ASCA9 Convenes Regional Leaders for Regulatory Cooperation and Innovation

The International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA), Inc., the Malaysian Biotechnology Information Centre (MABIC), and Peterson Solutions welcomed over 30 participants and speakers from eight countries at the opening of the 9th Asian Short Course on Agribiotechnology, Biosafety Regulation, and Communication (ASCA9) on September 1, 2026, in Selangor, Malaysia.

"Looking across the entire R&D supply chain in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and industry, there are clear broken linkages," stated Dr. Mahaletchumy Arujanan, MABIC Executive Director and ASCA founder, during her opening welcome message. "This is why expanding this conversation beyond United Nations meetings through science communication is critical. My hope is that we can exchange knowledge, foster innovation, and empower each of us to become strong advocates in our own countries and beyond."

The course's opening day focused on the evolution of biotechnology, tracing its trajectory from traditional methods to next-generation innovations. Expert speakers highlighting various facets of frontier agribiotechnology included Dr. Antonio Alfonso (Corteva Agriscience), Ms. Kristine Tome (ISAAA, Inc.), Dr. Michael Jones (Murdoch University), Mr. Normal Oliva (International Rice Research Institute), Dr. Nadiya Akmal Barahum (Universiti Putra Malaysia - UPM), Dr. Felicity Keiper (BASF), and Prof. Siva Kumar Balasundram (UPM).

As part of the interactive sessions, representatives from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Taiwan presented country-level updates on biotech research, adoption, and regulatory frameworks.

Summarizing the session, discussion moderator and ISAAA Deputy Director Mr. Panfilo de Guzman emphasized the need for regional collaboration. "Seeing the progress, as well as the challenges faced by these countries in terms of regulations, it is recommended that we pursue regulatory cohesion and cooperation, and continue our efforts to build trust in the technology so we can reap its benefits," Mr. de Guzman highlighted.

ASCA is a four-day short course running through September 4. Beyond lectures and panel discussions, the itinerary features hands-on experiential learning, including site visits and direct engagements with experts in integrated and smart agriculture across Cameron Highlands and the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB).

CropLife Asia, the US Grains & Bioproducts Council, BASF, and PtBio support ASCA9.

For inquiries, contact knowledgecenter@isaaa.org.