Doha - A delegation including representatives from Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) College of Islamic Studies (CIS) and College of Public Policy (CPP), Earthna, the Ministry of Municipality, and Georgetown University in Qatar visited Singapore to exchange insights into sustainable food security strategies with academic, government, and industry experts. The visit was part of the knowledge dissemination activities within a grant by Qatar Research Development and Innovation Council (QRDI) led by Dr. Dalal Aassouli, Assistant Professor of Islamic and Sustainable Finance, CIS.

HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Singapore Saoud bin Jassim Al-Jufairi welcomed the delegation, hosting them to discuss the importance of knowledge transfer between the two countries.

The delegation then undertook a two-day food security and crisis management workshop at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore, where participants discussed food security strategies and crisis management approaches in Qatar and Singapore.

Representatives from Qatar presented case studies from the country, giving an overview of its food security policies, supply chains, and sustainable water resource management efforts. Their NTU counterparts highlighted several of Singapore’s food sustainability initiatives, including its support for hydroponic farming—a method of growing plants without soil using a nutrient-rich water solution—and its food waste policies.

The workshop then pivoted to a focus on sustainable agriculture finance, featuring a one day masterclass delivered by Dr. Aassouli that tackled various instruments available in the field and global taxonomies and standards in the sector. The masterclass also engaged leading international organizations including the Green Climate Fund, Grow Asia, and Dalberg advisors.

Commenting on the visit as the workshop co-director, Dr. Aassouli said: “This trip complemented the diverse knowledge exchange and initiatives that HBKU has been leading in the field of food security and sustainable finance to support national priorities. It is another example of how HBKU and Qatar Foundation foster dialogue that facilitates expertise and builds capacity in Qatar and beyond.”

Ambassador Al-Jufairi further added: "Qatar and Singapore share a commitment to strengthening food security through collaboration, innovation, and strategic partnerships. With Qatar’s National Food Security Strategy 2030 focusing on increasing local production and reducing import reliance, working with like-minded nations like Singapore allows both countries to exchange expertise, drive sustainability, and achieve greater resilience in global food systems."

Dr. Abdul Jalil Abdul Kader, Assistant Chief Executive Officer (Operations), Singapore Food Agency, also commented: "In an increasingly unpredictable world, no nation can tackle food security challenges in isolation. The collaboration between Singapore and Qatar is not just beneficial—it is essential. By sharing experiences, strategies, and innovations, we can build more resilient and adaptable food systems that serve our nations and contribute to global food security solutions."

The delegation’s visit also included a meeting with experts at the Singapore Food Agency to explore the country’s innovative food security policies and a tour of Growy Singapore’s vertical farm to gain an insight into contemporary approaches to sustainable agriculture.

CIS’ trip exemplifies its commitment to advancing interdisciplinary research through impactful collaborations with distinguished international partners. It will continue to enable its faculty and staff to pursue opportunities for transnational cooperation in service of impactful research of local and global relevance.

About Hamad Bin Khalifa University

Innovating Today, Shaping Tomorrow

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development (QF), was founded in 2010 as a research-intensive university that acts as a catalyst for transformative change in Qatar and the region while having global impact. Located in Education City, HBKU is committed to building and cultivating human capacity through an enriching academic experience, innovative ecosystem, and unique partnerships. HBKU delivers multidisciplinary undergraduate and graduate programs through its colleges, and provides opportunities for research and scholarship through its institutes and centers. For more information about HBKU, visit www.hbku.edu.qa.

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About the College of Islamic Studies

One of the longest established colleges at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), the College of Islamic Studies (CIS) was formed as a home for contemporary Islamic studies dedicated to providing a uniquely composed platform that contributes to the intellectual debate and constructive dialogue on Islam in a global context. Continuously breaking new paths and seeking novel solutions for positive, global impact, HBKU’s CIS connects academic Islamic grounding with modern social sciences in its curricula, teaching platforms, research endeavors, as well as institutional values, instilling the college’s every facet with hallmarks of collaboration, innovation, and scholarship. For more information about HBKU’s CIS, visit https://www.hbku.edu.qa/en/cis.