutrition. As the world’s largest producer of rice and a leading force in agriculture, Asia plays a critical role in the global agri-food landscape.
However, the region’s ability to meet rising food demands faces threats from climate change, environmental degradation, and supply chain disruptions. To address these challenges, coordinated efforts and scaled innovation in food systems are essential. SIAW 2024 will spotlight content on regenerative agriculture, aquaculture, protein diversification, and accessible nutrition, emphasising the need for transformative efforts across the agri-food sector.
Roundtable on Novel Food Regulations
The Roundtable on Novel Food Regulations, organised by SFA since 2019, offers a unique platform for regulators, researchers, industry players, and international organisations to discuss cutting-edge food production technologies. Attendees will explore challenges in safety assessment and opportunities to advance regulatory frameworks that encourage food innovation. Key discussion topics include the development of safety-assessed ingredient lists for cell culture media components and global regulatory best practices for novel food products.
Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit
A key feature of SIAW is the Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit, which is organised by Rethink Events in collaboration with Temasek. Bringing together over 1,000 global stakeholders, the three-day summit will focus on solutions for climate adaptation, decarbonisation, and nourishment. Discussions will cover a range of topics, from regenerative agriculture and biological inputs to AI-driven solutions and precision fermentation.
Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment, Dr. Koh Poh Koon, will deliver the opening keynote. The summit will feature over 100 speakers, including thought leaders from major corporations like Olam Agri, Mondelez, Shell Energy, Google, World Bank, CP Foods, and BASF. The event will also feature numerous start-ups and scale-ups, showcasing cohorts from Enterprise Singapore, Innovate UK, and The Yield Lab Asia Pacific.
Agri-Food Tech Expo Asia
The Agri-Food Tech Expo Asia (AFTEA), organised by Constellar, will offer a focused exhibition platform featuring a living lab environment, experiential zones, and community-based learning. This year, AFTEA will feature 300 exhibitors, including 100 start-ups and 20 international groups, highlighting innovations in areas such as urban farming, alternative proteins, and novel food technology. Attendees will also have access to the new Precision Fermentation Pavilion, showcasing advancements in fermentation technology. The event will introduce the Agri-Food Innovation World Championship, a competition for high-growth start-ups in agri-tech and food sustainability.
Global Agri-Food Scientific Symposium
The Global Agri-Food Scientific Symposium, co-organised by SFA and the Singapore Institute of Technology, will bring together researchers, scientists, and solution providers to foster scientific dialogue on building sustainable food ecosystems. The symposium will cover topics such as aquaculture, agriculture, future foods, and nutrition & food safety. The event aims to encourage collaboration in advancing science and technology to create climate-resilient food systems.
Shaping the Future of Agri-Food Systems
As Asia continues to play a pivotal role in shaping global food systems, SIAW 2024 remains at the forefront of catalysing impactful change. By fostering collaboration across research, policy, and industry, the event will contribute to unlocking collective innovation for a more sustainable and nutritious agri-food future.