Mr. Peter Chia, CEO of TLL, and His Excellency Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation of Egypt [Photo by MND]
On 20 Sep 2025, the Agricultural Research Center (ARC) and Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory (TLL), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Agricultural Cooperation in Cairo, Egypt, witnessed by both President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of the Arab Republic of Egypt and President Tharman Shanmugaratnam of the Republic of Singapore. This MOU marks a significant step forward in the collaboration between ARC and TLL, strengthening their shared commitment to advancing agricultural research and innovation to benefit people and communities in Africa as well as Asia.
Rice is one of the most important food crops in the world. It is consumed by over half the world’s population, and it is the primary staple food in Asia and a major staple food in Africa. North Africa, in particular, faces diverse and complex microclimates, from the hot and arid Sahara Desert and the semi-arid Sahel to the Mediterranean coast and mountainous regions. With climate change adding further pressure—through rising temperatures, shifting rainfall, and increasing soil salinity—it has become critical to develop rice varieties that can thrive under these challenging conditions.
Earlier this year, TLL and ARC’s Rice Research and Training Centre (RRTC) embarked on a joint project to evaluate the performance of several rice varieties under different levels of soil salinity and water stress. Through this partnership, the parties hope to unlock key knowledge and co-develop new rice lines that can adapt to the diverse and shifting climate patterns exacerbated by climate change.
This collaboration builds on the long-standing plant sciences and agricultural research expertise of both institutions to map out the unique genetic diversity in rice and pave the way for breakthroughs in developing new crops with enhanced resistance to climate change impacts, such as extreme heat, drought, and salinity.
Mr. Peter Chia, CEO of Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, said:
“This partnership with ARC reflects our common belief that scientific collaboration is key to tackling global challenges. By bringing together complementary strengths in research and field expertise, we can co-create solutions that support farmers and contribute to sustainable agriculture in both Asia and Africa.”
Prof. Dr Adel Abd El Azeem, President of the Agricultural Research Center; added:
“The scientific cooperation between ARC and TLL will promote exchanges in technology and expertise, and involve the development of human resources and capacity building in both organizations that will support the common efforts in agricultural development in both countries. Together, we can cultivate a brighter future for Africa and Asia by advancing agricultural research, fostering innovation, and ensuring food security for generations to come.”
ARC and TLL share a common interest in developing resilient and sustainable food systems through strategies such as improved genetics, sustainable agricultural practices, and regional cooperation. By combining their scientific knowledge and field experience, the two organisations seek to drive agricultural innovation that improves livelihoods and strengthens food security for communities across Africa and Asia.
About Agricultural Research Center (ARC)
Agricultural Research Center (ARC) is the main pillar for sustainable agricultural development in Egypt. It is one of the most important research centers not only in Egypt but also in the whole region. According to Scimago Institutional Ranking 2024, ARC is ranked No.1 in the area of agriculture and biological science among the research institutes in the Middle East and North Africa. ARC aims at achieving the national sustainable agriculture development goals through scientific research, innovation and technology transfer. ARC research support the agriculture sector in Egypt in facing the challenges of water scarcity and climate change by maximizing crop yields per unit area to achieve food security and ensure food safety.
About Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory (TLL)
Founded in 2002, Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory is a non-profit organization focusing on research in molecular biology and genetics that impacts agriculture, food, industrial biotechnology, and human health. Through innovative partnerships and sustainable solutions, TLL strives to contribute to global sustainability and economic development.
For media inquiries, kindly contact:
Tan Teng Li
Communications and Marketing Manager
Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory
Email: tengli.tan@tla.com.sg
Agricultural Research Center (ARC)
Email: arcpresident@arc.sci.eg