Food scientist who turns soya pulp to food among 14 recipients of Singapore eco award

SINGAPORE – To squeeze value out of leftover soya pulp that would otherwise go to waste, food scientist Heng Kiang Soon developed ways to turn it into ingredients for human food and agricultural use, among other products.

The pulp, called okara, which is generated after producing soy milk and tofu, is rich in protein and fibre, but it is indigestible by humans and often discarded.

Determined to maximise “every resource we already have” in a resource-scarce country like Singapore, Heng developed an innovative technology to make the ingredient soluble and turn them into 14 food and agricultural products like soy cheese, soy cream soup and plant boosters. The plant boosters, which are known as biostimulants, can enhance crop yield and quality.

Some of these products have been licensed for commercialisation, said the specialist for food innovation and lecturer at Republic Polytechnic’s School of Applied Science.

On Aug 18, Heng was among 14 recipients of the EcoFriend Awards, which recognise individuals from the private and public sectors, educational institutions, grassroots and NGOs for their significant contributions in shaping Singapore to be more sustainable.

He estimated that the production of plant boosters as well as soy cheese, instead of using commercial raw materials, could have substantial cost savings.

Converting by-products like this into useful products is not only environmentally friendly, but it can also help to generate new business opportunities and build stronger food system resilience, said Heng, who grew up on a farm in Malaysia.

“If we learn to see waste not as something to throw away but as a resource with untapped potential, we can unlock solutions that benefit both society and the environment,” added the 50-year-old, who is also looking to develop other food waste like spent coffee grounds and fruit pulp.

Organised by the National Environment Agency, the 17th edition of the biennial EcoFriend Awards was held at National Gallery Singapore.

Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu, who gave out the awards, said: “Their initiatives have strengthened community networks, encouraged resourcefulness and galvanised action to keep our shared spaces clean, green and resilient.”

A total of 510 individuals were nominated for the award, said Fu, with nominations exceeding 500 for the first time in more than a decade. She noted that this points to a sustained and growing interest in environmental sustainability.

In her speech, she also highlighted Arunraj Chidambaram, who leads a weekly food rescue initiative in Zhenghua in Bukit Panjang, saving and re-distributing 100kg to 200kg of surplus produce each week.

Since its launch in 2022, he has helped grow the initiative from having about eight to 10 volunteers serving fewer than 60 residents to a weekly operation supported by 20 to 30 volunteers that now reaches over 150 residents each session.

Arunraj, who is the chairman of Zhenghua Youth Network, said he finds it most rewarding when volunteers bring others to join the initiative.

“There are bigger environmental problems to be solved. Exposure to activities like food rescue or litter-picking is a gateway for youths to open their minds and start thinking about solutions for other problems with their creative ways,” said the 31-year-old.

The youngest award recipient in 2026 was 13-year-old Boston Pek. He and some schoolmates from Westwood Primary School designed a robot vacuum cleaner using repurposed materials including recycled plastic to help the school’s cleaners.

The remote control-operated vacuum cleaner could help to pick up small items like crumpled paper trash.

“I wanted to make this so that it can ease (the cleaners’) workload while helping to keep the environment clean,” said Pek, who is currently studying at Juying Secondary School.

Another award recipient was Dazhong Primary School teacher Ong Wan Xuan, who created an experiential learning platform to spark her students’ curiosity about science and sustainability.

The platform features eco-trails and Pokemon-inspired mascots that guide students through hands-on learning to find out more about the fauna and flora in the school as well as how to recycle, among other topics.

“Our environment belongs to the next generation. It is their belief and actions that will decide the future of Singapore and how well we care for our environment,” said the 39-year-old.

“I want to plant a seed in every student so that it will remind them of the impact of their action or inaction when they grow up.”