JAKARTA, 11 September 2024 – The Gene Editing Regulations and Prospects in ASEAN event took place from 10-11 September at the ASEAN Secretariat (ASEC), marking the 2nd ASEAN Gene Editing Workshop.
Gene-editing, particularly its application in agriculture, is a pressing and timely issue. Across the region, countries are at different stages of forming regulations for this technology. Philippines has been at the forefront, having already approved several gene-edited products. Several ASEAN Member States have also passed a regulatory guideline on gene-editing, namely Singapore and Thailand.
The event provided a platform to discuss and understand future opportunities in this area. Participants also discussed how robust regulatory frameworks can be developed to unlock the potential of gene-editing technology and address the prevailing challenges in agriculture. Experts from Japan, Australia, Canada and private sectors shared insights on the themes of crop improvement technologies, Gene editing applications in plants and policy considerations on gene-editing.
“This workshop is aimed at laying a strong foundation in the basics of gene editing, to foster a unified understanding across ASEAN Member States,” Dr Zurina Moktar, Head of the Science and Technology Division at ASEC, said at the event. “That way, we can create champions among national researchers who will advocate for the entry and development of gene editing technologies across the region. This will go a long way in supporting our agriculture ecosystem and strengthening food security.”
In her remarks, Kate Rebholz, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Mission to ASEAN said that “gene editing technologies have revolutionised research in plant biology, with major implications for agriculture and worldwide food security.” She added, “engaging with COSTI’s Sub-Committee on Biotechnology in the context of this type of technical workshop to harmonise approaches on regulating gene editing technology, will help make the products and seeds of this beneficial and novel technology available to consumers and farmers.” Additionally, Amb. Brian McFeeters (ret.), Senior Vice President and Regional Managing Director of the US-ASEAN Business Council, emphasized the significance of regulatory cooperation, highlighting the need to “facilitate innovation, address cross-border challenges, increase public trust and transparency, and promote trade.”
After the workshop, Dr. Rhodora Romero-Aldemita, Executive Director of International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) mentioned that ISAAA is pleased to be the implementor of this Gene Editing workshop in ASEAN. ‘’ISAAA and Malaysian Biotechnology Information Centre (MABIC) were able to conduct this workshop in a short preparation time with the help of able collaborators who made everything possible. I am confident that the outcome of this workshop will move gene editing regulation and make gene-edited products acceptable and accessible to all Member Nations.”
The event brought together representatives from the ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology & Innovation, the ASEAN Sub Committee on Biotechnology, the ASEAN Genetically Modified Food Testing Network, as well as key stakeholders from the industry. The ASEAN Secretariat, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Mission to ASEAN, U.S.- ASEAN Business Council, CropLife Asia, ISAAA and MABIC partnered closely to make this workshop possible.
The Gene Editing Regulations and Prospects in ASEAN event demonstrates the commitment among Member States to advancing science-based, trade facilitative policies in the region for biotechnology. The workshop facilitated fruitful discussions among participants on gene editing in line with the key priorities of ASEAN, such as ensuring food security, digitalisation, sustainable agriculture, research and development in the food and agriculture sector.
For more information: media@asean.org
