• Regional Symposium on Dietary Factors in Healthy Gut Microbiome: Prebiotics, Probiotics and Postbiotics

    26 August 2026 |  M World Hotel Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

  • 2nd Regional Symposium on Nutrition and Healthy Longevity

    23 - 24 September 2026
    M World Hotel Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

  • April 2026 Newsletter

    is now available!

  • Report on Regulatory Status of Micronutrient Fortification in Southeast Asia

  • Review of Nutrition Labeling, Nutrition & Health Claims Regulations in Asia

  • Update on the Functional Food Monograph

    is now available!

  • Now available: ILSI's new book about food safety!

    Present Knowledge in Food Safety is a comprehensive resource that addresses food safety concerns and scientific advancements along the farm-to-consumption supply chain.

ILSI SEA Region initiates and coordinates scientific programs, research, as well as knowledge and information dissemination in Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. Read more


August 2026

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Website banner - Symposium on Dietary Factors in Healthy Gut Microbiome

The gut microbiota is a complex and diverse ecosystem comprising over 100 trillion microorganisms located predominantly in the distal gut and plays essential roles in nutrient absorption and metabolism, protection against pathogens, regulation of immune function, and strengthening of the gut and intestinal barriers. Increasing evidence recognises a healthy gut microbiota as a critical determinant of human health, while alterations in its composition and functionality, often referred to as microbial dysbiosis, are associated with metabolic disorders and pathological processes such as inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, metabolic syndrome, autism, and certain cancers. Among the many factors that influence the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota, dietary factors are considered one of the main drivers across the lifetime.

This symposium will focus on 3 bioactive dietary factors in promoting healthy gut microbiota, namely prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics, which are increasingly recognised for their potential health benefits to the host. 

Objectives

The symposium aims to:

  • Provide scientific updates, including their roles in promoting a healthy gut microbiota
  • Share research, innovative development and applications in food and supplements
  • Review of regulatory status in SEA countries
  • Discuss consumer understanding, perception and utilization

The1-day symposium will be held at:

Stay at M World Hotel Petaling Jaya

M World Hotel Petaling Jaya (Formerly AVANTE Hotel)
Address: 31, Persiaran Bandar Utama, Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Website: www.mworldhotel.com.my

REGISTRATION

Industry (Non-ILSI SEA Region Members) 800 RM 400 SGD
Industry (ILSI SEA Region Members / NSM Members) 700 RM 350 SGD
Government / Academia 400 RM 250 SGD
Other NSM Members Residing in Malaysia 400 RM -
*Notes:
• Local Rates are only applicable for participants residing in Malaysia.

• Overseas registration fees are exclusive of Eventbrite platform charges. Applicable fees will be reflected upon checkout.
• No cancellation will be allowed once the registration is confirmed. However, a substitute participant will be accepted.
Local Registration Overseas Registration

PRELIMINARY PROGRAMME

08:45 - 09:00 hr Opening and Welcome Remarks

09:00- 09:40 hr Keynote Lecture 1: The Human Gut Microbiome Ecosystem in Health and Disease
Prof Patricia Conway, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 09:40 -10:20 hr Keynote Lecture 2: Healthy Gut Microbiome - the Role of Dietary Factors
Emeritus Prof Margaret Morris, University of New South Wales, Australia 10:20 - 10:40 hr  Q&A
10:40 - 11:00 hr Morning Refreshment Break/ Networking Session 1: Prebiotics - Current Science and Functional Applications

Featuring the following presentations and speakers:

  • From Nutrients to Muscle Health: Protein, Micronutrients and Physical Activities in Muscle Biology  
    Dr. Stephan Theis, BENEO-Institute, Germany
  • HMOs and Next-Generation Prebiotics  
    Speaker TBC

11:40 - 11:55 hr Q&A

Session 2: Probiotics - From Scientific Evidence to Clinical Practice

Featuring the following presentations and speakers:

  • Update on the Health Benefits of Probiotics  
    Speaker TBC
  • Food Applications of Probiotics  
    Speaker TBC
  • Clinical Practice and Application of Probiotics
    Speaker TBC
12:55 - 13:10 hr Q&A
13:10 - 14:00 hr Lunch/ Exhibit Viewing / Networking Session 3: Postbiotics - Emerging Science and Consumer Understanding

Featuring the following presentation and speaker:

  • Scientific Perspective and Global Consumer Understanding of Postbiotics  
    Dr Andy Jin, Royal Agricultural University, United Kingdom

14:20 - 14:30 hr  Q&A

Session 4: Regulatory Landscape of Pre-, Pro- and Postbiotics in SEA

Featuring the following presentations and speakers:

  • (i) Country sharing: Malaysia  
    Ts. Nurul Hidayati Mohd Nasir, Food Safety and Quality Programme (FSQP), Ministry of Health Malaysia
  • (ii) Country sharing: China
    Prof Dr Xuesong Xiang,
    Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, China
  • (iii) Country sharing: Thailand
    Speaker TBC,Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Thailand
  • (iv) Country sharing: Indonesia
    Speaker TBC, National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM), Indonesia
15:40 - 16:00 hr Q&A
16:00 - 16:20 hr Afternoon Refreshment Break/ Exhibit Viewing / Networking Panel Discussion

16:20 - 17:00 hr Panel Discussion

17:00 hr
Closing Remarks
End of Symposium

FEATURED SPEAKERS

Prof Patricia Conway_updated 2026 Biotics
Prof Patricia Conway
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Prof Patricia Conway, Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore
Prof Patricia Conway is Visiting Professor of the Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Singapore and CEO of PC Biome Pte Ltd. She was Professor at the School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering and in the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Food Technology Centre, NTU. She has extensive research and industry R&D experience, including authorship on over 100 scientific papers in international journals, monographs or book chapters, and numerous plenary or keynote lectures at international meetings. She is inventor on over 20 patent applications and Principal Investigator on grants in Sweden, Australia and Singapore. Prof Conway's research interests are gastrointestinal microbiology, functional foods including probiotics and prebiotics. She has a particular focus on bacterial colonization of the gastrointestinal tract and mechanisms of bacterial adhesion, pathogen inhibition and immune modulation in animals and humans in order to develop ways of modulating the microbiome for health.
Prof Morris
Emeritus Prof Margaret Morris
University of New South Wales, Australia Emeritus Prof Margaret Morris, National University of New South Wales, Australia
Emeritus Professor Margaret Morris (FRSN, BScPhD Monash) is a neuropharmacologist who established the Environmental Determinants of Obesity Research lab at UNSW in 2005. Her research addresses critical questions concerning the impact of adverse early life events and lifestyle factors on chronic disease risk, and lifestyle and pharmacological options for intervention. NH&MRC funded work includes intergenerational transmission of obesity and the psychology of eating, e.g. how does provision of a varied, energy rich diet override the control mechanisms that should maintain body weight? The impacts of maternal obesity, cycling between healthy and unhealthy diets, and time restricted feeding, on metabolic health, composition of the gut microbiome and cognitive function is a key interest.
Morris was the inaugural Professor and Head of Pharmacology at UNSW. Having held other key academic positions (Melbourne, Deakin, Flinders Universities) educating health professionals (Medicine, Nursing, Optometry, Dentistry, Exercise Science) and Science students, she was instrumental in driving curriculum development and postgraduate training.
Dr Theis
Dr Stephan Theis
BENEO-Institute, Germany Dr Stephan Theis, BENEO-Institute, Germany
Dr. Stephan Theis is Head of Nutrition Science and Communication at the BENEO-Institute. He leads global research on the nutritional and health benefits of functional ingredients such as prebiotic dietary fibres and Palatinose™ and oversees scientific communication. Having joined the Südzucker/BENEO Group in 2001, he holds a diploma in Nutrition Science from the University of Giessen and a PhD from the Technical University of Munich. Stephan is a member of the Senior Leadership Team of BENEO and a founding member of the BENEO-Institute inaugurated in 2009. He is actively involved in international scientific committees and collaborative research projects including several Committees of the International Life Science Institute (ILSI) and provides nutritional expertise to regulatory approval work and marketing activities.
Dr Andy Jin
Dr Andy Jin
Royal Agricultural University, United Kingdom Dr Andy Jin, Royal Agricultural University, United Kingdom
Dr Jin is a transdisciplinary social science researcher. He integrates theories and methods from social psychology, sociology, and economics to examine how individuals and societies respond to risk and sustainability challenges in the agri-food sector, with the aim of informing socially robust and policy-relevant agri-food solutions. He has extensive experience working on interdisciplinary agri-food projects across Asia and Europe, and to date his research has led to over 35 peer-reviewed academic publications.
Before joining RAU, Dr Jin was a Senior Lecturer at the University of Portsmouth (2021-2025) and a Research Associate at Newcastle University (2019-2021). Prior to his academic career, he also worked with international organisations and private companies. He is currently the Programme Leader for MSc Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security (RAU at Qingdao Agricultural University Joint Institute).
Prof Xiang (2)
Prof Dr Xuesong Xiang
Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, China Prof Dr Xuesong Xiang, Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, China
Prof Dr Xuesong Xiang is a Professor at the National Institute for Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC). He serves as a Council Member of the Chinese Nutrition Society (CNS), Vice Chair and Secretary-General of the Probiotic, Prebiotic and Health Branch of the CNS, a Standing Committee Member of the Food Hygiene Branch of the Chinese Preventive Medicine Association, and a Member of the Asia-Pacific Branch of the International Carbohydrate Quality Consortium (ICQC-AP).
His research expertise encompasses dietary nutrition, gut microbiota, and the evaluation of scientific evidence on probiotics and prebiotics. He has authored more than 60 publications in national and international peer-reviewed journals and co-edited 14 books on nutrition, making significant contributions to the advancement of nutrition science and public health.
Prof. Xiang has also played a pivotal role in the development of national and industry standards, as well as expert consensus statements in China. As the lead drafter and principal author, he contributed to several landmark Chinese Nutrition Society (CNS) Expert Consensus documents, including those on probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, and the definition and sources of dietary fibre.
Ts. Nurul Hidayati Mohd. Nasir_2026
Ts. Nurul Hidayati Mohd. Nasir
Food Safety and Quality Programme, Ministry of Health Malaysia PTs. Nurul Hidayati Mohd. Nasir, Food Safety and Quality Programme, Ministry of Health Malaysia
Ts. Nurul Hidayati Mohd. Nasir is a Nutritionist with the Food Safety and Quality Programme, Ministry of Health Malaysia, where she has served since 2008. Her key responsibilities include reviewing applications related to food labelling, nutrition labelling, and health claims, as well as contributing to amendments to the Malaysian Food Regulations. She serves as the Secretariat to the Expert Committee on Nutrition, Health Claims and Advertising, which evaluates applications for nutrition and health claims, and also as the Secretariat to the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses (CCNFSDU), coordinating Malaysia's draft responses and national positions on issues concerning foods for special dietary uses. In addition, Ts. Nurul Hidayati is a panel member of the Organic Food Certification Scheme and serves as a member of the Rare Diseases Committee and the Committee on the Code of Ethics for the Marketing of Infant Foods, Ministry of Health Malaysia. She was a key contributor to the development of the Malaysian Vegetarian Dietary Guidelines. Her professional interests focus on food labelling, nutrition, and food regulatory affairs.

Stay tuned for more eminent speakers!

ORGANIZER

TGN_042922_ILSI_Logo_Southeast_Asia_Region-

CO-ORGANIZER

Nutrition Society Malaysia

CONTACT

If you have any inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us through:

ILSI Southeast Asia Region
18 Mohamed Sultan Road #03-01 Singapore 238967
Tel: 65 6352 5220
Email: event@ilsisea.org.sg [post_title] => Regional Symposium on Dietary Factors in Healthy Gut Microbiome: Prebiotics, Probiotics and Postbiotics [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => gut-microbiome-2026 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2026-07-13 06:06:41 [post_modified_gmt] => 2026-07-13 06:06:41 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://ilsisea-region.org/?post_type=event&p=31090 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => event [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) ) [post_count] => 1 [current_post] => -1 [before_loop] => [in_the_loop] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 31090 [post_author] => 353 [post_date] => 2026-05-17 17:24:56 [post_date_gmt] => 2026-05-17 17:24:56 [post_content] =>
Website banner - Symposium on Dietary Factors in Healthy Gut Microbiome

The gut microbiota is a complex and diverse ecosystem comprising over 100 trillion microorganisms located predominantly in the distal gut and plays essential roles in nutrient absorption and metabolism, protection against pathogens, regulation of immune function, and strengthening of the gut and intestinal barriers. Increasing evidence recognises a healthy gut microbiota as a critical determinant of human health, while alterations in its composition and functionality, often referred to as microbial dysbiosis, are associated with metabolic disorders and pathological processes such as inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, metabolic syndrome, autism, and certain cancers. Among the many factors that influence the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota, dietary factors are considered one of the main drivers across the lifetime.

This symposium will focus on 3 bioactive dietary factors in promoting healthy gut microbiota, namely prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics, which are increasingly recognised for their potential health benefits to the host. 

Objectives

The symposium aims to:

  • Provide scientific updates, including their roles in promoting a healthy gut microbiota
  • Share research, innovative development and applications in food and supplements
  • Review of regulatory status in SEA countries
  • Discuss consumer understanding, perception and utilization

The1-day symposium will be held at:

Stay at M World Hotel Petaling Jaya

M World Hotel Petaling Jaya (Formerly AVANTE Hotel)
Address: 31, Persiaran Bandar Utama, Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Website: www.mworldhotel.com.my

REGISTRATION

Industry (Non-ILSI SEA Region Members) 800 RM 400 SGD
Industry (ILSI SEA Region Members / NSM Members) 700 RM 350 SGD
Government / Academia 400 RM 250 SGD
Other NSM Members Residing in Malaysia 400 RM -
*Notes:
• Local Rates are only applicable for participants residing in Malaysia.

• Overseas registration fees are exclusive of Eventbrite platform charges. Applicable fees will be reflected upon checkout.
• No cancellation will be allowed once the registration is confirmed. However, a substitute participant will be accepted.
Local Registration Overseas Registration

PRELIMINARY PROGRAMME

08:45 - 09:00 hr Opening and Welcome Remarks

09:00- 09:40 hr Keynote Lecture 1: The Human Gut Microbiome Ecosystem in Health and Disease
Prof Patricia Conway, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 09:40 -10:20 hr Keynote Lecture 2: Healthy Gut Microbiome - the Role of Dietary Factors
Emeritus Prof Margaret Morris, University of New South Wales, Australia 10:20 - 10:40 hr  Q&A
10:40 - 11:00 hr Morning Refreshment Break/ Networking Session 1: Prebiotics - Current Science and Functional Applications

Featuring the following presentations and speakers:

  • From Nutrients to Muscle Health: Protein, Micronutrients and Physical Activities in Muscle Biology  
    Dr. Stephan Theis, BENEO-Institute, Germany
  • HMOs and Next-Generation Prebiotics  
    Speaker TBC

11:40 - 11:55 hr Q&A

Session 2: Probiotics - From Scientific Evidence to Clinical Practice

Featuring the following presentations and speakers:

  • Update on the Health Benefits of Probiotics  
    Speaker TBC
  • Food Applications of Probiotics  
    Speaker TBC
  • Clinical Practice and Application of Probiotics
    Speaker TBC
12:55 - 13:10 hr Q&A
13:10 - 14:00 hr Lunch/ Exhibit Viewing / Networking Session 3: Postbiotics - Emerging Science and Consumer Understanding

Featuring the following presentation and speaker:

  • Scientific Perspective and Global Consumer Understanding of Postbiotics  
    Dr Andy Jin, Royal Agricultural University, United Kingdom

14:20 - 14:30 hr  Q&A

Session 4: Regulatory Landscape of Pre-, Pro- and Postbiotics in SEA

Featuring the following presentations and speakers:

  • (i) Country sharing: Malaysia  
    Ts. Nurul Hidayati Mohd Nasir, Food Safety and Quality Programme (FSQP), Ministry of Health Malaysia
  • (ii) Country sharing: China
    Prof Dr Xuesong Xiang,
    Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, China
  • (iii) Country sharing: Thailand
    Speaker TBC,Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Thailand
  • (iv) Country sharing: Indonesia
    Speaker TBC, National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM), Indonesia
15:40 - 16:00 hr Q&A
16:00 - 16:20 hr Afternoon Refreshment Break/ Exhibit Viewing / Networking Panel Discussion

16:20 - 17:00 hr Panel Discussion

17:00 hr
Closing Remarks
End of Symposium

FEATURED SPEAKERS

Prof Patricia Conway_updated 2026 Biotics
Prof Patricia Conway
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Prof Patricia Conway, Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore
Prof Patricia Conway is Visiting Professor of the Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Singapore and CEO of PC Biome Pte Ltd. She was Professor at the School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering and in the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Food Technology Centre, NTU. She has extensive research and industry R&D experience, including authorship on over 100 scientific papers in international journals, monographs or book chapters, and numerous plenary or keynote lectures at international meetings. She is inventor on over 20 patent applications and Principal Investigator on grants in Sweden, Australia and Singapore. Prof Conway's research interests are gastrointestinal microbiology, functional foods including probiotics and prebiotics. She has a particular focus on bacterial colonization of the gastrointestinal tract and mechanisms of bacterial adhesion, pathogen inhibition and immune modulation in animals and humans in order to develop ways of modulating the microbiome for health.
Prof Morris
Emeritus Prof Margaret Morris
University of New South Wales, Australia Emeritus Prof Margaret Morris, National University of New South Wales, Australia
Emeritus Professor Margaret Morris (FRSN, BScPhD Monash) is a neuropharmacologist who established the Environmental Determinants of Obesity Research lab at UNSW in 2005. Her research addresses critical questions concerning the impact of adverse early life events and lifestyle factors on chronic disease risk, and lifestyle and pharmacological options for intervention. NH&MRC funded work includes intergenerational transmission of obesity and the psychology of eating, e.g. how does provision of a varied, energy rich diet override the control mechanisms that should maintain body weight? The impacts of maternal obesity, cycling between healthy and unhealthy diets, and time restricted feeding, on metabolic health, composition of the gut microbiome and cognitive function is a key interest.
Morris was the inaugural Professor and Head of Pharmacology at UNSW. Having held other key academic positions (Melbourne, Deakin, Flinders Universities) educating health professionals (Medicine, Nursing, Optometry, Dentistry, Exercise Science) and Science students, she was instrumental in driving curriculum development and postgraduate training.
Dr Theis
Dr Stephan Theis
BENEO-Institute, Germany Dr Stephan Theis, BENEO-Institute, Germany
Dr. Stephan Theis is Head of Nutrition Science and Communication at the BENEO-Institute. He leads global research on the nutritional and health benefits of functional ingredients such as prebiotic dietary fibres and Palatinose™ and oversees scientific communication. Having joined the Südzucker/BENEO Group in 2001, he holds a diploma in Nutrition Science from the University of Giessen and a PhD from the Technical University of Munich. Stephan is a member of the Senior Leadership Team of BENEO and a founding member of the BENEO-Institute inaugurated in 2009. He is actively involved in international scientific committees and collaborative research projects including several Committees of the International Life Science Institute (ILSI) and provides nutritional expertise to regulatory approval work and marketing activities.
Dr Andy Jin
Dr Andy Jin
Royal Agricultural University, United Kingdom Dr Andy Jin, Royal Agricultural University, United Kingdom
Dr Jin is a transdisciplinary social science researcher. He integrates theories and methods from social psychology, sociology, and economics to examine how individuals and societies respond to risk and sustainability challenges in the agri-food sector, with the aim of informing socially robust and policy-relevant agri-food solutions. He has extensive experience working on interdisciplinary agri-food projects across Asia and Europe, and to date his research has led to over 35 peer-reviewed academic publications.
Before joining RAU, Dr Jin was a Senior Lecturer at the University of Portsmouth (2021-2025) and a Research Associate at Newcastle University (2019-2021). Prior to his academic career, he also worked with international organisations and private companies. He is currently the Programme Leader for MSc Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security (RAU at Qingdao Agricultural University Joint Institute).
Prof Xiang (2)
Prof Dr Xuesong Xiang
Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, China Prof Dr Xuesong Xiang, Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, China
Prof Dr Xuesong Xiang is a Professor at the National Institute for Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC). He serves as a Council Member of the Chinese Nutrition Society (CNS), Vice Chair and Secretary-General of the Probiotic, Prebiotic and Health Branch of the CNS, a Standing Committee Member of the Food Hygiene Branch of the Chinese Preventive Medicine Association, and a Member of the Asia-Pacific Branch of the International Carbohydrate Quality Consortium (ICQC-AP).
His research expertise encompasses dietary nutrition, gut microbiota, and the evaluation of scientific evidence on probiotics and prebiotics. He has authored more than 60 publications in national and international peer-reviewed journals and co-edited 14 books on nutrition, making significant contributions to the advancement of nutrition science and public health.
Prof. Xiang has also played a pivotal role in the development of national and industry standards, as well as expert consensus statements in China. As the lead drafter and principal author, he contributed to several landmark Chinese Nutrition Society (CNS) Expert Consensus documents, including those on probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, and the definition and sources of dietary fibre.
Ts. Nurul Hidayati Mohd. Nasir_2026
Ts. Nurul Hidayati Mohd. Nasir
Food Safety and Quality Programme, Ministry of Health Malaysia PTs. Nurul Hidayati Mohd. Nasir, Food Safety and Quality Programme, Ministry of Health Malaysia
Ts. Nurul Hidayati Mohd. Nasir is a Nutritionist with the Food Safety and Quality Programme, Ministry of Health Malaysia, where she has served since 2008. Her key responsibilities include reviewing applications related to food labelling, nutrition labelling, and health claims, as well as contributing to amendments to the Malaysian Food Regulations. She serves as the Secretariat to the Expert Committee on Nutrition, Health Claims and Advertising, which evaluates applications for nutrition and health claims, and also as the Secretariat to the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses (CCNFSDU), coordinating Malaysia's draft responses and national positions on issues concerning foods for special dietary uses. In addition, Ts. Nurul Hidayati is a panel member of the Organic Food Certification Scheme and serves as a member of the Rare Diseases Committee and the Committee on the Code of Ethics for the Marketing of Infant Foods, Ministry of Health Malaysia. She was a key contributor to the development of the Malaysian Vegetarian Dietary Guidelines. Her professional interests focus on food labelling, nutrition, and food regulatory affairs.

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