Route +65: Meet The Man Who Wants To ‘Put A Farm In Every Corner’ Of Singapore

Route +65 is a series on people who have stepped off the conventional career path and are pursuing unique life journeys – showing that even in tiny Singapore, there’s room to do things differently.

When we’re introduced to Roc Koh, it’s at a 450sqm rooftop space on the fifth floor of Fairmont Singapore. The area is cramped, the floor is concrete, and we’re in the shadow of several surrounding towering buildings.

It doesn’t seem like a prime spot for nature to flourish, yet greenery is exploding all around us – winding up trellises and pushing out of soil beds. This is Fairmont and Swissotel Singapore’s Aquaponics Farm, which, despite its size, produces about 30% of the hotels’ veggie and 10% of its fresh fish needs monthly.

The green-thumbed magicians responsible for this? Corridor Farmers, a Singapore company led by CEO Roc that has taken up the challenge of building community edible gardens and microfarms in the most unlikely of spaces. Its ambitious vision is to have “a farm in every corner”.

You can’t tell by looking at the lush scene, but for most of his career, Roc dealt with people, not plants – he was a Singapore Airlines flight attendant. His passion for non-human rooted living things sprouted when he decided to look into community gardening as something for his mum to do, since he was constantly travelling. “I wanted her to stay socially and physically engaged,” says the filial son.

To expand his agriculture expertise, Roc pursued a part-time urban agriculture diploma at Republic Polytechnic. | IMAGE: ROC KOH

As it turns out, the activity hooked him as well because of its kampung spirit. “Every evening, neighbours gathered to share stories and food,” Roc recalls. “During challenging times, the bond among gardeners truly shone. When one of the aunties fell ill, everyone took turns visiting her in the hospital. Even during the recent passing of my father, the community came together to support my family in every way they could.”

To deepen his knowledge of agriculture, the 38-year-old took up a part-time diploma in urban agriculture (on top of his NTU degree in information engineering and media) at Republic Polytechnic, where he met his Corridor Farmers co-founders.

“Their influence nurtured my curiosity about food sustainability and a desire to reconnect urban communities with the origins of their food,” shares Roc. “Living in a fast-paced city like Singapore, it’s easy to forget where our food comes from and the impact our choices have on the environment.”

Today, in addition to managing the Fairmont and Swissotel Aquaponics Farm, Corridor Farmers has built microfarms for schools including the Canadian International School, Pathlight School and UTown at National University Singapore.

A micro farm. | IMAGE: ROC KOH

How did you end up going into farming full-time from being a community gardener?

I noticed a gap – many neighbours were interested in the produce from the community garden but didn’t know who, when or how to reach out. That’s when I embarked on the idea of a marketplace app to connect micro farmers with local consumers, matching supply with demand within hyperlocal distances.

For the first one to two years, the app was our core focus. However, we realised that many of our users, especially the elderly growers, weren’t digitally savvy. This demographic challenge prompted us to pivot. We shifted our focus to setting up micro farms, creating educational spaces, and aggregating small volumes of hyperlocal produce for clients.

In 2022, I decided to take a leap of faith, quit flying [after more than 10 years], and commit full-time to Corridor Farmers. This transition coincided with the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, marking a new chapter in my journey.

Agriculture is unconventional in Singapore, but that’s what makes it fulfilling, says Roc. | IMAGE: ROC KOH

Agriculture is quite an unconventional industry here. How do you feel living off the beaten path? Do you ever feel pressure to go back into a more conventional job?

It’s been both challenging and rewarding. Agriculture is unconventional in Singapore, but that’s also what makes it so fulfilling. Every day is different, and I’m constantly learning and innovating to make urban farming more sustainable and impactful.

Of course, there have been moments when friends or family questioned my decision, especially since I left a stable career in aviation. But over time, they’ve seen how passionate I am about this work and how it aligns with my values. Their support has grown, and I’ve learned to trust my instincts.

Fulfilment, for me, comes from contributing to something greater, fostering communities centred on sustainable living through urban farming, while driving the vision of circular cities where food production and social connectivity are integral to building design and urban development.

What have been some of the main challenges you’ve faced?

One of the biggest challenges has been balancing growth with sustainability. Urban farming is still a niche industry in Singapore, and educating both consumers and stakeholders about its benefits takes time and effort.

Another challenge has been managing the operational complexities of running multiple urban farms in diverse spaces like commercial properties, schools, and residential estates. Each project comes with its own logistical and environmental considerations.

Roc points out that balancing growth with sustainability in Singapore’s niche urban farming scene takes time and effort. | IMAGE: ROC KOH

What advice do you have for others who want to follow their passion and do something different?

My advice is simple: Take the leap, but do it with purpose and preparation. Pursuing an unconventional path isn’t easy, and there will be moments of doubt. But if you’re passionate about something, it’s worth exploring.

At the same time, be ready to learn, adapt, and grow. Surround yourself with mentors, build a strong support network, and don’t be afraid to fail. Every setback is a lesson, and every lesson brings you closer to success.

Lastly, remember that unconventional paths often lead to the most meaningful and fulfilling journeys. Trust yourself, stay curious, and stay committed to your vision.

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