Page 26 - Scholarship Guide Aug 2020

24 SCHOLAR’S PROFILE

Strengthening Food

Security and Safety,

From Farm to Fork

Germaine Thong shares
why and how she sees

herself being a steward
of SFA’s mission in

ensuring and securing a
supply of safe food.

What sparked your interest
in applying to SFA for the
Undergraduate Scholarship?
While I was growing up, I was always curious
about food and how it gets delivered to con-
sumers. After learning about SFA through a
scholarship fair, I found myself drawn to SFA's
mission of ensuring and securing a supply of
safe food for Singapore. The complex and mul-
tidisciplinary work within SFA, ranging from
food safety and food security to international
relations, also represents a challenging and
purposeful career ahead for me. Thus, I applied
for the SFA scholarship as it allows me to com-
bine my love for food with my desire to con-
tribute back to society by ensuring Singapore’s
food supply resilience.
A typical day in front of Innsbruck’s iconic ice-capped mountain range
What do you think makes this
Scholarship stand out from the I was provided the opportunity to do an intern- Through the support from the scholarship, I at-
others? ship with the then, Technology and Industry tended an overseas exchange program in Inns-
bruck, Austria to learn more from the unique
Development Group under the then, Agri-Food
The SFA scholarship is outstanding as the or- and Veterinary Authority (currently Singapore agriculture and food processing modules that
ganisation is highly supportive of scholars’ Food Agency), midway through my studies. As were not offered in NUS. I had the opportu-
overall development and is constantly in touch part of the internship, I gained valuable expo- nity to meet professors who were incredibly
with us. Through frequent engagement ses- sure to the innovative aquaculture efforts at passionate about food science, building inter-
sions, I was kept abreast of the latest develop- SFA’s Marine Aquaculture Centre (MAC) on St national networks and their interest in Singa-
ments within the organisation throughout my John’s Island. During my time there, I also learnt pore’s unique food culture allowed me to share
undergraduate years. Moreover, SFA ensures the importance of continual industry develop- more about our nation. Throughout my trav-
that scholars are well-integrated and support- ment with local farmers and food businesses. It els, I was amazed to witness the strong sup-
ed within the organisation through a dedicated was eye-opening to witness the dedication of port shown towards local produce throughout
buddy and mentor system. fellow SFA colleagues and the experience reas- Europe. These experiences strenghthened my
sured me that my future work will be just as conviction to cultivate stronger awareness
fulfi lling. about locally produced food in Singapore.