Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR), organized the Regional Symposium entitled “From Agro Resources to Global Markets: Scaling Innovation in Sustainable Food Processing” at PROPAK Asia 2026 on 10 June 2026 at IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center, Bangkok. The symposium served as a platform for experts, researchers, and international organizations across the Asia-Pacific region to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and explore collaborative approaches to advancing sustainable food processing and innovation.
The symposium welcomed distinguished speakers and representatives from India, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, and Thailand, several of whom are members of the World Association of Industrial and Technological Research Organizations (WAITRO). Their participation reflected a shared commitment among international research and innovation communities to promote science, technology, and innovation as key drivers for sustainable food systems and regional development.
Participants also exchanged experiences on applying science, technology, and innovation (STI) to transform agricultural resources into high-value products, as well as developing technologies that improve production efficiency, reduce resource losses, and promote sustainable resource utilization in line with the circular economy concept.
A highlight of the symposium was the panel discussion entitled “One Idea for Future Collaboration in Scaling Innovation in Sustainable Food Processing in Asia-Pacific,” featuring representatives from ASEAN COSTI, MOSTI of Malaysia, SIRIM Berhad of Malaysia, and Australia’s national science agency, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). The discussion explored future pathways for regional collaboration in scaling sustainable food processing innovations.
The panel emphasized the importance of strengthening innovation networks that connect government, industry, startups, farmers, and international organizations, while promoting technology transfer, collaborative projects, and the commercialization of innovative solutions. It also highlighted opportunities in environmentally friendly food processing technologies, including the utilization of agricultural by-products, energy-efficient production systems, and sustainable packaging.
The discussion underscored that scaling innovation requires more than the development of new technologies; it also depends on a supportive innovation ecosystem that enables knowledge, technologies, and expertise to be shared, adopted, and translated into broader impact across the region.
Following the symposium, the speakers and participants visited the TISTR exhibition booth, presented under the concept of “TISTR Total Solutions”, which showcases TISTR’s integrated research, technologies, and services designed to strengthen entrepreneurs and industries towards sustainable growth and international competitiveness. The visit was warmly welcomed by Mr. Manu Leopairote, Chairman of Informa Markets Thailand, and Mr. Sanchai Noombunnam, Country General Manager of Informa Markets Thailand, highlighting the strong collaboration between TISTR and PROPAK Asia as a leading international platform for food processing and packaging industries.
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