BIOTEC-NSTDA, in collaboration with Thammasat University, Queen’s University Belfast and the International Joint Research Center on Food Security (IJC-FOODSEC), recently hosted ASEAN-ASSET 2023: Global Summit on the Future of Future Food at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok. The conference which was held from 14-15 November 2023 marked the first time of this important event taking place in Asia, serving as a platform for knowledge exchange and discussions on food security, with the theme “Global Protein Integrity”.

In 2022, the World Bank issued a warning about the onset of a global food crisis. In addition, the World Food Programme revealed that within two years, the number of people facing, or at risk of, acute food insecurity increased from 135 million in 53 countries pre-pandemic to 345 million in 79 countries in 2023.

Prof. Dr. Christopher Elliott, OBE, from the Institute for Global Food Security at Queen’s University Belfast, stated that Queen’s University Belfast, NSTDA and Thammasat University jointly organized ASEAN-ASSET 2023 to provide a forum for exchanging ideas, discussions, and presenting research on global food security. This includes exploring alternative proteins, applying advanced science and technology to support future food production, and ensuring the safety of future food from various sources.

In his opening statement, Mr. Permsuk Sutchaphiwat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI), remarked that the Thai government established the National Food Board in 2008 to promote the country’s food security. The Strategic Framework for Food Management in Thailand was introduced in 2020, focusing on enhancing food security, safety, quality, and education in Thailand. It marked the first step toward cooperation between various sectors to strengthen the food systems at both local and national levels. In 2021, the Cabinet declared the Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG) Model a national agenda and assigned MHESI to spearhead the BCG Model implementation. The BCG Model is a major driver of agricultural transformation in Thailand, contributing to protein production and reducing food loss and waste.

Mr. Permsuk added that funds have been allocated to support research and development for food security, with a priority set for future food and global partnerships to foster domestic and international industry-academia collaboration.

NSTDA President Prof. Dr. Sukit Limpijumnong highlighted NSTDA’s research efforts aimed at facilitating a sustainable food system. These endeavors encompass the development of climate-resilient, pest-and-disease-resistant, high-yielding rice varieties, digital tools to enhance farm activities such as TAMIS and Agri-Map, high value-added and functional ingredients, food products for special groups such as patients and the elderly, diagnostic technology to support food safety assessment, food packaging with special properties, and food traceability.

BIOTEC Executive Director Dr. Wonnop Visessanguan stated that BIOTEC, Thammasat University and Queen’s University Belfast jointly established IJC-FOODSEC in 2022. Based at BIOTEC, IJC-FOODSEC has a primary mission to conduct world-class research, facilitating food security and safety throughout the supply chain in the ASEAN region. Its research has resulted in the value addition of various agricultural commodities and biological resources, as well as ensuring food safety, particularly in term of mycotoxins. This effort aims to enhance the capabilities of food producers and exporters in Thailand and ASEAN countries.

Thammasat University Rector Assoc. Prof. Gasinee Witoonchart remarked that her university is committed to equipping its graduates with knowledge and skills in food science and technology. Students’ learning experiences have been enhanced through cooperative education, exposing them to practical work experience in food manufacturing establishments. Earlier this year, Thammasat University joined the Reinventing University initiative, leveraging the collaboration between IJC-FOODSEC, Food Innopolis, Thammasat University, and the food industry to become a game-changer in the development of highly skilled workforce and establishing academic excellence on the world stage.

ASSET is an international conference dedicating to food integrity. The ASSET conference was initiated by the Institute for Global Food Security (IGFS), Queen’s University Belfast and has been organized in Europe. The conference was introduced to Asia for the first time this year as a result of the establishment of IJC-FOODSEC in Thailand.  ASEAN-ASSET 2023 was attended by over 400 participants, featuring 36 research presentations.