Dr Liu Mei Hui is a Senior Lecturer in Food Science and Technology at the National University of Singapore (NUS), specializing in nutrition, bioactives, and innovative food technologies. A dedicated educator and researcher, she has earned accolades such as the Annual Teaching Excellence Award (2022–2024) for her impactful teaching and mentorship.

With her multidisciplinary background in food science and sustainability, Dr. Liu is well-suited to moderate discussions on Singapore’s "30 by 30" initiative and local food production. Since 2022, she has been part of the core team in the interdisciplinary "Urban Food Waste Management and Food Systems Using Black Soldier Flies" project. This initiative transforms food waste into nutritious animal feed and fertilizer, reducing reliance on imported agricultural inputs and improving food security—key components of Singapore's sustainability goals.

Her expertise in sustainable food systems and community engagement enables her to facilitate insightful conversations that inspire action toward enhancing local food security and innovation.

 

Jerome received his PhD in marine biology from the National University of Singapore in 2018. He worked on harmful algal bloom phenomena in the Johor Straits situated to the North of Singapore. His work specifically looked at raphidophytes, but he also documented a dinoflagellate bloom that occurred in 2016. Since then, he has gone on to work in the NUS Environmental Institute (NERI) on nutrient flows through terrestrial and freshwater systems. That experience brought him toward an interest in nutrients and nutrition that occur in various farming systems. He currently teaches modules on urban farming and food systems at the NUS College. He also oversees two-year long Impact Experience (IEx) student projects in Singapore and in Vietnam.

A plant molecular biologist by training, Siew Lee obtained her MSc, focusing on the molecular characterization of transgenic pest resistant oil palm. She has more than 10 years’ working experience on urban farming projects and co-authored 6 research articles. Currently, she is the Research Scientist at the Agriculture Research and Innovation Centre, Republic Polytechnic (RP), which is also part of Urban Agriculture Centre of Innovation (UACOI), where she plays an instrumental role in advancing sustainable resource management practices in urban farming. With a strong commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability in agriculture, Siew Lee has been actively involved in various initiatives aimed at optimizing resource use and supporting farms in achieving sustainable farming practices to produce quality crops.

Dr Cliff Tham, an esteemed alumnus of the Department of Food Science and Technology (FST) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and currently serving in the Urban Food Solutions Division at the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), Cliff is part of SFA strategy of advancing Singapore’s "30 by 30" goal to locally produce 30% of the nation’s nutritional needs by 2030.

Building on his strong academic foundation from NUS FST and collaboration with NUS DBS, Cliff’s current research focuses on speed breeding, a transformative approach to developing superior crop varieties in significantly shorter timeframes than traditional methods. By leveraging advanced hydroponics, vertical farming technologies, and controlled environment agriculture (CEA), he optimizes growth conditions—such as light, temperature, and nutrient delivery—to accelerate crop improvement. This research is paving the way for high-yield, resilient crops tailored for urban environments.

As a proud NUS FST alumnus, Cliff continues to collaborate with NUS to bridge academic research and practical applications in food security and sustainability. His journey from student to leader in the field reflects his dedication to addressing global food challenges through innovative solutions.

Ryan is an incredibly passionate and driven young entrepreneur who firmly believes that fungi have the power to positively impact our future. A mantra that inspires and guides Ryan is: "If not you, who? If not now, when?"

Ryan is a strong advocate for youth entrepreneurship, recognizing that empowering young entrepreneurs to act on their dreams is key to shaping a positive and sustainable world for tomorrow. He holds a business management degree from Singapore Management University and has extensive experience in SMEs and startups within the hospitality and food waste valorization industry.

Dr Wilson Wong is a specialist in edible horticulture. He is the Curator of Horticulture Curation & Outreach and Deputy Director of Jurong Lake Gardens and Community & Horticulture divisions of the National Parks Board. He is also a resident columnist for The Straits Times’ Root Awakening Gardening Q&A column and an adjunct Assistant Professor at the National University of Singapore, where he teaches about post-harvest food processing. Dr Wong is actively involved in educating the public and landscape industry on gardening and horticulture.

Mee Lan joined NUS Libraries many years ago and has never looked back. She has worked at several NUS Libraries including Central Library, C J Koh Law Library and Science Library. Her interest in patent searching and teaching users how to search for patents started when she was working at Central Library. She enjoys the challenges and variety her work offers and looks forward to helping users find the information they need. She is also part of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Services Team and Systematic Review Team.

Shirmaine, a Year 4 Food Science and Technology student at the National University of Singapore with a Minor in Japanese Language Studies, is deeply passionate about food safety and innovation. Specializing in Research and Development, she combines academic expertise with practical experience to address industry challenges and bridge the gap between food systems and community needs.

One of her key achievements is the development of field rations, frozen sauces, and retort soup products during her internship at SATS Ltd., showcasing her ability to innovate and deliver solutions tailored to consumer needs.

Inspired by the vibrant atmosphere of Farmers’ Markets, Shirmaine is spearheading the Heartland Market to bring this enriching experience to the NUS community. By connecting local producers and consumers, she promotes Singapore’s "30 by 30" vision while fostering trust and collaboration within the food industry.