Organized by TISTR and supported by WAITRO, the ASEAN Symposium: From Roots to Reach – Transforming Local Ingredients into Innovative and Healthy F&B Creations will take place on September 17, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand including ‘LIVE on Facebook. This vibrant event brings together key food innovation stakeholders to explore how local ingredients can be elevated into innovative, health-conscious food and beverage (F&B) products for regional and global markets.
🍽️ Linking Food, Health, and Innovation
The theme, “From Roots to Reach,” reflects a shared regional commitment to enhance the use of indigenous ingredients and local knowledge to meet the growing consumer demand for healthy, functional, and sustainable food products.
Participants will gain valuable insights into the transformation of local and traditional ingredients into health-focused food innovations. Expert speakers from ASEAN will share perspectives ranging from phytonutrient research and food nutraceuticals, to community-rooted innovation, health-centric product design, and private-sector development strategies. The session will also highlight regional best practices and national innovation strategies aligned with sustainable food systems. The program concludes with an interactive open forum, allowing participants to engage directly with the speakers and explore collaboration opportunities.
The symposium will:
– Promote knowledge exchange on emerging F&B trends with a focus on local ingredients and nutraceuticals.
– Showcase examples of transforming traditional food sources into high-value products.
– Provide a platform for researchers, startups, and government actors to share case studies and innovation journeys.
– Foster cross-border collaboration to enhance ASEAN- and regional wide food security, health, and sustainability goals.
🧪 Speakers
The session will feature experts and practitioners across the region who some of them come from WAITRO member organizations e.g. BRIN from Indonesia, Research X from Thailand, and TISTR Thailand. Also, speakers from Lao PDR, Singapore, and the Philippines.
🔔 Welcome all participation.
We invite all WAITRO members, stakeholders in the food and agricultural sectors, and innovation advocates to join us in celebrating the power of science, tradition, and collaboration at this exciting regional gathering.
Event Details
Symposium Title: ASEAN Symposium – From Roots to Reach
Date: 17 September 2025
Time: 14:00–17:00 (GMT+7)
Venue: QSNCC, Bangkok (Room MR109C-D) or ONLINE at Facebook Live on TISTR’s official page
Language: English
Admission: Free (onsite attendees require registration with the Fi Asia Thailand)
Contributed by the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR) in its role as WAITRO’s Regional Focal Point (RFP) for Asia and the Pacific, and Thailand’s representative at the ASEAN’s Sub-Committee on Food Science and Technology (SCFST), this symposium expects to foster international cooperation and regional knowledge exchange, reinforcing partnerships that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those promoting health, sustainable industry, and innovation.
