Then and Now: 120 Bioeconomy Pioneers look at yesterday, today, inspirations and challenges

Nigel Teh

Then: In the army as part of my 2-year national conscription. The bioindustry was the furthest thing away from my mind apart from the wild vegetation I spent my days hiding in. Hah!

Now: Working in the Singapore Economic Development Board today, working on furthering our nation states’s interests in synbio, biochemicals, agtech etc.

Inspirations: The only constant is change, and the bioceonomy could be the biggest change of our lifetimes.

Challenges:  Advanced tech and financial projections are great, but the biggest hurdle I’ve found is in educating and influencing the older guard. No one is going to say no to the bioeconomy, but very few are willing to rally to the call.