Promoting biotechnology across Asia: Asian Federation of Biotechnology (AFOB) visits the Industrial Technology Institute, Sri Lanka
View(s):The Asian Federation of Biotechnology (AFOB) is a non-profit organisation founded in 2008 during the 13th International Biotechnology Symposium in Dalian, China, with the aim of fostering collaboration and exchange between academia and industrial research institutions across Asia. By promoting biotechnology as an interdisciplinary field, AFOB facilitates research, innovation, and technology transfer to address pressing global challenges.
The AFOB regularly organises symposia, webinars, and conferences to engage and empower scientists and industry professionals in Asia. Notable recent events of AFOB include, webinar by the Indonesia chapter (July 2024), the symposium on food research for industrial applications in Dhaka, Bangladesh (May 2024) and the Incheon Global Confex in South Korea (November 2023). Looking ahead, the 15th AFOB Regional Symposium, under the theme “Biotechnology for the Sustainability of Water, Energy, Environment, and Food Nexus for November 2024 in Islamabad, Pakistan.
The AFOB Delegates recently visited Sri Lanka, accepting the invitation of Dr. Neville Amunugoda, the Director of Food Technology Section of the Industrial Technology Institute (ITI) and, recognising the potential for establishing an AFOB chapter by promoting activities in food biotechnology collaboration with Sri Lanka. The distinguished former AFOB President and his Professor Wen-Chien Lee, the former AFOB President and Secretary General is renowned for his expertise in protein engineering, bioethanol production, and stem cell differentiation. He is an Emeritus Professor at Chung Cheng National University, Taiwan. Mr. Mike Lai, the Chairman of the Taiwan Biotech and Health Industrial Association is an expert in drum-drying technology for food and pharmaceuticals.
Their three-day visit aimed to explore collaborative opportunities and discuss the feasibility of establishing a food biotechnology section at ITI alongside its existing biotechnology unit. During the visit several laboratory exposure sessions and discussions were held at the ITI’s modern laboratory complexes in Malabe and Colombo to showcase ongoing research projects, including a national initiative on mushroom cultivation tion and product development. Professor Lee expressed his interest in connecting resources and technologies for this project by facilitation from Taiwan and his expertise, while Mr. Lai proposed implementing advanced drum-drying facility in Sri Lanka.
An advanced knowledge sharing session was organised by Dr. Neville Amunugoda for the ITI scientists in the Modern Research and Development Complex in Malabe. The delegates were graciously welcomed and discussions were made on future initiatives between ITI Sri Lanka and AFOB. Professor Lee made a presentation on the role of AFOB in promoting biotechnology and its applications in food processing. Mr. Lai introduced advancements in food drying technologies and product development in Taiwan. Delegates also visited Biotechnology Laboratory Facility, of ITI in Torrington base. The AFOB facilitation and building collaborations with other institutions was also initiated by Dr. Neville Amunugoda
The delegates visited the Horticultural Crops Research and Development Institute (HORDI), Ganoruwa, Peradeniya and had a discussion with Dr. R.T. Wickramarachchi/ Director- HORDI and his staff on biotechnological applications in developing new crop varieties. This visit paved a way for organising a biotechnology symposium in Sri Lanka in 2026, while initiating Sri Lanka’s Chapter. To understand Sri Lanka’s agricultural and industrial landscape, the delegates visited key factories, including Giragama Tea Factory, Bacillar Tea Factory, and a coconut processing facility, CBL Ltd, Alawwa.
Outcomes and Future Prospects
The AFOB delegates expressed great enthusiasm for establishing a Sri Lankan chapter under the ongoing Promoting Biotechnology Across Asia. Key outcomes include:
n Plans to host a biotechnology symposium in 2026.
n Initiatives to enhance collaboration between Sri Lanka and other Asian countries in biotechnology research and innovation.
n Initiation of facility for research students to visit Taiwan and capacity development programmes.
By integrating with global expertise and technologies, Sri Lanka’s biotechnology and food biotechnology sectors are poised to benefit from expanded research capabilities, knowledge dissemination, and industrial partnerships. The establishment of an AFOB chapter would strengthen the nation’s role in advancing biotechnology in the region. Therefore the AFOB’s engagement with Sri Lanka marks a significant step toward fostering regional collaboration, driving innovation, and ensuring a sustainable future through biotechnology.
Dr P N R J Amunugoda
Director/ Food
Technology Section
Industrial Technology Institute
Colombo 07.
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