Professor Jeyakumar Henry, Ph.D., FIFST(UK)
Senior Advisor, Food Science, Human Nutrition, and Public Health||Fellow of the American Society for Nutrition
Professor Jeyakumar Henry is a globally recognised authority in food science and human nutrition, with over four decades of experience spanning academia, policy advisory, and industry collaboration. His expertise has significantly influenced global food security, nutrition science, and public health policies. He currently serves as Senior Advisor at the Global Centre for Asian Women’s Health and was previously the Deputy Executive Director at the Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation, ASTAR. After spending 35 years in the UK and Europe, he joined AStar in 2011 on their invitation to build Singapore’s food and nutrition sector. He was the founding Director of the Clinical Nutrition Research Centre at A*STAR, Singapore, where he spearheaded research at the intersection of food science and nutrition.
In addition, he has served as a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the National University of Singapore, contributing extensively to academic advancements in nutrition science. Professor Henry’s work has played a transformative role in global public health and food innovation. He has been instrumental in major nutrition and food security initiatives, including fortifying refugee rations, developing affordable, high-energy foods for malnourished children, and using palm oil to combat vitamin A deficiency. His groundbreaking research into energy metabolism led to the formulation of “Henry’s Equation”, now a globally recognised standard for predicting basal metabolic rate (BMR) and a key tool in human nutrition planning. More recently, his research has focused on
developing functional foods to regulate glucose levels and control appetite, addressing some of the most urgent health challenges related to modern diets.
His pioneering contributions have earned him international recognition. In 2010, he was awarded the British Nutrition Foundation Prize for his groundbreaking work in food and nutrition science. He was later elected as a Fellow of the International Academy of Food Scientists and Technologists. He received the Niigata International Food Award in 2018, often referred to as the “Asian World Food Prize”. His leadership in food security and nutrition was further recognised when he was honoured with the W.K. Kellogg International Food Security Award & Lectureship from the Institute of Food Technologists (USA) in 2019.
In 2024, he was conferred the highest distinction in human nutrition science as a Fellow of the American Society for Nutrition. Beyond his contributions to research and academia, Professor Henry has played a critical role in shaping global nutrition policy. He has served as a board member of the UK Food Standards Agency and as a consultant to UNICEF, FAO, and WHO, advising on international food safety and nutrition programs. He continues to hold leadership positions in several prestigious advisory boards, including the International Life Science Institute Southeast Asia (ILSI-SEA), the International Medical University in Malaysia, and the Monell Chemical Centre in the USA. He is also an active member of the IUFoST Task Force on Food Processing for Nutrition, Diet, and Health, as well as the Singapore Food Agency’s Novel Food Safety Expert Working Group, where he contributes to the future of food safety and regulatory frameworks.
As a highly cited researcher, Professor Henry has published over 400 scientific papers and delivered more than 440 international lectures. With an H-index of 70 and over 20,000 citations, his research has had a lasting impact on food science, nutrition policy, and public health. His ability to bridge science, industry, and policy has positioned him as a thought leader in food innovation, sustainable nutrition, and global health.
At PPAA Consulting, Professor Henry applies his deep expertise in food science, nutrition, and public health policy to help businesses, policymakers, and industry leaders navigate the complex landscape of food security, emerging food technologies, and regulatory frameworks in ASEAN and Asia. His insights drive sustainable nutrition strategies and innovative food solutions, reinforcing PPAA’s leadership.