SIGMA is an academic research alliance between the U.S. and Singapore, co-led by the University of Illinois and the National University of Singapore. Anchored by a commitment to enhance food security, sustain the environment, and build resilient communities, SIGMA aims to transform the agricultural landscape of Southeast Asia through innovation, collaboration, and capacity-building.
MISSION
To build a collaborative, world-class powerhouse in agri-food research that bridges science and innovation to deliver transformative solutions and real-world impact across diverse agricultural systems, from row crops to agroforestry.
VISION
To empower Southeast Asian agriculture with scientific advancement and technology innovation to achieve co-sustainability of food production and the environment.
THEMES FOR INNOVATION
Food Security and Resilience
Advancing adaptation strategies to ensure food production stability and strengthening supply chain resilience against climate shocks and market disruptions.
Agricultural Decarbonization and Sustainability
Integrating nature-based climate solutions to achieve decarbonization and enhance biodiversity among other co-benefits.
Resilient Communities
Training the next generation of leaders in agricultural sustainability and empowering smallholder farmers with access to modern technological and financial tools.
LEADERSHIP
SIGMA is jointly led by ASC director Kaiyu Guan and Koh Lian Pin of the National University of Singapore. The SIGMA team includes professors Roman Carrasco and Remi Luo from the National University of Singapore, Ben Runkle of the University of Arkansas, and ASC members Lisa Ainsworth, Shenlong Wang, Bin Peng, Lesly Goh, Jessica Till, and Kayla Boparai.
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Team
U.S. - BASED TEAM
Prof. Kaiyu Guan
Director of Research (AI for Ag); Levenick Endowed Professor, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Founding Director of Agroecosystem Sustainability Center
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Dr. Lesly Goh
Research Scientist, Agroecosystem Sustainability Center
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Prof. Benjamin Runkle
Professor, Biological and Agricultural Engineering
University of Arkansas
Prof. Shenglong Wang
Assistant Professor, Siebel School of Computing and Data Science
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Dr. Jessica Till
Research Scientist, Agroecosystem Sustainability Center
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Ms. Kayla Boparai
Research Project Coordinator, Agroecosystem Sustainability Center
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
SINGAPORE - BASED TEAM
Prof. Lian Pin Koh
Vice President, Sustainability and Resilience, Chief Sustainability Scientist
National University of Singapore
Prof. L. Roman Carrasco
Associate Professor, Deputy Head of Department of Biological Sciences Faculty of Science
National University of Singapore
Prof. Xiangzhong (Remi) Luo
Assistant Professor, Department of Geography Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences
National University of Singapore
Mr. David Chen
Founder and CEO
AgriG8
