UK and ASEAN Strengthen Collaboration on Responsible Engineering Biology for a Sustainable Bioeconomy
Bangkok, 10 November 2025 - The United Kingdom, in partnership with the ASEAN Secretariat and delivered by the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC) under the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), convened a high-level symposium on "Fostering UK-ASEAN Partnerships in Responsible Research and Innovation for Engineering Biology" at Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai, Bangkok.
The event promotes collaboration and knowledge exchange between the United Kingdom and ASEAN Member States in the field of Engineering Biology (EB), emphasising Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) to ensure that applications of engineering biology are safe, ethical, inclusive, and sustainable for society and the environment. Opening remarks were delivered by Mr. David Thomas, Chargé d'Affaires, British Embassy Bangkok; Dr. Punpermsak Aruni, Assistant Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), Thailand; and Dr. Surina Mokhtar, Head of S&T Division, the ASEAN Secretariat.
Marking the third collaboration between the UK and ASEAN in this domain, and funded by the UK Government, the event brought together over 50 participants consisting of policymakers, funding agencies, academia, startups, and industry representatives from ASEAN Member States and the UK. It served as a platform
