International Workshop on Food Security Strategies and Crisis Management

The NTU School of Social Sciences recently co-hosted a timely and impactful international workshop on Food Security Strategies and Crisis Management, in collaboration with Hamad Bin Khalifa University (Qatar - HBKU)  and the Singapore Food Agency. Held from 5 to 6 March 2025, the workshop brought together academics, policymakers, and industry experts for a robust exchange of ideas on advancing urban food security.

Themed "Comparative Analysis of Food Security Strategies and Crisis Management in Qatar and Singapore: Fostering Local Production, Self-Sufficiency, Resilience, Inclusivity, and Sustainability," the workshop examined how two urbanised nations with comparable demographic and geographical characteristics are responding to the global food resilience challenge.

Key components of the workshop included:

• Expert presentations on global food security strategies
• A Masterclass on Sustainable Agriculture Financing, exploring the intersection of policy development, innovation, and sustainability
• Panel discussions featuring thought leaders in agriculture and food policy
• Breakout sessions addressing the role of technology in food systems and crisis management

Among the distinguished speakers were Assoc Professors Md Saidul Islam and Zhan Shaohua from our Sociology Programme, alongside Dr Dalal Aassouli and Dr Logan Cochrane from HBKU, who delivered rich insights into the evolving landscape of food policy and sustainability.

The programme also featured a site visit to Growy Singapore, where participants engaged with advanced hydroponic farming technologies—offering a hands-on understanding of innovative approaches to enhancing urban food security.

SSS@NTU extends our sincere appreciation to all our collaborators and speakers for their valuable contributions to the workshop, and for advancing regional dialogue on building resilient and sustainable food systems.