The Federation of Institutes of Food Science and Technology in ASEAN (FIFSTA) held a meeting with leaders of the International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST) in Bangkok, Thailand, in conjunction with ProPak Asia 2026.

The meeting was attended by FIFSTA representatives from Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, together with IUFoST leaders Prof. Samuel Godefroy (IUFoST President), Prof. Pavinee Chinachoti (IUFoST President-elect) and Prof. Aman Wirakartakasumah (IUFoST Immediate Past President). 

The meeting provided an opportunity for FIFSTA to report on its continuing efforts to strengthen regional cooperation in food science and technology across ASEAN. Discussions focused on key initiatives that support professional development, food safety, regulatory alignment, and innovation in the region.

Three major initiatives were highlighted during the meeting: the mutual recognition of food technology certification programmes, the development of a food safety management framework, and the harmonisation of health claims across ASEAN.

The mutual recognition of food technology certification programmes aims to support greater recognition of food technology professionals within the region. This initiative is expected to help strengthen professional mobility, encourage shared competency standards, and promote closer collaboration among ASEAN food science and technology organizations.

The meeting also discussed the development of a food safety management framework. This initiative supports a more coordinated regional approach to food safety, while taking into account the different regulatory systems, industry needs, and national contexts within ASEAN.

Another key area discussed was the harmonisation of health claims across ASEAN. This is especially relevant as the region continues to advance functional food innovation, novel ingredients, and the use of indigenous food resources. FIFSTA emphasized the need for science-based health claim pathways supported by credible evidence, clear research and development roadmaps, and stronger regulatory collaboration.

The meeting with IUFoST leaders reaffirmed the importance of international partnership in advancing the goals of FIFSTA. Through continued engagement with IUFoST and other partners, FIFSTA aims to strengthen ASEAN’s contribution to food science and technology, support innovation, and promote a more resilient and competitive regional food sector.

FIFSTA Meeting – September 25, 2025

On September 25, 2025, the Federation of Institutes of Food Science and Technology in ASEAN (FIFSTA) convened its official meeting alongside the 18th ASEAN Food Conference in Davao City, Philippines. The session was graced by international partners including representatives from the Taiwan Association for Food Science and Technology (TAFTS), the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST), and Prof. Aman Wirakartakusumah, Immediate Past President of IUFoST.

This meeting was particularly significant as it marked the conclusion of the term of FIFSTA President Ms. Julieta Austria, whose leadership formally ended on September 25. Under her tenure, FIFSTA strengthened regional collaboration, expanded partnerships with international organizations, and enhanced the federation’s role in advancing food science and technology across ASEAN.