Singapore-based Japfa Ltd., a player in Asia’s agri-food sector renowned for supplying essential proteins to millions, has officially launched its Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Quantum Computing Centre of Excellence (CoE) in the city-state. Unveiled on October 31, 2025, during the SWITCH Singapore innovation summit, the initiative receives backing from the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), highlighting Singapore’s drive to integrate cutting-edge deep tech into global supply chains. This move highlights Japfa’s commitment to leveraging data-driven solutions amid rising demands for efficient, eco-friendly food systems in a region vulnerable to climate and resource pressures.
The CoE fosters partnerships with local institutions, including the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) for AI-powered quality inspections in food processing via computer vision, Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) for sensor prototyping and workforce training in digital skills, and quantum startup AngelQ for optimizing operations through advanced algorithms. These collaborations aim to tackle livestock farming challenges, from real-time farm monitoring to waste reduction, building on Japfa’s pilot projects in Vietnam and Indonesia that have already improved swine and poultry health metrics. By anchoring R&D in Singapore’s vibrant ecosystem, Japfa seeks to scale innovations across its integrated feed-to-farm operations, which account for roughly 20% of protein supply in key Asian markets.
The center’s broader objectives include enhancing productivity, animal welfare, and supply chain resilience while minimizing environmental footprints, aligning with Singapore’s Trade 2030 strategy to position the nation as a hub for agri-food tech. Tan Yong Nang, Japfa’s chief executive officer, noted that the partnerships bring together applied research, technology, and industry expertise to turn ideas into practical solutions that deliver real operational impact. For global observers unfamiliar with Japfa’s footprint, the company, originally rooted in Indonesia but headquartered here since 2014, has long prioritized tech adoption, from automation in feed mills to blockchain tracing, to navigate Asia’s complex food security landscape.
The CoE will test quantum models against existing AI frameworks, train local talent for emerging roles, and expand collaborations to accelerate commercialization. This positions Singapore not just as a trading post but as an innovation engine for sustainable agriculture, potentially inspiring similar hubs in other urbanizing economies.
(Sources: Economic Development Board, Japfa Ltd., Asian Agribiz)
