Kenny Eng

Founder & Principal Consultant, Gardenasia 

BSc in Real Estate, Class of 1999

Kenny Eng’s childhood was spent among the lush greenery of Nyee Phoe Group, his family’s award-winning landscape consultancy. After earning his Bachelor of Science in Real Estate from NUS in 1999, Kenny joined the family business, where he initially focused on landscaping. Over time, his passion for agriculture deepened as he ventured into events management, food & beverage, and hospitality under Nyee Phoe’s Agritainment initiative, blending agriculture with leisure and education. 

Through years of serving the local agriculture industry—most notably during his time with the Kranji Countryside Association (KCA)—Kenny gained firsthand insight into the challenges faced by farmers. From land leases to manpower shortages, he experienced the struggles of the agricultural sector and developed a profound empathy for the farming community. It was during this journey that Kenny realized he was not just supporting farmers—he was one of them. 

This realisation laid the foundation for The Local Farm, which Kenny established in 2019 under Gardenasia. Far from being a random business venture, it was a purpose-driven initiative born out of Kenny’s commitment to connect urban consumers with fresh, locally grown produce while supporting the local farming community. 

When COVID-19 struck, it reinforced the importance of food security, especially as Singapore faced disruptions in food imports. Farmers struggled with plummeting demand, prompting Kenny to pivot The Local Farm into a dual-impact business model: one that sustained both the business and local farmers. It was during this challenging period that the guiding principle of “No Farmers, No Food” became more than a slogan—it became Kenny’s driving purpose, shaping the direction of The Local Farm and reinforcing his belief in a resilient, purpose-led ecosystem. 

Kenny’s efforts have since fostered a growing appreciation for farm-to-table concepts among Singaporeans, sparking a renewed awareness of the vital role local agriculture plays in the community. As he continues to cultivate this sustainable vision, Kenny remains focused on inspiring others to value local produce and understand that true resilience is rooted in purpose.