Singapore Poly, Japan consultancy ICMG to promote food science and technology

SINGAPORE Polytechnic's Food Innovation and Resource Centre (FIRC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with intellectual capital management services consultancy ICMG to promote collaborations between Singapore and Japanese companies in the area of "food science and technology, and develop mutually beneficial programmes to facilitate the exchange of technical expertise and knowledge".

FIRC and ICMG will also establish a Food Innovation Platform for companies from both countries to share ideas, create new business models, conduct proof of concepts and enhance commercialisation in food innovation, packaging and automation for Singapore's food industry.

In a first step under the MOU, Nippon Closure Company Limited (NCC), through ICMG, will house Japanese capping machines in the FIRC and offer a range of packaging choices for their products.

The MOU was announced by Senior Minister of State for Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, and Ministry of Trade and Industry Sim Ann, in conjunction with FIRC's 10th anniversary celebrations.

She also announced a masterclass programme between FIRC and ICMG called the Japan Food Innovation Series, designed to help participating companies better understand Japanese food culture and manufactured food products, develop high-quality healthy foods and achieve chemical-free shelf life extension for their products.

Japanese companies such as Marukome, Ezaki Glico, Toyo Seikan and Kuraray will be present during the one-on-one site visit and consultancy.

Ms Sim said that digitalisation is expected to drive the next wave of productivity gains in manufacturing sectors, including food manufacturing, making it critical to "level up the knowledge and competitiveness of the food industry".