In years to come, Malaysia and many other nations around the world will be grappling with two interconnected challenges: food security and falling birth rates.
These issues, while distinct, share a common thread of impacting the well-being and future sustainability of human lives as we know it.
However, amid these challenges lies the potential for solutions through the integration of biotechnology and food science.
Food security has emerged as a pressing global concern, with various factors contributing to the challenge. Climate change-induced disruptions in agriculture, inadequate infrastructure for food distribution, and socio-economic disparities have all exacerbated the issue.
Moreover, the global Covid-19 pandemic has further highlighted vulnerabilities in the food supply chain, underscoring the urgency of finding sustainable solutions.
Food insecurity and mass starvation looms large if we do not take urgent action now.
Sustainable future: Biotechnology and food science offer promising avenues to tackle food insecurity. – 123rf.com
Recently reported as having the lowest birth rate in the world, South Korea is facing a national emergency despite its government’s efforts to incentivise parenthood.
Interestingly, the other top three countries with the lowest birth rates are Japan, Singapore and China, all East Asian countries. Malaysia herself is facing a decline in birth rates. This demographic shift poses significant socio-economic implications, including an ageing population, strain on healthcare and pension systems, and reduced workforce participation.
Addressing this decline requires multifaceted approaches that consider both economic and social factors. Common logic might suggest that a declining population is good news for food insecurity, as a smaller population requires less food.
However, the falling birth rates demographic dilemma has the potential to exacerbate the food security problem. Why? Because countries that strive for food independence will face a worker population shortage throughout the food chain, unless modern food science and biotechnology work their magic.
Biotechnology and food science offer promising avenues to tackle food insecurity on the path to sustainability.
Innovations in crop breeding, genetic modification and smart farming can enhance crop yields, improve nutritional content, and make agriculture more resilient to environmental challenges.
Additionally, advancements in food processing and preservation technologies can extend shelf life, reduce waste and enhance food safety.
To fully leverage the potential of biotechnology and food science, it is crucial to invest in science education, starting from school. Equipping students with a strong foundation in science and technology fosters critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and innovation. We need to empower the next generation through science education to ensure continuity of our efforts in preserving our way of life.
Industry players play a pivotal role in inspiring students to pursue careers in science.
Collaborations between schools, universities and industry can provide students with real-world exposure, mentorship opportunities, and hands-on experiences through internships and apprenticeships.
Initiatives such as scholarships, research grants and career development programmes can incentivise students to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
Addressing the intertwined challenges of food security and falling birth rates requires concerted efforts from policymakers, educators and industry stakeholders.
By harnessing the power of biotechnology, investing in food science, and fostering collaboration between academia and industry, together we can chart a path towards a more sustainable and prosperous future. It’s time to prioritise science and innovation as cornerstones of national development and resilience.
Assoc Prof Dr Crystale Lim Siew Ying is the dean of UCSI University Faculty of Applied Sciences. She is a specialist in molecular medicine, as well as molecular and cell biology. The views expressed here are the writer’s own.
