Strengthening the Agricultural Biotechnology Capacity of Southeast Asian Countries

2009-03-24

THE APPLICATION OF POWERFUL TOOLS OF MODERN BIOTECHNOLOGY, particularly that involving DNA recombinant technologies, promises substantial improvement in food quality and significant contribution in attaining food security globally. The research and development advances made by Taiwan in agricultural biotechnology and its subsequent agro-industry applications, provide a fertile ground for learning among countries in Southeast Asia.

The Agricultural Biotechnology Training Workshop for Southeast Asian Countries was coordinated by the National Taiwan University (NTU), a premier university in the development of biotechnology in Asia. Held on September 03-11, 2007 at the Center for Biotechnology, NTU in Taipei, Taiwan ROC, the activity was attended by a total of 27 participants from 7 countries in Southeast Asia as follows: Cambodia (1), Indonesia (3), Malaysia (3), Philippines (8), Taiwan ROC (5), Thailand (3), and Vietnam (4). FFTC co-organized this activity with NTU, the Science and Technology Policy Research and Information Center (STPI) of Taiwan ROC, and the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) based in the Philippines. Generous support was provided by the National Science Council (NSC), the Council of Agriculture (COA), and the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT).

The training workshop primarily aimed to strengthen the agricultural biotechnology capacity of countries in Southeast Asia and was envisioned to pave the way for the enhancement of their respective biotechnology industry. The activity was also expected to open doors for future cooperation and partnerships in the development of agricultural biotechnology industry in the region.

The module was developed by NTU, and all the lectures were conducted by professors of the university. The topics covered include: (a) recombinant DNA techniques-cloning tools, transformation and identification of transformants and protein expression systems; (b) methods for identification of genetically modified (GM) products; (c) molecular detection of plant pathogens; (d) genetic transformation in plants; (e) application of molecular profiling in crop quality management and improvement; (f) development of pharmaceutical proteins produced by transgenic animals; and (g) realities of developing and bringing a transgenic crop to the market.

The laboratory exercises provided considerable exposure to participants in learning biotechnology core techniques, complementing the topics discussed during lectures. The hands-on laboratory training also provided wide opportunities for knowledge networking among the participants and resource persons.

Agricultural Biotechnology Training Workshop for Southeast Asian Countries

Held at the Center for Biotechnology, NTU, Taipei, Taiwan ROC, September 03-11, 2007

No. of participating countries: (7) Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan ROC, Thailand, and Vietnam

No. of participants: 27

Co-organizers: National Taiwan University (NTU), Taiwan ROC; Science and Technology Policy Research and Information Center (STPI), Taiwan ROC; and Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), Philippines.

Sponsors: National Science Council (NSC), Taiwan ROC; Council of Agriculture (COA), Taiwan ROC; and American Institute in Taiwan (AIT).

For further information, contact:

Dr. Te-Yeh Ku, FFTC Technical Consultant

Index of Images

• 

  Figure 1 (From top, right) Field study tour at the King Car Biotech Company; Laboratory exercises at the Center for Advanced Biotechnology, NTU; Lecture sessions at NTU.

Download the PDF. of this document, 151,623 bytes (148 KB).