2025 Happenings...
As 2025 comes to a close, we pause with deep gratitude.
This year at Impact Circle MY, we didn’t just run programmes or host events — we focused on building bridges: between founders and funders, innovation and impact, ambition and responsibility.
Across the year, we worked alongside passionate AgriFoodTech innovators, partners, mentors, and communities to advance what truly matters:
π± sustainable and regenerative food systems
π± responsible innovation grounded in real needs
π± ecosystems that empower people, not just projects
We witnessed Southeast Asian AgriFoodTech ventures stepping onto global stages. We saw collaborations turn sustainability from a concept into something tangible, practical, and human. And we were reminded — time and again — that impact is never created alone.
We are deeply grateful for our Senior Advisors — Tan Sri Dr Syed Jalaludin, Tan Sri Dr Augustine Ong, and Datuk Dr Paul Chan — for their unwavering support, wisdom, and belief in the mission of Impact Circle. Their guidance continues to anchor our work and strengthen our resolve.
To our founders, partners, mentors, volunteers, collaborators, and friends — thank you for believing, showing up, and building with us.
As we close 2025, we carry forward gratitude and a renewed commitment to do the work with integrity, courage, and care.
Here’s to 2026 — and to continuing this journey of purpose, partnership, and progress. πβ¨
β¨On 30 Dec 2025, I had the privilege of attending a distinguished product showcase lunch, together with Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Syed Jalaludin and respected industry leaders, curated by final-year students from the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Culinology® programme at Taylor's University.
Centred on an underutilised local ingredient — the durian seed — the five-course dining journey was an amazing demonstration of how research, creativity, and applied food science can come together in service of wellbeing, health, nutrition, and culinary creativity. From appetiser to dessert, each course revealed the ingredient’s versatility, sustainability potential, and relevance to emerging personalised nutrition trends. Notably, this durian seed innovation was also selected as a finalist at the SIAL Innovation Awards 2025 underscoring its global relevance and commercial potential.
Having witnessed the journey of four consecutive cohorts as an Adjunct Professor at Taylor’s Culinary Institute, Faculty of Social Sciences & Leisure Management, this moment held deep personal and professional meaning. Seeing the students present their work with such clarity, confidence, and conviction affirmed how far they have come — not only in technical and scientific capability, but also in critical thinking, purpose, and their ability to translate ideas into meaningful impact.
At Impact Circle MY, we continue to support students beyond campus through industry exposure, out-of-classroom engagement, and real-world learning opportunities. Building practical understanding and lived experience is essential in helping young talents navigate their post-university journey — and in shaping graduates who are not only industry-ready, but impact-driven and prepared to contribute meaningfully to the future of food systems.
πA special note of appreciation to Professor Ts. Dr Li-Choo Chong, Director of the Taylor’s University Food Security & Nutrition Impact Lab and the principal lead guiding the students’ food innovation and product development journey. Her leadership and commitment to applied research have been instrumental in shaping the depth, rigour, and relevance of the students’ work.
πMy sincere thanks as well to Chef Frederic Cerchi, Head of School at Taylor’s Culinary Institute, for his strong support and dedication to nurturing industry-ready, future-focused culinary innovators through strong academia–industry integration.
ππ»β¨ππ»Congratulations to the students and academic team on this outstanding achievement — a proud milestone that reflects excellence, innovation, and the future-facing strength of Malaysia’s food ecosystem.πͺπ»π½οΈ
π± World Soil Day 2025 — What an Incredible Day in Port Dickson! β¨ Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities
We are still buzzing with excitement after today’s World Soil Day 2025 celebration — and what a meaningful, joyful, eye-opening journey it has been!
This year marks our 6th year celebrating WSD in Malaysia with the support of FAO, and we could not have asked for a better way to honour this important movement than with a remarkable group of participants… learning, exploring, and appreciating the living foundation beneath our feet — soil.
πΏ Oasis Herbal Farm :
Walking through the herbal farm felt like stepping into nature’s own pharmacy. Stella, the inspiring founder, took us through 10 different herbs, sharing their benefits for health, wellness, and healing. We got to see, touch, smell, and truly understand the magic of herbs — not as plants, but as nature’s intelligence.
Then came lunch… cooked by local chefs… and yes, we cleared EVERY single tray. π
Our hearts and stomachs were full!
π Sky Ladder : A Trail of Curiosity and Discovery
The journey there had its own charm — winding roads, passing a poultry farm, a serene lake, a go-kart track building up the anticipation… and in no time, we were in a pineapple world!
Dato’ Mok Foong Lee welcomed us with warmth and passion. Grateful for his generosity in hosting us, and the amazing secret techniques of cultivating pineapples.
But that was just the beginning… We learned that pineapples are not just delicious fruit, their fibres can become fabric! Their waste can be upcycled into valuable compost via BSF. This is circular economy in action and we witnessed it firsthand.
And one of our favourite fun moments discovering that the commercial pineapple industry in Malaya began around 1888, with pineapples intercropped and canned locally… and yes, triple eight! A number full of cultural symbolism! π
And of course… the fresh pineapple slices, gac juice, and pineapple ice-cream? Unforgettable. πβ¨
π The Heart of It All — SOIL
From herbal intelligence to pineapple innovation, everything we celebrated, everything we tasted, everything we learned… traces back to one source:
Healthy, living soils.
Soils that nurture life.
Soils that store carbon.
Soils that regenerate ecosystems.
Soils that allow cities to thrive.
Today was a celebration not just of plants, not just of farms but of the soil that makes all of this possible.
π And What a Journey!
Today began at 7:00 AM and we only reached home at 7:00 PM. The Friday traffic from Port Dickson was long and challenging — yet the joy, learning, laughter, connection, and appreciation made every moment worthwhile.
To everyone who joined us — THANK YOU for bringing your energy, curiosity, and heartβ€οΈ.
To Stella and Dato Lee, THANK YOU π«Άπ»for opening your spaces and sharing your wisdom.
We love this community.
We love this mission.
And we can’t wait for WSD2026! ππ
π± 30+ AgriFoodTech Change Makers Take the Stage at Agri-Food Tech Expo Asia (AFTEA) 2025! πβ¨
We’re excited to announce the 32 pioneering companies joining the AgriFoodTech Change Makers Pavilion at the upcoming AgriFoodTech Expo Asia (AFTEA) — happening 4–6 November 2025 at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore! πΈπ¬
Now in its 4th year, Impact Circle MY continues its proud partnership with Constellar to spotlight innovators transforming the future of food, agriculture, and sustainability.
This year’s Pavilion is presented in collaboration with @SPACE-F (Thailand), Innovate 360 (Singapore), and @Haoshi Accelerator (Taiwan) — a powerful regional alliance driving cross-border innovation and investment across Asia’s AgriFoodTech ecosystem. πΎπ€
π₯ Taking centre stage once again is the AgriFoodTech World Championship, following its remarkable success last year. Made possible through a strategic partnership with A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research and a Grand Winner Prize of SGD 30,000 sponsored by Google, this year’s Championship will see 42 semi-finalists compete for a coveted place in the Top 10 Finals. π‘π
π Meet the 32 AgriFoodTech Change Makers below — visionary change makers from across the globe shaping a sustainable, nutritious, and resilient food future for all. π
SK01 Deeplant, Inc. Inc
SK02 Pacton Technologies Sdn Bhd
SK03 Novelgen
SK04 BeNatureBioLab
SK05 NEX EcoVentures Sdn. Bhd.
SK06 YHL Aquatic Sdn Bhd
SK07 MInD Mechatronic Intelligent Design Sdn Bhd
SK08 NAFI MALAYSIA SDN BHD
SK09 MadeSweetly
SK10 LOCOL THAILAND
SK11 Alcheme Bio
SK12 Neramit Foodtech Co.
SK13 N&E Innovations Pte Ltd
SK14 MAMAY Technologies Ltd.
SK15 Tydra Labs
SK16 MindoFoods
SK17 Yi Xing Yuan
SK18 Space F Corp
SK19 Enable Earth
SK20 AyanaBio
SK21 Wonder Greener
SK22 Giant Bio
SK23 Good Food Everyday
SK24 ID Water
SK25 Insectyumz - Insect Food Pte Ltd
SK26 Snap Robotics
SK27 Blue Elysium
SK28 InvestHK
SK29 HILLKOFF
SK30 Tiga Milk
SK31 PT DMC INDONESIA FOOD
SK32 EYO
π Congratulations to the Winners of the Agri-Food Tech World Championship 2025!
After two inspiring days of pitches, talks, and panels at Agri-Food Tech Expo Asia (AFTEA) 2025, the Agri-Food Tech World Championship has crowned this year’s champions – visionary startups redefining how we grow, produce, and consume food sustainably.
π± Grand Champion: LOCOL THAILAND
π₯ First Runner-Up: Ayana Bio
π
Subsidiary Award Winners
π‘ Most Innovative Solution: Alcheme Bio
πΏ Sustainability Champion: Wonder Greener
π€ Best Technology Integration: ReaGenics
π Best Social Impact: Maia Farms
π Market Readiness Award: Pacton Technologies Sdn Bhd
π²πΎ Malaysia Shines at the AgriFoodTech World Championship 2025! πβ¨
Proud to share that five Malaysian AgriFoodTech Change Makers made it to the Semi-Finals of the AgriFoodTech World Championship 2025 — a powerful testament to the innovation, resilience, and global competitiveness of Malaysia’s emerging founders and food-system disruptors.
These five Change Makers are also Securities Commission Malaysia’s GrowMatch selected companies - a catalytic capital-matching initiative connecting high-potential ventures with investors:
YHL Aquatic
MInD Mechatronic Intelligent Design Sdn Bhd
NAFI MALAYSIA SDN BHD
NEX EcoVentures Sdn. Bhd.
Pacton Technologies Sdn Bhd
And an even bigger congratulations π₯³ to Pacton Technologies Sdn Bhd, led by the visionary Faisal Shadli Arshad, for advancing into the Top 10 Finals and winning the prestigious “Market Readiness Award” ! ππ₯ This is a remarkable achievement on one of the world’s most respected AgriFoodTech stages.
For Malaysian AgriFoodTech ventures, being on this global stage signals that our innovators are ready to compete, collaborate, and lead in transforming the region’s food ecosystems.
At Impact Circle MY, we are committed to building bridges and powering impact. Our mission is to connect Malaysian and regional founders to global investment networks, strengthen cross-border partnerships, and bring our AgriFoodTech innovations into international markets.
Through our platforms — including the AgriFoodTech Change Makers Pavilion, Impact Ventures Network, and collaborations with global accelerators and innovation partners — we aim to create real pathways for funding, commercialisation, and expansion.
Huge congratulations again to Pacton Technologies, and to all five Malaysian semi-finalists who represented our nation with excellence. π²πΎπ
…. Malaysia has so much more to offer the world.
π A Powerful Start to the Future Food–AgTech Festival 2025 at 1 Utama Shopping Centre ! πβ¨
What an incredible opening day! We were deeply honoured by the presence of YBhg. Datuk Seri Isham Ishak, Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM), who officiated the opening of the Future Food–AgTech Festival 2025 (FFF2025) together with YBhg. Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Syed Jalaludin Syed Salim, Organising Chairman of the Future Food-AgTech Festival 2025 and Senior Advisor of Impact Circle MY and shared powerful insights on Malaysia’s evolving food industry landscape.
Datuk Seri Isham highlighted the reality of Malaysia’s food trade balance, where we continue to import large volumes of raw ingredients for manufacturing, while exporting significant amounts of finished food products. His message was clear — Malaysia holds strong potential to strengthen upstream production and value creation within our own borders.
He made a heartfelt call for young people to come forward and be part of this transformation journey, expressing how encouraged and inspired he was to see so many young innovators and entrepreneurs at the Festival — each presenting creative, locally developed food innovations that reflect Malaysia’s talent and ingenuity.
Datuk Seri also underscored the important role of FAMA as a platform for market access and visibility, urging youth entrepreneurs to collaborate closely with FAMA to gain exposure and scale their products nationally. His sharing was both practical and uplifting.
π« The morning also celebrated our Food Systems Hero Awards 2025, honouring visionary individuals and organisations whose leadership and perseverance are driving real impact across the food ecosystem. Each hero’s journey is a testament that innovation with heart can truly change the world. π±
πThis year’s Food Systems Heroes are:
1) Jason Ng Chin Aik
2) Tan Beng Wah
3) Gerard K M Lim
4) Marcus Khoo
5) Dr. Yanni Xinyan Ching
6) Ts. Navin Sinnathamby
7) Magnus Mong
8) Faisal Shadli Arshad
9) Vic WK Pui
Hugh congratulations to all award recipients.
π As a non-profit, community-driven festival powered by volunteers, students, and ecosystem partners, FFF2025 stands as a living movement of Good Food for All — bringing together farmers, innovators, educators, investors, and consumers to cultivate hope, resilience, and a sustainable future for our planet.
π The Festival continues until Sunday, 12 October at 1 Utama Shopping Centre (Oval, New Wing). See you there !
βπΏ It’s a Wrap! FFF2025 π
What an incredible journey it has been — five meaningful days of passion, purpose, and partnership at 1 Utama Shopping Centre, where farmers, innovators, educators, investors, and consumers came together to celebrate Good Food for All. πΎπ
π FFF2025 is a non-profit community initiative by Impact Circle MY, made possible through the trust and support of our partners — Box-Pak, KB Image Print, Cell AgriTech and Pure Mylk — along with the invaluable student support from Taylor's University’s Impact Lab for Food Security and Nutrition and UCSI University FoodTech students.
π± Held in conjunction with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations’ 80th Anniversary and World Food Day 2025, this year’s Future Food–AgTech Festival (FFF2025) carried a special significance — reminding us that transforming food systems is not just a national priority, but a shared global mission.
From farm to fork, from innovation to inspiration — every stall, every conversation, and every collaboration reflected the power of community and the shared belief that a better food future is possible when we come together.
A heartfelt thank you to every stallholder, partner, sponsor, student volunteer, and visitor who brought your energy, creativity, and commitment to this community-driven festival. Collectively, we showcased the innovation, resilience, and collaboration shaping Malaysia’s role in regional and global food sustainability. π
π« Looking Ahead:
The journey doesn’t end here.
Pre-booking for Future Food–AgTech Festival 2026 is now open at
π https://lnkd.in/g8RuUz2K
Let’s continue growing this movement — stronger in innovation, smarter in collaboration, and deeper in impact as we shape the future of food together. π±β¨
β¨ We’re proud to unveil the 2025 lineup for the Future of Food & Agriculture Pavilion, powered by Impact Circle MY, at FDM - Food & Drinks Malaysia by SIAL Network — happening 1–3 July 2025 at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur.
ποΈ 1 to 3 July 2025 | π 10AM –5 PM
πHall 2, MITEC KL
π² Visitor registration : https://lnkd.in/g7Cm7Ycw
π§ Themed “Reimagining Food: From Ground to Gourmet,” this showcase brings together visionary startups, research pioneers, and bold entrepreneurs who are redefining what we grow, how we grow it — and how it reaches consumers.
π‘ Explore innovation across five industry-forward segments:
1οΈβ£ Regenerative & Natural Farming
2οΈβ£ Food Innovation & Scientific Advances
3οΈβ£ AI AgriTech, AquaTech & Future Food Solutions
4οΈβ£ Consumer Brands & Retail Innovation
5οΈβ£ Café Culture & Culinary Creations
π Featured Changemakers Include:
Fefifo | Grusonn Wellness Sdn Bhd | Fuciphagus Agritech Sdn. Bhd. η¦εηΌιζιε
¬εΈ | KosmodeHealth Singapore | MUI-Robotics | Bio Tree Biotechnology Sdn Bhd | AyoMayo | Dorsata Honey | Chuku's Kitchen Pte Ltd | Soup Culture undefined | Pacton Technologies Sdn Bhd | Well B Food & Beverage Trading Sdn. Bhd. | Maypreen Sdn Bhd | Gaia Eats Sdn Bhd | Chloe’s Gelato | UCSI University | Impact Soilution | NFAM | Taylor's University | Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) | Pinxin | Wholey Wonder | Greenbugs Farm | Antares Ventures Sdn Bhd
β¨ Whether you're sourcing novel products, scouting investment-ready startups, or tracking food tech trends — this is your gateway to the next wave of market-ready innovation.
βπ Expert Sharing | From Startup Spark to Global Scale π₯
We’re excited to welcome Somsubhra GanChoudhuri, Co-founder & CEO of Ai Palette, for an exclusive session:
“From Startup Spark to Global Scale: The Ai Palette Incredible Journey”
From an early-stage vision to a globally recognised AI-driven platform transforming how food & beverage brands predict and launch winning products — Ai Palette’s journey is nothing short of remarkable.
π In this inspiring sharing, Som will take us behind the scenes of scaling deep tech in the F&B space — from navigating product-market fit to unlocking global expansion, and building a data-led company that stays ahead of consumer trends.
π FDM - Food & Drinks Malaysia by SIAL Network concluded today at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) Kuala Lumpur, after three dynamic and meaningful days filled with connections, conversations, and business opportunities!
β¨Grateful to the Comexposium Asia Pacific team for believing in our mission to showcase the farm to fork value chain — Reimagining Food from Ground to Gourmet — and for making this vision a reality at the expo. This showcase, possibly the first of its kind in an international B2B food trade show, amplified the importance of every key player in the value chain. https://lnkd.in/gf89c3NA
From the farmers who produce our raw ingredients, to R&D, AgriFoodTech innovators, food manufacturers, retail entrepreneurs, and culinary creators who bring it all to the value chain — each plays a vital role in shaping a more hashtag#resilient and hashtag#sustainable food system.
As food security challenges and supply chain vulnerabilities continue to impact Southeast Asia, we’re truly grateful to Comexposium Asia Pacific for putting food sustainability at the forefront of this expo — a clear reflection of visionary leadership and purpose-driven direction. Special thanks to Henri Tan for his outstanding leadership and his amazing team Christopher Chin, CEM in making this possible.
π‘ And what a bonus — 5 of our changemakers were named finalists and winners of the SIAL Innovation Award! https://lnkd.in/gBWuiQ7S A proud moment that speaks loudly of the innovation and impact emerging from our community. Well B Food & Beverage Trading Sdn. Bhd. KosmodeHealth Singapore Soup Culture undefined Fuciphagus Agritech Sdn. Bhd. η¦εηΌιζιε
¬εΈ Grusonn Wellness Sdn Bhd
Here’s to building a stronger, more sustainable food future — together. π
π Huge congratulations to Florence Leong, Co-Founder of KosmodeHealth Singapore on achieving an exceptional milestone at FDM - Food & Drinks Malaysia by SIAL Network in Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) Kuala Lumpur.
Florence walked away with not one — but three major awards on 1 July 2025, day 1 of the expo :
π SIAL Innovation Award
π The SPARK Sustainability Innovator Award
π Food Systems Impact Change Maker Award
These recognitions are a powerful reflection of her unwavering dedication to health, sustainability, and innovation in the food system.
KosmodeHealth Singapore, a deep-tech spin-off from National University of Singapore (NUS) is transforming food system waste into value. By upcycling spent barley grains, spent peanut, and spent sweet potato — by-product from the food and beverage industry — into plant protein, dietary fibre, and even plant-derived bio-inks for 3D-printed functional foods, KosmodeHealth is pushing the boundaries of what sustainable nutrition can look like.
One standout product? The W0W™ zero-starch noodle — a functional, diabetic-friendly staple designed to help stabilise blood glucose levels, especially for aging populations and those managing chronic conditions. It’s smart, inclusive nutrition — with zero compromise on health or sustainability.
Florence’s leadership is proof that science, sustainability, and business can come together to drive systemic change. Her work not only reduces food waste and managing health conditions — it redefines the future of food.
To Florence: These awards are more than accolades — they are reminders of the impact you’ve already made and the belief others have in your vision. The road to meaningful change is never easy, but your perseverance, clarity of purpose, and commitment to doing what matters most will carry you forward. We at Impact Circle MY are rooting for you — today and always. You are building something important. Keep going. The world needs your solutions — and more founders like you. π
We’re so proud to celebrate this moment with you, Florence. Onward to even greater impact! ππ±
π₯ What a finale at hashtag#TheSPARK Championship held at the FDM - Food & Drinks Malaysia by SIAL Network in MITEC KL on 1 July 2025. The energy was electric, the pitches were bold, and the solutions put forward reflected the urgent call for sustainability in action.
After an intense live showdown featuring 10 visionary founders and 1 student team, we’re excited to announce the winners of The SPARK Championship:
1stπ Hidayah Shahidan, Founder & CEO of Synbiozymes – Sustainability Pioneer
2ndπ Tan Yet Mee, Founder & CEO of Maypreen Sdn Bhd – Sustainability Leader
3rdπ Florence Leong, Co-founder of KosmodeHealth Singapore – Sustainability Innovator
β¨ Even more amazing — all three winning teams are led by women founders who are breaking new ground in biotech, functional health, and sustainable materials. Hugh congratulations to all winners.
Each pitch was assessed in real time — with live scores lighting up the screen, turning the championship into a high-energy, high-stakes arena of powerful solutions, grit, and vision.
A huge thank you to our distinguished panel of judges, who brought sharp insight and spot-on feedback throughout the sessions:
π‘ Xelia Tong, COO, pitchIN
π‘ Mr Yong, Executive Director & Chief Production Officer, AJINOMOTO (MALAYSIA) BERHAD
π‘ Ryan Dass, CVC of AEON Group Malaysia
π‘ Adrian Hia ι’θ΄»ζ¨, Partner, Kairous Capital
π‘ Satoshi Umino, CEO, Sustainable Food Asia Co., Ltd. (Japan)
To all the amazing founders who pitched — your courage, boldness, and purpose-driven innovations are remarkable. Every one of you is building more than a venture — you’re driving real change the world urgently needs.
π THE SPARK Kuala Lumpur marks the 4th edition of our flagship pitch platform for high-impact AgriFoodTech change makers in Southeast Asia. We wrapped our 3rd edition in April this year at Singapore Expo.
At Impact Circle MY, we believe AgriFoodTech entrepreneurs are catalysts of food systems transformation. Especially now — when food systems face mounting pressure from climate volatility, resource scarcity, and shifting global demand — we need bold, sustainable, and scalable solutions more than ever.
THE SPARK was created to do just that:
To showcase ventures that are not only building the future of food — but doing it with purpose, innovation, and resilience.
π£οΈ “SPARK is about bold solutions, timely purpose, and on the ground impact the world needs now. It’s about change makers. Those who dare to build for impact, for communities, and for a better future.”
π₯ Congratulations again to our winners and all participating founders — trailblazers in their own right, already leading the way in their own fields. We can’t wait to see what comes next as your impact continues to grow. π
βπ A proud moment for our Impact Ventures Network !
Huge congratulations to the five incredible changemakers from our community — Well B Food & Beverage Trading Sdn. Bhd. , Fuciphagus Agritech Sdn. Bhd. η¦εηΌιζιε
¬εΈ, Grusonn Wellness Sdn Bhd, KosmodeHealth Singapore and Soup Culture undefined — for being named finalists and emerging as winners of the SIAL Innovation 2025 Award at FDM - Food & Drinks Malaysia by SIAL Network ! ππ
Your bold, market-ready innovations in functional food, circular nutrition, and sustainable packaging are powerful proof that Southeast Asian ventures are not just joining the global food conversation — they’re leading it. π±β¨
We’re proud to champion founders like you who are turning vision into real-world impact, and honoured to walk alongside you on this journey to reshape the future of food.
π See the official announcement https://lnkd.in/gBWuiQ7S & https://lnkd.in/g-hXpzbp
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β¨We are proud to announce 22 award recipients of the Food Systems Impact Changemaker Award 2025 by Impact Circle MY presented at the FDM - Food & Drinks Malaysia by SIAL Network on 1 July 2025 in MITEC KL.
πThis award celebrates visionary leaders who are actively transforming our food systems—building practical, scalable solutions that advance sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience across our food systems. π«Άπ»
π€©πβ¨Big congratulations to all recipients :
ποΈAaron Chin
Pioneered culturally relevant, clean-label plant-based foods to drive Asia’s shift toward sustainable diets.
ποΈAhmad Tifli
Built a digital ecosystem empowering smallholders with fair access, tools, and institutional markets.
ποΈAmirul Merican
Scaled QarboGrow to boost farmer yields, reduce inputs, and enhance climate-resilient agriculture.
ποΈAngeline Choo
Developed functional fermented foods while empowering single mothers and reducing food waste.
ποΈBryan Lim
Managed RM6B impact capital into food, climate, and inclusion through ESG-aligned investments.
ποΈChristopher Chin, CEM
Curated global platforms connecting Malaysian F&B SMEs to international buyers, innovation, and policy.
ποΈDYLAN LEE CHEE HOW
Built a B2B agri-marketplace linking 1,500+ buyers, boosting farmer income and reducing food loss.
ποΈFaisal Shadli Arshad
Deployed FishSpeak AI to optimize aquaculture and uplift rural digital inclusion.
ποΈFlorence Leong
Upcycled spent barley, peanut and sweet potato into functional foods, merging sustainability with health.
ποΈkelveen soh
Built co-farms and circular brands empowering smallholders with tech, training, and trade.
ποΈLooi Wen Jie
Advanced systemic change through national mission-driven investments in food, climate, and tech.
ποΈMoh Chee Hong
Scaled nanotechnology integrated bird’s nest products promoting health and sustainability.
ποΈMagnus Mong
Transformed farm waste into mushrooms and packaging, enabling zero-waste agri-models.
ποΈNora Mohamed
Spearheaded biotech growth in agrifood through funding and ESG-driven commercialization.
ποΈPatrick Martinent
Digitized 44,000+ hectares of plantation to improve yields, climate readiness and rural access.
ποΈSatoshi Umino
Drives food innovations through corporate partnership.
ποΈSomsubhra GanChoudhuri
Use AI to reshape food R&D, reducing waste and improving product success.
ποΈTan Yet Mee
Developed biodegradable, HALAL-certified cleaners promoting food safety and green living.
ποΈWandee Wattanakrit
Developed AI sensors that improve food quality and democratize sensory tech.
ποΈYong Kum Cheng
Modernized Ajinomoto’s production with nutrition, CSR, and sustainability impact.
ποΈYovindra Kanezin
Scaled biochar innovations and carbon credits to empower farmers and cut emissions.
ποΈYusof Faizal Amin
Converted food waste into energy and biochar for circular, regenerative farming.
Let’s continue to grow impact, together. π±
ββ¨We are proud to announce the recipients of the FoodX Impact Award 2025 by Impact Circle MY at FDM - Food & Drinks Malaysia by SIAL Network on 1 July 2025 in MITEC KL .
The Award honours visionary changemakers who are reimagining the future of food at the intersection of culture, science, and sustainability — across entrepreneurship, education, and ecosystem leadership. These pioneers aren’t just creating new products — they’re reshaping what food means for health, identity, and our shared future. From founders building purpose-driven food ventures, to educators advancing research and nurturing future talent, to platform builders driving cross-border collaboration and marketplace innovation — their work is purposeful, forward-looking, and grounded in the belief that food can both nourish and transform.
This year, the award recognises three outstanding individuals:
π± EMERGING FOOD INNOVATOR
ποΈChloe Loo, Founder, Chloe’s Gelato
Chloe is redefining dessert — serving over 30,000 scoops of prebiotic, dairy-free gelato to health-sensitive consumers. Her brand combines indulgence with nutrition and sustainability while promoting women’s employment and inclusive retail access.
π FOOD INNOVATION EDUCATOR
ποΈTs. Dr. Li-Choo Chong, Director, Food Security & Nutrition Impact Lab, Taylor's University
Dr. Chong has co-developed over 30 functional food products with her students using underutilised local resources, and played a key role in formulating Malaysia’s SOP for traditional food heritage — turning research into community impact.
π FUTURE FOOD LEADERSHIP
ποΈHenri Tan, Director, Comexposium Asia Pacific
Henri transformed a regional expo into a global platform for food innovation. He champions startup visibility, fosters ecosystem collaboration, and connects producers to international markets.
β¨π€©Hugh congratulations to all 3 award recipients. ππ»
These awardees reflect the bold spirit of Southeast Asia’s food system transformation — grounded in heritage, driven by science, and committed to inclusive, transformative change.
I am pleased to share about Sustainable Food Asia Co., Ltd.'s Sustainable Food Camp 2025, held on 22 April 2025 — Earth Day πβ»οΈ, at the beautiful Resorts World Genting (Resort World Awana, Genting Highlands, Malaysia).
For the third consecutive year, Impact Circle MY is proud to support Sustainable Food Asia Co., Ltd., (SFA) as their Strategic Ecosystem Partner and we remain inspired by the vision and passion of Satoshi Umino, Founder & CEO of SFA - your leadership continues to shape a dynamic and impactful platform for regional food innovation across Asia and beyond. π
β¨ This year’s camp brought together 150+ participants from 100+ organizations across 10+ countries, all aligned in reimagining the future of food under the theme: Future Foods: Innovating Today, Sustaining Tomorrow. π±π½οΈ
We were especially proud to see changemakers from the Impact Ventures Network showcase breakthrough innovations — from functional foods to circular agri-tech. It was energizing to witness these founders connect with potential partners, investors, and ecosystem allies from across the region. Events like these remind us that networking isn’t just a side activity — it’s the catalyst for meaningful progress. π€π‘
We are deeply grateful to the entire Sustainable Food Asia (SFA) team and co-organizer Leave a Nest Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. for curating such a thoughtful, well-executed, and impact-driven event. A special shoutout goes to BoonLee Chiam, whose unwavering dedication and meticulous attention to detail were instrumental in ensuring the event ran seamlessly and in nurturing meaningful connections among innovators and changemakers.
We are pleased to witness the active participation and strong commitment from the event’s industry partners — Ajinomoto Co., Inc., Kikkoman Corporation, ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Ikeda Tohka Industries, and MUFG — whose involvement significantly contributed to the success of this Food Camp. Their expertise and support helped foster meaningful collaboration and innovation, advancing the collective mission toward a more sustainable food future. πΎπ€π
It was also a great honor to meet H.E. Noriyuki Shikata, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia. His presence affirms the growing strength of Malaysia–Japan collaboration in sustainable food innovation. Likewise, it was a pleasure connecting with the Resorts World Genting senior leadership team — Aaron Chia, Spencer Lee, and Doreen Lim — whose support and hospitality played a big role in making this experience so memorable. ππ
Collectively, we move forward — for people, planet, and purpose. πΏβ¨
β¨ We’re excited to power the "Sustainable Food Future Innovators" Pavilion at FHA-Food & Beverage 2025, happening from 8-11 April at Singapore Expo, Hall 4!
Brought together by Impact Circle MY in collaboration with Informa Markets, this pavilion brings together groundbreaking agrifoodtech startups and innovators dedicated to shaping a more sustainable, nutritious, and resilient food future.
Meet the 20+ pioneering companies that will be showcasing their solutions:
πͺ° Entomal Biotech
ππ« Grusonn Wellness Sdn Bhd
πͺ¨ Tigasfera
π§ Hydro-regen
π§° MUI-Robotics
π€ Braintree Technologies
π²οΈ Tanalink
π€³ e-Komoditi Sdn Bhd
π Anihan Technologies
πͺΉ Fuciphagus Agritech Sdn. Bhd. η¦εηΌιζιε
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π₯ Gaia Eats Sdn Bhd
π± Impact Soilution
πΏ Soup Culture undefined
π THEMOONBEAM.CO PTE LTD
π½ Meals In Minutes
𧴠Maypreen Sdn Bhd
π« AyoMayo
𫧠N&E Innovations Pte Ltd
π³ Bio Tree Biotechnology Sdn Bhd
π¨πΎ Fefifo
From alternative proteins and regenerative agriculture to AI-driven food solutions and biotech innovations, this lineup is redefining the future of food.
β¨On 10 April, the Sustainable Food Future Open Stage at FHA – FHA-Food & Beverage 2025 in Singapore became the launchpad for bold ideas and transformative solutions as The SPARK Challenge returned — shining a spotlight on frontier AgriFoodTech innovations.
After a fierce live pitch between 9 remarkable food future innovators and evaluated by a powerhouse panel from Climate Impact X, Sirius Impact Ventures, Sustainable Food Asia Co., Ltd. and Borneo Ventures Link, we’re proud to announce this year’s top 3 winners:
π₯ MUI-Robotics – Sustainability Pioneer
πΉπ Thailand’s MUI Robotics is revolutionizing sensory AI with the AI-Nose — a powerful odor-sensing technology that enables real-time, high-precision detection for food safety, environmental, and industrial use. With over 600 enterprise clients and a new Singapore HQ, MUI is scaling rapidly across Asia.
π₯Impact Soilution – Sustainability Leader
Dedicated to regenerative agriculture, Impact Soilution develops bio-based soil inputs that rebuild soil health, increase yields, carbon farming and drive long-term environmental resilience. Their work directly supports food security and sustainable farming communities.
π₯ Tanalink – Sustainability Innovator
π²πΎ Malaysia-based Tanalink brings breakthrough LPWAN-based geolocation tracking under dense canopy, providing proof-of-work and operational visibility for tropical plantations. Their innovation helps reduce crop loss, boost productivity, and support sustainable agriculture.
Big congrats to all winners and the participating companies.
This impact-driven platform was made possible by the commitment of Informa Markets in collaboration with Impact Circle MY who continue to anchor The SPARK Challenge as a core pillar of FHA’s sustainability agenda, and continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of food systems by spotlighting innovation, sustainability, and frontier technologies. By providing a high-impact global stage, FHA is fostering a thriving ecosystem and supporting real solutions for a more secure, sustainable food future.
A big thank you to all food future innovators, partners, judges, and changemakers who made this year’s challenge a success. The spark has been lit — and the journey to a better food future continues.
