2022 Year 1 World Readiness Programme Symposium

As a small city-state with limited resources, Singapore has faced multiple issues. One of them is food security, which was worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. On 12 August, we were given the chance to take part in the Year 1 World Readiness Programme Symposium on the topic ‘Singapore Food Security’, along with the students from the Joint Integrated Programme, Catholic High School and Singapore Chinese Girls’ School. This year, the symposium was held in our very own school Hall. We had a memorable time interacting and socialising with the students from the other schools.

The symposium started off with an interactive session amongst the three schools. We were grouped to discuss ways to ensure food security in Singapore. Many ideas were brought up, such as urban farming and using a 3-D printer to make food. Violet Tan from 1 Purity reflected on the activity, “It was very fun and engaging especially when getting to meet other students and bond with them. The activity was also very meaningful as I could learn more about technological innovations to strengthen Singapore’s food security.” 

After the lively activity, the Vice-Principal of CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls’ School, Mr Aloysius Ting, gave an opening speech to commence the symposium. He welcomed the students and talked about food security and the importance of it. It was a truly enlightening speech.

Subsequently, we welcomed Ms Joycelyn Ng, the Director of the Industry Development & Community Partnership at Singapore Food Agency (SFA). She talked about the Singapore Food Story and the 3 baskets of how Singapore produces food. We were amazed at how the SFA has come up with many ways Singapore can provide its residents with sufficient food. We will certainly support local produce and help boost Singapore’s food security.

Last but not least, we put our hands together for Mr Ricky Chng, the CEO and Co-founder of Tranzplus Academy Pte Ltd. He spoke about using technology in agriculture and how farming in the future will look like. We enjoyed learning about the ways technology is used to make agriculture more efficient.

In a nutshell, it was enlightening to understand the technology and the methods used to ensure food security in Singapore. We are grateful to be given the chance to learn more about local produce and food security.

Naomi Tan En Lea (1L)

Lim Rui Xin Nicole (1P)

Claire Kik Zhi Yu (1W)

Ng Xanafee (1W)