Singapore recently announced that it will invest in various technologies as part of its initiative to provide the country with 30 percent of its food supply by 2030. The government said it will specifically allocate $144 million into the food innovation sector.
"We can't afford to have people fearful and distrustful of science, and held captive by totally groundless anti-scientific beliefs," Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said, as reported by Bloomberg. Loong added that the country should keep emphasizing the importance of science and technology in bringing change to society.
Loong headed this week's advisory panel on research and innovation wherein it was suggested that global demand for proteins is expected to see a significant hike in the coming years. Demand will be propelled by more people with income levels rising.
As part of the initiative, the Singaporean government will provide funding for projects that will focus on cell-based cultured meat. Research programs on microbial-based proteins and plant-based proteins will also receive funding from the government.
Food experts noted that lab-grown meat has low carbon footprints, which ensures that the meat is safe for food. Aside from safety, meat grown in laboratories do not involve any animal-killing activities - a move that supports this year's food tagline, "The Year of the Vegan."
According to The Straits Times, many food industry analysts believe that lab-grown meat will be a key alternative for food in the near future. With Singapore stepping up its game in home-grown food, it is expected that meat obtained without the need to rear livestock will help the country achieve its food tech goals.
Singapore is just one of the countries expected to have its population expand in the coming decades. Singaporean researchers will be tasked to grow meat from cells extracted from animals such as pigs, fish, cows, and chicken. The ultimate goal is to ensure that the country will have sufficient food supply that does not come from the outside.
Aside from food technology and innovation, Singapore will further invest in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI). $500 million will be allocated for research and development (R&D) programs that could create opportunities for new jobs and unique markets.
The mentioned investments, both in food and robotics, are part of Singapore's scheme to attract more investors who believe in the potential of advanced technologies in the corporate world. By 2020, the government is expecting to see every Singaporean business running on cloud-based systems and AI for the purpose of boosting service efficiency.
