UK–ASEAN symposium strengthens collaboration on precision breeding and agricultural innovation in Southeast Asia.
The UK–ASEAN Symposium on Precision Breeding was held in Hanoi, Vietnam, bringing together over 60 researchers, policymakers, and experts from ASEAN Member States and the United Kingdom. The symposium aimed to advance collaboration in genome-editing technologies and strengthen regional cooperation in agricultural innovation.
The event featured opening remarks, thematic presentations, and discussions covering applications of precision breeding across crops, livestock, and aquaculture. Participants also examined global and regional regulatory approaches, public acceptance considerations, and recent scientific developments in genome-editing technologies.
The symposium was organised as a platform for knowledge exchange and policy dialogue, with sessions designed to foster collaboration between scientific communities and policymakers. Activities included rapid-fire presentations, networking engagements, and partnership-building workshops to identify joint research opportunities.
Discussions highlighted the increasing interest in integrating modern breeding technologies into Southeast Asia’s food and agriculture systems. Participants noted the importance of aligning scientific advancements with regulatory frameworks and public engagement to support sustainable adoption.
The symposium also underscored the role of UK–ASEAN cooperation in promoting innovation, capacity building, and the exchange of expertise in agricultural biotechnology. Strengthening science-to-policy linkages was identified as a key priority to support food security and agricultural resilience in the region.
The meeting concluded with a shared understanding of the need for continued collaboration and dialogue to advance precision breeding initiatives and support sustainable agricultural development across ASEAN.
Source: ASEAN
