Overview
Join us in this session to learn about the projects by A*STAR in creating a more sustainable farming practice. The panel will also explore the gaps and opportunities in the modern smart Agri- and Aquaculture industry with Sustainability in mind.
High tech farms have become the standard as farmers adopt techniques and technologies to improve farming outcomes. Yet, issues like high energy consumption for vertical farms and nutrients and effluent buildup in aquaculture translate to environmental concerns. To tackle these challenges, agencies, research institute, startups, industry corporates, and VCs have come together to build a vibrant inter-connected innovation ecosystem for sustainable farming.
Join us in this session to learn about the projects by A*STAR and Umitron in creating a more sustainable farming practice. The panel will also explore the gaps and opportunities in the modern smart Agri- and Aquaculture industry with Sustainability in mind.
Date: 3 June 2021, Thursday
Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm (Singapore Time / UTC +8)
Programme:
4:00pm - 4:05pm: Welcome Remarks by SGInnovate and A*StartCentral
4:05pm - 4:15pm: Sharing on A*STAR Research Project on Lighting System by Ong Kian Soo, Principal Specialist, Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), A*STAR
4:15pm - 4:25pm: Sharing by Joyce Leo, Marine Scientist, Umitron Singapore
4:25pm - 5:00pm: Panel Discussion and Q&A on The Promise of Deep Tech: Smart Farming from Indoor to Ocean with
- Ong Kian Soo, Principal Specialist, Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), A*STAR
- Joyce Leo, Marine Scientist, Umitron Singapore
- Moderator: Benny Chng, Assistant Director - Venture Investing, SGInnovate
Ong Kian Soo, Principal Specialist, Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), A*STAR
Kian Soo is a Principal specialist in IMRE and currently leading an agritech program with a focus on energy-saving lighting solution. He is passionate about exploring light with micro and nanostructures and understanding how light can be manipulated. In IMRE, he carries out research and development works on OLED, OTFT packaging, water splitting, and Nano-imprinting. He has 17 years of experiences in polymer processing, thin-film coating and material characterization.
He graduated from the University of Sheffield, United Kingdom with Masters of Science in Polymer and Polymer Composite Science and Engineering with Distinction.
Joyce Leo, Marine Scientist, Umitron Singapore
Joyce studied Marine Science at the University of Tasmania before returning to Singapore to work in a number of roles ranging from Animal Presentation to Conservation Education and Outreach. She was part of the pre-opening team of one of the largest aquariums in Asia, and later on went to manage the Conservation, Outreach and Education arm of Singapore’s national marine research station at St. John’s Island. She also has experience as a speciality broker in JLT Specialty Pte Ltd (recently merged with Marsh and McLennan Companies), leading the Food and Agribusiness regional team to manage the Asia Pacific portfolio, with a focus on Aquaculture and Marine Science. She is currently part of the global business development team in Umitron, helping farms to assess and identify their challenges and help them to improve their operations via technology solutions.
Moderator's Profile:
Benny Chng, Assistant Director - Venture Investing, SGInnovate
Benny Chng is an Assistant Director of Venture Investing at SGInnovate, with experience investing in AI, mobility, and agrifood startups. He works with startup founders on applying cutting edge technologies to solving real-world problems in the industry. To this end, he enjoys working with entrepreneurs on identifying blue-ocean business opportunities, building sought-after products and winning teams, and raising capital to grow and scale. In his previous role, Benny was governance, risk, and compliance consultant for the financial services industry.
