ISAAA September 11, 2024

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Committee on Science, Technology, and Innovation (COSTI) aims to advance gene editing research and adoption and develop science-based policies in the region. As part of the initiative, ASEAN COSTI and partners gathered over 70 online and onsite participants from eight ASEAN countries for a gene editing workshop titled Gene Editing Regulations and Prospects in ASEAN. The workshop was held on September 10-11, 2024, in Jakarta, Indonesia. The activity served as a sequel to the first workshop held in March.

The workshop included lectures and comprehensive discussions on the science, applications, and benefits of gene editing from experts. Resource speakers from Japan, Singapore, Australia, and Canada also shared their experiences in gene editing research and development and regulations. Updates on gene editing policy approaches were presented by participants from Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia.

“A top-down approach was key to Thailand's advancements in gene editing regulations. Political will is the key,” said Dr. Pitaksaringkarn Weerasak, Agricultural Research Scientist at Thailand's Department of Agriculture, while sharing about Thailand's newly implemented regulatory guidelines for gene editing. Their experience in developing and implementing the guidelines served as an inspiration to other ASEAN countries that are yet to form policies on gene editing.

“With the support of the scientists, the regulatory experts, and the ASEAN, our region could align gene editing policy framework to make gene-edited products acceptable and accessible,” said Dr. Rhodora Romero-Aldemita, Executive Director of ISAAA Inc. and one of the organizers of the workshop.

The workshop was co-organized with ISAAA Inc., Malaysian Biotechnology Information, US Department of Agriculture, US Mission to ASEAN, US-ASEAN Business Council Inc., and CropLife Asia.

For more information, contact knowledge.center@isaaa.org.