New Nestle research centre in Singapore to focus on nutrition for healthy ageing

Senior citizens having breakfast at a coffeeshop in Punggol. PHOTO: MY PAPER

SINGAPORE - A new research centre headquartered in Singapore's biomedical research hub - Biopolis - will focus on improving nutrition for ageing populations in Asia.

International food and beverage company Nestle announced on Friday (April 1) the establishment of the Nestle Research Centre (NRC) Asia, in partnership with the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star).

The centre, with additional offices in China and Japan, will help Nestle to develop quality nutritional products for elderly people in the region and beyond, said a joint statement by the two institutions.

The number of people in Asia aged 60 or over will more than double to 1.2 billion by 2050, according to a United Nations report.

Nestle's chief technology officer, Professor Stefan Catsicas, said: "Singapore's focus on higher education and scientific excellence with strong industrial development purpose makes it an ideal place to broaden our research base."

Nestle's partnership with A*Star dates back to 2011 with collaborations on clinical nutrition, said the joint statement.

A*Star chairman Lim Chuan Poh added: "We look forward to working closely with Nestle to meet the needs of Singapore's and Asia's ageing populations and empower them to live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives."

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