SMU alumnus John Cheng’s work in helping local businesses and his passion and efforts in food innovation and sustainability have earned him a nomination for The Straits Times Singaporean of the Year 2021, which is presented by UBS. As the Chairman of Feed 9 Billion, an open innovation platform, he hopes to find sustainable solutions to feed the global population, which is expected to hit some nine billion in 2050. John is also the Founder of Innovate 360 and Director at his family's sugar manufacturing business Cheng Yew Heng. He also shares his knowledge and skills through volunteer work with the North West Community Development Council, the philanthropic council at SMU and the Youth Business Affairs Committee at the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, among others.