Press release

Wageningen UR starts collaboration in Singapore

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January 25, 2013

Wageningen UR (University & Research centre) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore will set up joint education and research programmes in the field of nutrition and food technology. Aalt Dijkhuizen, President of Wageningen UR, and Bertil Andersson, President of NTU, signed a Letter of Intent on January 25, during the state visit of the Dutch royal family to Singapore. The signing took place in the presence of Queen Beatrix, Prince Willem-Alexander, Princess Maxima and the Ministers Ploumen and Timmermans.

Nutrition and food technology has recently been marked as one of the priority areas in Singapore. NTU and Wageningen UR want to anticipate on this development, in this rapidly growing Asian market, by setting up a joint education programme for bachelor and master students, as well as for doctoral researchers (PhD). A joint research programme will also be initiated.

Nanyang Technological University is one of the largest and best universities in the world in the field of modern technology. Wageningen UR, with its university and applied research centres, is a global player in the field of healthy food and the living environment. This is a unique combination to create new insights and products aimed at achieving optimal health, taste and sustainability for the Asian market. Leading food companies that are operating in the Singapore region will be approached to also join forces. A first 'minor' (a block of related courses) should start in September 2013 in Singapore. From there, the collaboration should lead to joint bachelor's, master's and PhD programmes related to nutrition and food technology.


Prof. Bertil Andersson: "We see great synergy in bringing together our knowledge of modern technology and Wageningen UR’s food knowledge. We have high expectations of this collaboration."

Dr. Aalt Dijkhuizen: "This is a wonderful opportunity for us to get a visible and successful position in a rapidly growing market. A position that can also benefit the Dutch food companies that are active in this region."