#Malaysia #Ajinomoto #Sustainable Food Asia #SFC2025 #Genting Highlands

Sustainable Food Camp 2025: Innovating for a Better Future

On April 22, 2025, the Sustainable Food Camp 2025 (SFC2025) took place at Resorts World Awana in Genting Highlands, Malaysia. This inaugural event attracted 191 participants from 97 companies across 9 countries, including major food manufacturers, startups, researchers, and government officials. The central theme "Future Foods: Innovating Today, Sustaining Tomorrow" emphasized finding solutions to environmental, health, and social challenges through sustainable food practices.

Participants engaged in various programs designed to foster collaboration and innovation around sustainable food. They had the opportunity to experience cutting-edge food technologies through tasting and exhibition booths, where a wealth of information exchanged took place, transcending national and corporate boundaries. The day featured panel discussions, thematic roundtables, and collaborative business pitches.

The opening ceremony featured a speech from the Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia, Takayuki Shikata, who expressed the importance of individual awareness and effort in promoting sustainable food. He highlighted the need for participants from various countries to share their initiatives and collaborate in addressing food-related issues for future generations.

Innovative Pitches Drive Change

During the afternoon business pitch session, notable teams presented innovative projects. The winning team, comprising Ajinomoto (Malaysia) Berhad, Alphaswift Industries Sdn. Bhd., and Atoz Carbon Cycle Platform, developed a product utilizing microalgae that absorbs carbon dioxide at 420 times the rate of trees. This project aims to create carbon-negative, affordable, and nutritious food solutions, earning them the grand prize of USD 5,000. Five other teams received corporate awards of USD 1,000 for their contributions.

The collaborative spirit continued beyond the event, as discussions on further developing these projects are set to take place ahead. The closing ceremony emphasized the collective desire among participants to co-create a sustainable food future, culminating in a group photo that captured the spirit of collaboration.

Pre-Tour Insights: A Glimpse into Sustainable Innovations

On April 21, the day before SFC2025, a pre-tour was held exclusively for interested participants. The tour included visits to cutting-edge facilities showcasing innovations in sustainable agriculture and food production.

The first stop was Aerodyne's farm, where attendees explored drone technology and AI applications such as the Agrimor super app, designed for precision agriculture. Next on the agenda was a visit to Nanka's newly renovated halal-certified factory, which specializes in plant-based food and retort processing technologies. Finally, the group toured the MARA Halal Industrial Park, which comprises 22 sections, 20 of which meet international standards for halal certification.

Building Sustainable Networks

Throughout SFC2025, the original goal of promoting co-creation in sustainable food was achieved, resulting in practical project ideas and forming international networks. Sustainable Food Asia (SFA) is committed to evolving the SFC initiative into a platform for collaboration and innovation, viewing sustainable food not merely as a trend but as integral to a sustainable future.

Event Details

• - Event Name: Sustainable Food Camp 2025
• - Date: April 22, 2025
• - Venue: Resorts World Awana, Genting Highlands, Malaysia
• - Organizer: Sustainable Food Asia, co-organized by Leave a Nest Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.

Through initiatives like SFC2025, sustainable practices in the food sector are being prioritized, ultimately leading to healthier ecosystems and communities across Asia.