Background
Food security remains one of the most pressing global challenges of the 21st century. Climate change, water scarcity, pests and diseases, environmental degradation, and a rapidly growing population continue to place increasing pressure on food systems worldwide. Rice, the staple food for more than half of the world’s population, plays a critical role in ensuring global food security.
At the same time, many young people today are increasingly disconnected from agriculture and the origins of their food. While food security discussions often focus on increasing production, there is a growing need to cultivate awareness about responsible consumption, food waste reduction, and the role that individuals can play in building sustainable food systems.
Building on the successful collaboration between Tembusu CSR and schools in Singapore through experiential rice-growing initiatives, this webinar seeks to inspire the next generation to appreciate the value of food, understand the challenges faced by farmers, and explore how science, technology, and innovation are transforming agriculture.
Through the personal journey of David Chen, Co-founder of Golden Sunland Singapore and The Little Rice Company, alongside insights from IRRI scientists, participants will gain a holistic understanding of the journey of rice—from farm to table—and discover how emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital agriculture, and smart farming are helping address some of the world’s most pressing agricultural challenges.
Rationale
The webinar aims to bridge the gap between young people’s everyday food consumption and the realities of food production. By connecting personal stories, scientific research, and technological innovation, the event seeks to foster greater appreciation for farmers, encourage responsible food consumption, and introduce exciting future career pathways in agriculture, science, technology, and sustainability.
The initiative also supports broader efforts to promote STEM education, sustainability awareness, and youth engagement in addressing global challenges.
Webinar Objectives
By the end of the webinar, participants will be able to:
- Describe the journey of rice from farm to table and appreciate the people, natural resources, and processes involved in producing one of the world’s most important staple foods.
- Explain the major challenges affecting rice production, including climate change, pests and diseases, water scarcity, and other environmental and socio-economic pressures faced by farming communities.
- Recognize how scientific research, innovation, and international collaboration contribute to sustainable rice production and global food security.
- Identify practical applications of emerging technologies—such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital agriculture, remote sensing, drones, and data-driven decision-making—in improving rice farming and supporting farmers.
- Explore diverse education and career pathways in agriculture, science, technology, engineering, sustainability, and food systems through the experiences of researchers, innovators, and industry practitioners.
- Reflect on their role as responsible consumers and future changemakers by identifying simple actions they can take to reduce food waste, promote sustainability, and contribute to resilient food systems.
Target Participants
- Senior High School students (approximately 15–16 years old)
- Students participating in sustainability, STEM, environmental, or urban farming programs
- Teachers and educators
- School administrators
- Parents and community stakeholders interested in sustainability education
