NTU Interdisciplinary Team Secures Prestigious SSHR Seed Grant for Digital Agriculture Research

A multidisciplinary team from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore has been awarded the Social Science & Humanities Research (SSHR) 2025 Seed Grant for their innovative project on digital agriculture technology adoption. The project, titled “Digital Agriculture Technology Adoption Drivers in Singapore and Southeast Asia” (Award #2025-CoHASS-003), is led by Dr. Jose Ma. Luis Montesclaros from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS). This funding underscores NTU's commitment to addressing pressing food security challenges through cutting-edge social science research.

The SSHR Seed Grant, an internal NTU initiative supporting early-stage humanities and social sciences projects, provides crucial seed funding to explore high-impact ideas. While exact amounts vary, previous awards have ranged around S$10,000 to S$50,000, enabling preliminary fieldwork and paving the way for larger thematic grants like the SSHR-TG. The team's work will kick off with initial studies in Singapore, forming the basis for expanded research across Southeast Asia and a full SSHR-TG proposal by 2028.

Meet the Research Team Behind the Initiative

Dr. Montesclaros, a Research Fellow at RSIS's Centre for Non-Traditional Security (NTS) Studies, brings extensive expertise in agricultural economics and digital technology adoption. His prior publications, such as "Digital Technology Adoption and Potential in Southeast Asian Agriculture," highlight barriers and opportunities for smallholder farmers in the region. Co-investigator Professor Mely Caballero-Anthony, also from RSIS, adds depth in food security policy.

The team includes Dr. Sherwin Chua from Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information (WKWSCI) as lead collaborator, alongside Professor Ng Kee Woei from the School of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE), Dr. Munusamy Vijayan from the Centre for Research and Advancement in Digital Entertainment (CRADLE), and Mr. Kayven Tan from RSIS. Their regional partner is Dr. Gerlie Tatlonghari from SEARCA's CADRE (Consortium for Agricultural Development and Research in the East), ensuring a Southeast Asian perspective.

This collaboration exemplifies NTU's interdisciplinary approach, blending social sciences, engineering, and communications to tackle real-world problems. For those interested in similar research roles, explore research assistant jobs at NTU and beyond.

Project Objectives: Unpacking Digital Agriculture Adoption Drivers

Digital agriculture, also known as precision agriculture or smart farming, leverages technologies like Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, artificial intelligence (AI), drones, big data analytics, and robotics to optimize farming processes. The NTU project aims to identify key drivers and barriers to its adoption in Singapore and Southeast Asia, focusing on socio-economic impacts and policy recommendations to enhance food security.

By examining farmer behaviors, technology accessibility, and regulatory frameworks, the study will provide evidence-based insights. Initial fieldwork in Singapore will map local adoption patterns, with plans to scale regionally via SEARCA-CADRE partnerships. This aligns with Singapore's shift from the ambitious "30 by 30" goal—producing 30% of nutritional needs locally by 2030—to Food Story 2.0, targeting specific fibre and protein production by 2035 amid land and cost constraints.

The Role of NTU Food Research Systems (NTU-FRS) in Food Innovation

NTU-FRS serves as the hub for this project, uniting over 60 faculty across NTU to integrate food safety, security, and sustainability research. Its focus areas include intelligent urban farming systems, indoor farming, and bioengineering for cellular agriculture— all ripe for digital integration. Recent NTU-FRS initiatives, like WHO collaborations on food safety and microbial protein alternatives, demonstrate its global impact.

In precision agriculture, NTU examples include mmWave radar for pest detection and AI for yield prediction in vertical farms, addressing Singapore's urban constraints. Learn more about NTU's contributions via their official site.

Photo by Simon Shim on Unsplash

Singapore's Food Security Landscape: From 30x30 to Targeted Goals

Singapore imports 90% of its food, making resilience critical. The original 30x30 vision spurred investments in vertical farming and agritech, but high costs led to Food Story 2.0 in 2025, emphasizing vegetables (15% local by 2035), eggs, and seafood. Digital tools are pivotal, enabling data-driven decisions in limited spaces.

Government funding like the S$40.5 million SFA grants supports seed innovation and aquaculture, complementing NTU's social science lens on adoption. For career advice in this sector, check higher ed career advice.

Digital Agriculture Trends and Challenges in Southeast Asia

SEA's agriculture faces climate variability, smallholder dominance (80% farms <2ha), and supply chain vulnerabilities. Digital solutions promise 20-30% yield boosts via precision irrigation and pest monitoring, but adoption lags at 20-30% due to digital divides, low literacy, and costs.

• IoT sensors for soil monitoring reduce water use by 30%.
• AI apps forecast yields, aiding smallholders in Vietnam and Indonesia.
• Challenges: Infrastructure gaps, data privacy, farmer training.

NTU's study targets these, drawing from PI Montesclaros' work on ASEAN digitalisation.

Socio-Economic Impacts: Empowering Farmers and Policymakers

The project will analyze how digital tools affect incomes, labor, and equity. For smallholders, blockchain for traceability and apps for market access can increase revenues by 15-25%. However, gender gaps persist—women farmers lag in tech access. Findings will inform policies for inclusive adoption.

Stakeholder views from farmers, agribusiness, and governments will provide multi-perspective insights, vital for SEA's 600 million population.

Technologies at the Forefront: IoT, AI, and Beyond

Key tech includes:

• IoT and sensors: Real-time data on soil, weather (e.g., NTU's mmWave radar).
• AI/ML: Predictive analytics for pests, yields.
• Drones/robots: Precision spraying, harvesting.
• Big data/blockchain: Supply chain transparency.

Photo by Andrea Huls Pareja on Unsplash

Policy Implications and Future Outlook

Outcomes could shape ASEAN policies, subsidies for tech, and training programs. With climate change intensifying, digital ag offers resilience—projected SEA market growth to $10B by 2030.

NTU's work positions Singapore as a hub, attracting talent. Aspiring researchers can find opportunities at higher ed faculty jobs or university jobs.

Career Opportunities in Digital Agriculture and Higher Education

This grant highlights demand for experts in agrotech policy. Singapore's push creates roles in research, lecturing, and industry. Platforms like Rate My Professor offer insights into programs, while higher ed jobs lists openings. For advice, visit academic CV tips.

Explore Singapore higher ed landscape and postdoc positions to join the revolution.