Bringing you the latest science, events, publications and news from ILSI SEA Region.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Seminar on Precision Agriculture and Gene Editing Technology for Sustainable Food Production – Science and Communication
Sept 18 & 19, 2024, Malaysia and Singapore
Rapid advances in precision agriculture and gene editing are transforming the global agri-food sector, providing new pathways for sustainable food production. To ensure these technologies are safely and effectively integrated, it is important to share the latest scientific insights, safety assessments, and regulatory developments with stakeholders. Additionally, active engagement, education and communication are essential to prevent misconceptions.
To address these critical topics, ILSI SEA Region, in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture-Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA-FAS), CropLife Asia, Genetic Modification Advisory Committee (GMAC) Singapore and Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), will organize a series of seminars on September 18 & 19, 2024, in Malaysia and Singapore. Read more
Seminar on Nutrition Labeling
October 10, 2024, Vietnam
As part of ILSI SEA Region's ongoing series of seminars and workshops on nutrition labeling and claims, the upcoming 1-day seminar to be held in Vietnam will bring together regulators, researchers and scientists, and relevant food industry personnel, to provide updates on ASEAN’s harmonization efforts, including Nutrition Labeling Guidelines, Nutrient Reference Values (NRV), best practices for Nutrition Information Panels (NIP) and tolerance limits, and the latest on nutrition and health claims, focusing on criteria and scientific substantiation. More details on this seminar will be shared soon.
Symposium: Advancing Gut Microbiome Research for Applications in Health and Food Innovation
November 25 - 26, 2024, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
This upcoming symposium will provide an exciting platform to share latest updates in microbiome research, from clinical to translational science and applications. Global and regional experts will exchange knowledge and discuss important topics including dietary recommendations to improve nutrition and health, innovations in technology and product development, as well as regulatory developments and consumer insights. Symposium Details and Registration
RECENT EVENTS
Agri-food System and Health at Asian Development Bank’s Food Security Forum 2024
April 14-16, 2024, Philippines
ILSI SEA Region participated at the Asia and the Pacific Food Security Forum organized by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and held in Manila, Philippines. Mr. Geoffrey Smith, President of ILSI SEA Region, made a presentation addressing the complexity and interconnectedness of food systems in Asia and around the world. Mr. Smith highlighted the need for a holistic approach to food system and dietary sustainability, as well as the importance of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research in future agroecology studies.
ReThink Carbohydrates: Science, Health and Regulatory Development
April 24, 2024, Malaysia
Over the past two decades, advances in science and research have highlighted the benefits of complex carbohydrates, including their role in providing essential micronutrients, dietary fiber, and phytochemicals, leading to regulatory developments and health claims. However, debates on carbohydrate intake and its link to obesity and non-communicable diseases have created confusion and misperceptions among consumers. To address this, ILSI SEA Region organized a symposium where experts discussed the latest scientific and regulatory insights on carbohydrates and health. Find Out More
Prevention of Double Burden of Malnutrition in Malaysian School Children
May 20, 2024, Malaysia
A research engagement and focus group discussion was held as part of a collaborative research project on double burden of malnutrition (DBM) among school-age children in Malaysia. The collaborators included the University of Leeds, the Nutrition Society of Malaysia, ILSI SEA Region, and Universiti Putra Malaysia. Stakeholders from ministries, NGOs, NPOs, and industries also attended the meeting, which featured presentations on the impact of food environments on public health, the challenges of undernutrition and overnutrition, and strategies for promoting healthy nutrition among children. Group discussions focused on existing policies and programs, identifying barriers, and exploring ways to improve the implementation of nutrition initiatives.
Webinar on Nutrition Labeling Guidelines
May 2, 2024
A webinar “Streamlined: What’s New in Nutrition Labeling Guidelines?” organized by ILSI SEA Region Philippine Country Community featured key presentations on the Philippine Dietary Reference Intakes (PDRI), including the latest FDA regulations on PDRI adoption. It provided valuable insights into the regulatory framework and explored front-of-pack labeling (FOPL) regulations and initiatives across Southeast Asia, highlighting diverse approaches and the potential for regional harmonization.
Outreach to Stakeholders in Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines
In June to August 2024, ILSI SEA Region organized a series of Stakeholder Meetings in the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia, to share and discuss updates on ILSI SEA Region’s science programs and activities. The meetings also provided opportunities to engage with industry representatives, experts and thought leaders, as well as potential collaborators. The discussions focused on addressing key scientific issues, and explored how ILSI can bring together stakeholders from private and public sectors to resolve shared challenges, and develop effective solutions to achieve positive health outcomes populations in the region.
PUBLICATIONS
Shifting Trend of Protein Consumption in Southeast Asia: Towards Health, Innovation and Sustainability
Current Developments in Nutrition, August 2024
Following the Symposium on protein needs and dietary shifts in Southeast Asia held last February 2023, a comprehensive report was published to summarize the protein intake of the region and explore on the shift towards alternative and complementary proteins and its health implications. It highlights the role of protein quality in dietary evaluations, importance of optimal intake, and the need for sustainable practices in protein production and food innovations. View Full Publication Here
NEWS FROM AROUND ILSI
The ILSI Global Newsletter June 2024 features research updates from ILSI U.S. and Canada, reflecting their significant contributions to health, nutrition, and food safety research over the past two years. It covers a broad range of topics, including nutrients, bioactives, functional foods, healthy aging, and the risk assessment of cultivated food products. Additionally, ILSI Global introduces new research initiatives on sustainability, food and nutrition security, and the microbiome. Read the Newsletter here
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Subscribe to our Newsletter and join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates.