At ILSI, we bring science and research to diverse audiences through a wide range of events. From independent symposia and workshops to hands-on training sessions, we host, sponsor, and co-organize events that foster learning and collaboration. Many of ILSI's events are also featured as part of larger scientific and professional conferences, further expanding opportunities for engagement, dialogue, and discovery. Join us!
August 2026
WebinarPFASeBPA
2026-08-25
São Paulo/SP, Brasil
Regional Symposium on Dietary Factors in Healthy Gut Microbiome: Prebiotics, Probiotics and Postbiotics
2026-08-26
Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
The gut microbiota is a complex and diverse ecosystem comprising over 100 trillion microorganisms located predominantly in the distal gut and plays essential roles in nutrient absorption and metabolism, protection against pathogens, regulation of immune function, and strengthening of the gut and intestinal barriers. Increasing evidence recognises a healthy gut microbiota as a critical determinant of human health, while alterations in its composition and functionality, often referred to as microbial dysbiosis, are associated with metabolic disorders and pathological processes such as inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, metabolic syndrome, autism, and certain cancers. Among the many factors that influence the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota, dietary factors are considered one of the main drivers across the lifetime.
This symposium, co-organized by Food Safety and Quality Programme (FSQP), Ministry of Health, Malaysia, and Nutrition Society of Malaysia (NSM), will focus on 3 bioactive dietary factors in promoting healthy gut microbiota, namely prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics, which are increasingly recognised for their potential health benefits to the host.
ObjectivesThe symposium aims to:
- Provide scientific updates, including their roles in promoting a healthy gut microbiota
- Share research, innovative development and applications in food and supplements
- Review of regulatory status in SEA countries
- Discuss consumer understanding, perception and utilization
The1-day symposium will be held at:
Address: 31, Persiaran Bandar Utama, Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Website: www.mworldhotel.com.my
ORGANIZER
ILSI SEA Region
ILSI Southeast Asia Region (ILSI SEA Region) is a regional branch of the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI), a nonprofit, worldwide organization whose mission is to provide science that improves human health and well-being, and safeguards the environment. Established in 1978 and headquartered in Washington, DC, USA, ILSI carries out its work through a global network of 10 entities across the world. ILSI has specialized consultative status with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).ILSI SEA Region seeks to achieve ILSI's mission by fostering collaboration among experts from academia, government, and industry, to provide a balance of perspectives and ensure its scientific outcomes are useful at the local, national and international levels. Its activities include scientific meetings and conferences, capability development programs, and research and community projects. ILSI SEA Region's scientific programs are guided by the principles of integrity, independence and transparency. By maintaining our neutrality and independence, we have worked closely and effectively with our key stakeholder groups from academia, industry, international organizations and governments.
CO-ORGANIZERS
Nutrition Society of Malaysia
Established in 1985, the Nutrition Society of Malaysia is a non-profit professional organisation with 500 members, comprising mainly of nutritionists. Its objectives are to 1) promote, advance, and disseminate scientific knowledge of food and nutrition, and 2) promote healthy eating and active living amongst all Malaysians. As a professional organisation, NSM is guided by a simple belief - the more people understand food and nutrition, the better they can care for their health and wellbeing. For that reason, NSM supports the advancement of research, sharing practical insights and important discoveries for the benefits for all. NSM also support the Government's efforts in promoting healthy nutrition in the society to combat nutrient deficiencies as well as diet-related chronic diseases in the country (e.g. obesity, diabetes, hypertension and coronary heart disease). In caring for the community, NSM continuously disseminate practical nutrition information to the young and old alike, guiding them to discover the benefits of good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.
Food Safety and Quality Programme (FSP), Ministry of Health, Malaysia
Gold Sponsor
Yakult
More than 90 years ago, Dr. Minoru Shirota, the founder of Yakult, pursued preventive medicine and succeeded in strengthening and culturing our representative strain Lacticaseibacillus paracasei strain Shirota (previously known as Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota). He then released an inexpensive, good-tasting fermented milk drink "Yakult" in 1935 so that as many people as possible could benefit from this lactic acid bacteria. Today, about 40 million bottles of our dairy products are consumed in 40 countries and regions across the world.
Since its founding, as a pioneer in the field of Probiotics, Yakult has been expanding our operations to food and beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products based on scientific evidence. With the passionate desire of our founder, we contribute to the health and happiness of people around the world through the pursuit of excellence in life science in general and our research and experience in microorganisms in particular.
Silver Sponsor
Beneo
Beneo has long-term experience in developing and producing plant-based functional ingredients from natural sources for the food, feed and pharmaceutical industries. By supporting health and optimising taste and texture, they help improve the nutritional and technical properties of a wide variety of products.
Through a unique chain of expertise, BENEO offers customers advice and inspiration on new product ideas that support a healthy lifestyle in a holistic way. This includes the BENEO-Institute that provides decisive insights into nutrition science and legislation, and the BENEO-Technology Center that consults in application technology.
Formed in 2007, BENEO is active in over 80 countries, employs more than 1200 people and has six state-of-the-art production sites in Belgium, Chile, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands that deliver high-quality ingredients at all times.
REGISTRATION
| Industry (Non-ILSI SEA Region Members) | 800 RM | 400 SGD |
| Industry (ILSI SEA Region Members / NSM Members) | 700 RM | 350 SGD |
| Government / Academia | 400 RM | 250 SGD |
| Other NSM Members Residing in Malaysia | 400 RM | - |
• Local Rates are only applicable for participants residing in Malaysia.
• Overseas registration fees are exclusive of Eventbrite platform charges. Applicable fees will be reflected upon checkout.
• No cancellation will be allowed once the registration is confirmed. However, a substitute participant will be accepted. Local Registration(opens in new tab)Overseas Registration(opens in new tab)
PROGRAM
08:00 - 08:45 hr Registration
08:45 - 09:00 hrOpening and Welcome Remarks
Mrs Boon Yee Yeong, ILSI Southeast Asia Region, Singapore
Mr Geoffry Smith, ILSI Southeast Asia Region, Singapore
Chair: Mr Geoffry Smith, ILSI Southeast Asia Region, Singapore
Featuring the following presentations and speakers:
- Keynote Lecture 1: The Human Gut Microbiome Ecosystem in Health and Disease
Prof Patricia Conway, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore - Keynote Lecture 2: Healthy Gut Microbiome - the Role of Dietary Factors
Emeritus Prof Margaret Morris, University of New South Wales, Australia
10:40 - 11:00 hr Morning Refreshment Break/ Networking
Chair: Prof Dr Hamid Jan Bin Jan Mohamed, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Malaysia
Featuring the following presentations and speakers:
- Science, Definition and Applications of Prebiotics for Health
Dr Stephan Theis, BENEO-Institute, Germany - Decoding the Biological Functions of Human Milk Oligosaccharides: From Human Milk Diversity to Gut-Brain Health
Prof Bing Wang, Charles Sturt University, Australia - HMO Profiles and Maternal Determinants in Multi-Ethnic Asians: Insights from the GUSTO Study
Prof Han Zhang,Institute for Human Development and Potential (IHDP), A*STAR, Singapore
12:10 - 13:00 hr Lunch / Networking
Chair: Prof Teck Yew Low, Sunway University, Malaysia
Featuring the following presentations and speakers:
- Effect of Continuous Intake of Fermented Milk with Lacticaseibacillus paracasei strain Shirota on Aflatoxin Exposure
Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Redzwan bin Sabran, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Malaysia - Food Applications of Probiotics: From Microbiome Science to Health Outcomes
Dr Chyn Boon Wong, Advanced Research and Technology, Haleon, Singapore - Clinical Practice and Application of Probiotics
Prof Dr Norfilza Binti Mohd Mokhtar, Research Management Centre (RMC), Management & Science University (MSU), Malaysia
13:10 - 14:00 hr Lunch/ Exhibit Viewing / Networking
Chair: TBC
Featuring the following presentation and speaker:
- Scientific Perspective and Global Consumer Understanding of Postbiotics
Dr Andy Jin, Royal Agricultural University, United Kingdom - Development of Next Generation Probiotics: Versatile Halal Postbiotics and Cytobiotics
Prof Dr Hooi Ling Foo, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Malaysia
15:05 - 15:25 hr Afternoon Refreshment Break / Networking
Chair: Ms Pauline Chan, ILSI Southeast Asia Region, Philippines
Featuring the following presentations and speakers:
- (i) Country sharing: Malaysia
Ts. Nurul Hidayati Mohd Nasir, Food Safety and Quality Programme (FSQP), Ministry of Health Malaysia - (ii) Country sharing: China
Prof Dr Xuesong Xiang, Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, China - (iii) Country sharing: Thailand
Ms Dissaya Kittithanavimon,Thai Food and Drug Administration, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand - (iii) Country sharing: Indonesia
Prof Purwiyatno Hariyadi,IPB University, Indonesia
16:30 - 16:50 hr Q&A
16:50 - 17:25 hr Panel Discussion: Turning Microbiome Science into Meaningful Health OutcomesModerator: Dr E Siong Tee, TES Nutrihealth Strategic Consultancy, Malaysia
Panelists:
- Prof Patricia Conway, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- Dr Chyn Boon Wong, Advanced Research and Technology, Haleon, Singapore
- Ts Nurul Hidayati binti Mohd Nasir, Food Safety and Quality Programme (FSQP), Ministry of Health, Malaysia
17:25 - 17:30 hr Closing Remarks / End of Symposium
CHAIRPERSONS AND MODERATOR
ILSI Southeast Asia Region, Singapore
Mr Geoffry Smith, ILSI Southeast Asia Region, Singapore
Mr. Geoff Smith serves as President of ILSI SEA Region based in Singapore, and co-representative to the global ILSI Assembly. ILSI SEA Region was established as a regional branch of the world-wide scientific-foundation ILSI in 1993, covering ASEAN and Australasia. Mr. Smith is also the Chairman of the Essential Micronutrients Foundation, a non-profit organization which addresses micronutrient deficiencies globally as a public health issue. He is a past Member of the Executive Committee of the global ILSI Board. Prior to his current positions, Mr. Smith was the Global Director, Health Chelates for AkzoNobel Functional Chemicals. He was responsible for the global project within AkzoNobel addressing iron deficiency anemia, which resulted in completely revised guidelines by the World Health Organization for flour fortification with iron. A thirty-year veteran of the chemical industry in Asia-Pacific and globally, Mr. Smith has resided in Singapore for more than 30 years.
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Malaysia
Prof Dr Hamid Jan Bin Jan Mohamed, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Malaysia
Professor Dr Hamid Jan Bin Jan Mohamed has been a professor at the Nutrition Programme, Universiti Sains Malaysia USM) since 2007. He joined this institution immediately after completing his PhD (Nutrition) at King's College London, United Kingdom. He holds a Master's Degree in Nutrition from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition and Community Health from Universiti Putra Malaysia. He received extensive training in laboratory skills from the Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology Course at USM.
The diversity of his educational background contributed to the creation of several novel research related to nutrition and disease in Malaysia. Dr Hamid Jan initiated the first birth cohort in Malaysia named the USM Pregnancy Cohort Study which started in 2009. This cohort was aimed at investigating the role of maternal nutrition, oxidative stress and adipokines in the development of obesity and diabetes. The findings of this study are published in several local and international journals. Currently, Prof. Hamid is working on several intervention projects related to the prevention of stunting in children.
At USM , he is the Deputy Dean of Research, Innovation and Industry-Community Engagement. He also works closely with the Ministry of Health Malaysia as a committee member of the Technical Working Group for Nutrition Guidelines (Children/Adults/Elderly) and other consultative activities. He is currently the Chairman of Technical Working Group (Nutrition Research) for the Ministry of Health Malaysia and is a Science Advisor of ILSI SEA Region. He is a Council Member of the Developmental Origin of Health and Disease Society (DOHaD). Currently, he is the vice-president of the Nutrition Society of Malaysia. He is the recipient of the Top Research Scientists Malaysia Award 2024 by Academy of Sciences Malaysia.
Sunway University, Malaysia
Prof Teck Yew Low, Sunway University, Malaysia
Professor Low Teck Yew brings over two decades of research experience in proteomics, biological mass spectrometry, and proteogenomics. He is internationally recognized for his high-impact publications, invited talks at global conferences, and leadership roles in prominent scientific organizations. Through active involvement in interdisciplinary projects and a strong international network, he contributes significantly to global proteomics initiatives. Beyond his research, Professor Low is a passionate mentor and educator who fosters critical thinking and intellectual curiosity through innovative teaching methods. His leadership in AOHUPO and HUPO plays a key role in identifying and nurturing the next generation of international research talent.
ILSI Southeast Asia Region, Singapore
Ms Pauline Chan, ILSI Southeast Asia Region, Singapore
As Director of Science Programs, Pauline has extensive experience in developing scientific programs and facilitating dialogue between scientists, government regulators, and industry to address regional and international issues in nutrition, food safety, sustainability and health. A frequently invited resource speaker at conferences and seminars, Ms. Chan is a registered dietitian (RD) with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Ms. Chan received her M.Sc. in Nutrition and Dietetics from New York University, USA, and her B.Sc. in Chemistry from the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
TES Nutrihealth Strategic Consultancy, Malaysia
Dr E Siong Tee, TES Nutrihealth Strategic Consultancy, Malaysia
Dr E Siong Tee has been a Member of the Board of Directors of ILSI SEA Region since 1996 and Scientific Coordinator of ILSI Malaysia Country Committee since 2005. He is currently a Nutrition Consultant for TES NutriHealth Strategic Consultancy. Dr. Tee was Head of the Cardiovascular, Diabetes and Nutrition Research Centre of the Institute for Medical Research (IMR) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, until his retirement in February 2002, after serving for 30 years. He was President of the Nutrition Society of Malaysia (NSM) till March 2024. In this capacity, he has led the implementation of various community nutrition promotion programs including the Nutrition Month Malaysia programme since 2002. He is also Vice-President of the Federation of Asian Nutrition Societies (FANS). Dr Tee is a member of several Technical Working Groups of the Ministry of Health Malaysia, including the committees related to Malaysian Food Regulations and Codex Alimentarius. He initiated the formation of the Southeast Asia Public Health Nutrition (SEA-PHN) Network in 2014 and is the current Chairman of the Network. Dr Tee is also Adjunct Professor of the IMU University, Malaysia.
SYMPOSIUM SPEAKERS
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Prof Patricia Conway, Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore
Prof Patricia Conway is Visiting Professor of the Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Singapore and CEO of PC Biome Pte Ltd. She was Professor at the School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering and in the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Food Technology Centre, NTU. She has extensive research and industry R&D experience, including authorship on over 100 scientific papers in international journals, monographs or book chapters, and numerous plenary or keynote lectures at international meetings. She is inventor on over 20 patent applications and Principal Investigator on grants in Sweden, Australia and Singapore. Prof Conway's research interests are gastrointestinal microbiology, functional foods including probiotics and prebiotics. She has a particular focus on bacterial colonization of the gastrointestinal tract and mechanisms of bacterial adhesion, pathogen inhibition and immune modulation in animals and humans in order to develop ways of modulating the microbiome for health.
University of New South Wales, Australia
Emeritus Prof Margaret Morris, National University of New South Wales, Australia
Emeritus Professor Margaret Morris (FRSN, BScPhD Monash) is a neuropharmacologist who established the Environmental Determinants of Obesity Research lab at UNSW in 2005. Her research addresses critical questions concerning the impact of adverse early life events and lifestyle factors on chronic disease risk, and lifestyle and pharmacological options for intervention. NH&MRC funded work includes intergenerational transmission of obesity and the psychology of eating, e.g. how does provision of a varied, energy rich diet override the control mechanisms that should maintain body weight? The impacts of maternal obesity, cycling between healthy and unhealthy diets, and time restricted feeding, on metabolic health, composition of the gut microbiome and cognitive function is a key interest.
Morris was the inaugural Professor and Head of Pharmacology at UNSW. Having held other key academic positions (Melbourne, Deakin, Flinders Universities) educating health professionals (Medicine, Nursing, Optometry, Dentistry, Exercise Science) and Science students, she was instrumental in driving curriculum development and postgraduate training.
BENEO-Institute, Germany
Dr Stephan Theis, BENEO-Institute, Germany
Dr. Stephan Theis is Head of Nutrition Science and Communication at the BENEO-Institute. He leads global research on the nutritional and health benefits of functional ingredients such as prebiotic dietary fibres and Palatinose™ and oversees scientific communication. Having joined the Südzucker/BENEO Group in 2001, he holds a diploma in Nutrition Science from the University of Giessen and a PhD from the Technical University of Munich. Stephan is a member of the Senior Leadership Team of BENEO and a founding member of the BENEO-Institute inaugurated in 2009. He is actively involved in international scientific committees and collaborative research projects including several Committees of the International Life Science Institute (ILSI) and provides nutritional expertise to regulatory approval work and marketing activities.
Charles Sturt University, Australia
Prof Bing Wang, Charles Sturt University, Australia
Professor Bing Wang received her medical degree from Tianjin Medical University, China, and a PhD in Nutritional Biochemistry from the University of Sydney, Australia. She has been a registered Nutritionist with the Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA) since 2008. Before joining Charles Sturt University in December 2012, she led Nutritional Neurodevelopment Research programs in both academia and industry. Her research focuses on elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which nutrient components influence metabolic responses critical for neurodevelopment and cognition from fetal stages to late life, with a strong emphasis on translating basic science into clinical and industrial applications. Professor Wang is internationally recognised for her contributions to Pediatric Nutrition, Nutritional Glycoscience, and Nutritional Neurodevelopment, particularly for advancing understanding of the role of sialic acid, human milk oligosaccharides and lactoferrin in human nutrition. She was elected a Fellow of the NSA in 2023.
Institute for Human Development and Potential (IHDP), A*STAR, Singapore
Prof Han Zhang, Institute for Human Development and Potential (IHDP), A*STAR, Singapore
Dr Zhang is a developmental cognitive neuroscientist whose work seeks to deepen the mechanistic understanding of how maternal and early-life environmental factors shape offspring neurodevelopment and mental well-being. Grounded in the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) framework, her research focuses on identifying plausible targets of neuroplasticity and psychological resilience that promote optimal developmental trajectories. Utilizing neuroimaging (MRI), cognitive-behavioral profiles, and computational modeling, she systemically explores modifiable drivers in relation to brain development. Her current research focuses on how early nutritional exposures-such as Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs), which are closely tied to the gut-brain axis, and other nutritional markers-influence offspring neurodevelopment. Dr Zhang actively leverages large-scale birth cohorts and multidisciplinary collaborations, aiming to contribute to evidence-based, actionable insights to inform public health and foster resilient developmental pathways.
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Malaysia
Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Redzwan bin Sabran, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Malaysia
Dr. Mohd Redzwan Bin Sabran is an Associate Professor in the Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). He obtained his bachelor's degree in biomedical science with a specialization in Nutrition from the University of Auckland, New Zealand, in 2010, followed by a PhD in Nutritional Sciences from UPM in 2014. During his doctoral training, he was a Research Scholar at the Molecular Biomarkers Laboratory, University of Georgia, USA (2012-2013), where he gained experience in environmental health and molecular biomarker research. Besides, he is also a Research Associate at the Laboratory of Food Safety and Food Integrity, Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security (ITAFoS), UPM.
His research focuses on nutritional sciences and food safety, with interests in probiotics and prebiotics, dietary strategies to mitigate food contaminant exposure, and the value-added utilization of agricultural by-products. Through two human intervention studies conducted in collaboration with Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd., Japan, and Yakult (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., his research demonstrated the potential of the probiotic Lacticaseibacillus paracasei strain Shirota (LcS) as a safe, dietary-based approach for reducing aflatoxin exposure in healthy adults. Through his research and collaborative partnerships, he is dedicated to advancing evidence-based nutrition and food safety to improve public health and promote sustainable food systems.
Advanced Research and Technology, Haleon, Singapore
Dr Chyn Boon Wong, Advanced Research and Technology, Haleon, Singapore
Dr Chyn Boon is a Principal Scientist in the Advanced Research and Technology team at Haleon, based in Singapore. She is a PhD microbiologist with more than 12 years of experience in gut microbiome science, probiotics, postbiotics, healthy ageing, and translational wellness innovation. Her work focuses on translating emerging science into consumer-relevant opportunities through cross-functional R&D leadership, external innovation, and platform strategy. Before joining Haleon, she held research, scientific communication, and commercial strategy roles at Morinaga Milk Industry in Japan, where she translated biotics science into application-ready propositions for global B2B customers. She is passionate about making complex science actionable, credible, and meaningful for everyday health innovation.
Research Management Centre (RMC), Management & Science University (MSU), Malaysia
Prof Dr Norfilza Binti Mohd Mokhtar, Research Management Centre (RMC), Management & Science University (MSU), Malaysia
Prof. Dr. Norfilza Mohd Mokhtar is currently Vice President for Research at Management and Science University (MSU), Malaysia. Her expertise lies in molecular medicine, with a strong research focus on gastrointestinal health, gut microbiota, digestive diseases, and the role of probiotics in human health.
She has held significant academic and administrative roles, including leadership positions at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and has also contributed internationally as an Adjunct Professor in Arabian Gulf University, Bahrain. Deeply committed to education, she is actively involved in supervising postgraduate students in the medical and health sciences fields.
Her research portfolio is extensive, covering emerging areas such as microplastics and their impact on health, as well as non-communicable diseases. She has secured numerous national and international research grants and has published widely in reputable scientific journals.
Royal Agricultural University, United Kingdom
Dr Andy Jin, Royal Agricultural University, United Kingdom
Dr Jin is a transdisciplinary social science researcher. He integrates theories and methods from social psychology, sociology, and economics to examine how individuals and societies respond to risk and sustainability challenges in the agri-food sector, with the aim of informing socially robust and policy-relevant agri-food solutions. He has extensive experience working on interdisciplinary agri-food projects across Asia and Europe, and to date his research has led to over 35 peer-reviewed academic publications.
Before joining RAU, Dr Jin was a Senior Lecturer at the University of Portsmouth (2021-2025) and a Research Associate at Newcastle University (2019-2021). Prior to his academic career, he also worked with international organisations and private companies. He is currently the Programme Leader for MSc Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security (RAU at Qingdao Agricultural University Joint Institute).
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Malaysia
Prof Dr Hooi Ling Foo, Department of Bioprocess Technology,
Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Malaysia
Prof Dr Hooi Ling is a Professor of Industrial Biotechnology at the Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). She is the current head of the University-Driven Research Programme on Lactic Acid Bacteria Biota Technology at the Research Laboratory of Probiotics and Cancer Therapeutics, Institute of Bioscience, UPM.
Prof. Foo has broad research interests that encompass the application of lactic acid bacteria and their bioactive derivatives. She has authored 2 technical books, 6 book chapters and over 145 articles in peer-reviewed journals (Scopus Citations: 5,306; H-index: 42). Moreover, 20 of 33 patents were filed as the project leader and 10 patents were granted in Malaysia, Australia, Singapore, China, Japan, the USA and Korea. Hence, she has 5 commercialisation experiences with the granted patents. With the experience in commercialisation, Prof. Foo has been elected as an executive council member of the Malaysia Laboratories for Academia-Business Collaboration (MyLAB) Research Programme of the Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia since 2023.
Prof. Foo is also active in various scientific societies. She has been the elected Vice President of the Asian Federation of Societies for Lactic Acid Bacteria (AFSLAB) since 2019. She was the organising chair of the 12th Asian Congress of Lactic Acid Bacteria (ACLAB 12, 20-22nd September 2022). She has also been the elected President of the Malaysian Society for Lactic Acid Bacteria (MSLAB) since 2021. Additionally, she has a long-standing record of contributions to the Malaysian Society for Microbiology (MSM). She served as Honorary Secretary from 2004-2006, Honorary Treasurer from 2006-2015, Vice President from 2015-2017 and Honorary Auditor from 2017-2019.
Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, China
Prof Dr Xuesong Xiang, Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, China
Prof Dr Xuesong Xiang is a Professor at the National Institute for Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC). He serves as a Council Member of the Chinese Nutrition Society (CNS), Vice Chair and Secretary-General of the Probiotic, Prebiotic and Health Branch of the CNS, a Standing Committee Member of the Food Hygiene Branch of the Chinese Preventive Medicine Association, and a Member of the Asia-Pacific Branch of the International Carbohydrate Quality Consortium (ICQC-AP).
His research expertise encompasses dietary nutrition, gut microbiota, and the evaluation of scientific evidence on probiotics and prebiotics. He has authored more than 60 publications in national and international peer-reviewed journals and co-edited 14 books on nutrition, making significant contributions to the advancement of nutrition science and public health.
Prof. Xiang has also played a pivotal role in the development of national and industry standards, as well as expert consensus statements in China. As the lead drafter and principal author, he contributed to several landmark Chinese Nutrition Society (CNS) Expert Consensus documents, including those on probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, and the definition and sources of dietary fibre.
Food Safety and Quality Programme, Ministry of Health Malaysia
PTs. Nurul Hidayati Mohd. Nasir, Food Safety and Quality Programme, Ministry of Health Malaysia
Ts. Nurul Hidayati Mohd. Nasir is a Nutritionist with the Food Safety and Quality Programme, Ministry of Health Malaysia, where she has served since 2008. Her key responsibilities include reviewing applications related to food labelling, nutrition labelling, and health claims, as well as contributing to amendments to the Malaysian Food Regulations. She serves as the Secretariat to the Expert Committee on Nutrition, Health Claims and Advertising, which evaluates applications for nutrition and health claims, and also as the Secretariat to the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses (CCNFSDU), coordinating Malaysia's draft responses and national positions on issues concerning foods for special dietary uses. In addition, Ts. Nurul Hidayati is a panel member of the Organic Food Certification Scheme and serves as a member of the Rare Diseases Committee and the Committee on the Code of Ethics for the Marketing of Infant Foods, Ministry of Health Malaysia. She was a key contributor to the development of the Malaysian Vegetarian Dietary Guidelines. Her professional interests focus on food labelling, nutrition, and food regulatory affairs.
Thai Food and Drug Administration, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand
Ms Dissaya Kittithanavimon, Thai Food and Drug Administration, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand
Ms. Dissaya Kittithanavimon is a Food and Drug Technical Officer, Professional Level, at Food division, Thai Food and Drug Administration, Ministry of Public Health. She received her Master Degree in Food and Nutrition Toxicology from Mahidol University. She has over 14 years of experience in food regulatory affairs, responsible for establishing food safety regulations under the Food Act B.E. 2522 (1979) by synthesizing scientific evidence with socio-economic impact assessments to ensure practical and effective implementation. The role also encompasses managing and updating food safety standards and regulations, especially in area of food additives, microbial food cultures and probiotics, alongside conducting safety assessments for use of probiotic microorganisms in food and chemicals of interest. Her work includes the collaboration among academics, business operators, and the public sector for ensuring food safety with fair practices in food trade and creating a health-conducive food ecosystem for better consumer well-being.
IPB University, Indonesia
Prof Purwiyatno Hariyadi, IPB University, Indonesia
Prof. Dr. Purwiyatno Hariyadi is Professor of Food Processing and Engineering at IPB University (Bogor Agricultural University), Indonesia. He previously served as Vice Dean (1995-2000), Head of the Department of Food Science and Technology (2000-2004), and Director of the Southeast Asian Food and Agricultural Science and Technology (SEAFAST) Center (2005-2015).
He is actively engaged in national and international professional communities, including the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) and the Institute for Thermal Processing Specialists (IFTPS). He has held leadership roles as President of the Indonesian Palm Oil Society (2005-2009) and President of the Indonesian Association of Food Technologists (2006-2010). He serves on the Experts Panel of Indonesia's National Food Agency and Food and Drug Authority and advises government and industry. Internationally, he has been involved in Codex Alimentarius since 2010 and served as Vice-Chair of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (2017-2021). He is also Chief Editor of FoodReview Indonesia.
His research and teaching focus on food processing and engineering (including thermal and aseptic processing), post-harvest processing (particularly palm oil), and food regulatory sciences, reflecting his extensive Codex experience. He teaches food processing, thermal processing, food safety regulatory practices, and professional ethics, and supervises graduate students in these areas.
He is a member of the Indonesian Academy of Sciences (2012) and the International Academy of Food Science and Technology (2016). He earned his Ph.D. in Food Chemistry (minor in Chemical Engineering) from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1995.
CONTACT
If you have any inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us through:
For Local Participants:Dr. Tee E Siong
Email: estee@nutrihealth.com.my For Overseas Participants:
ILSI Southeast Asia Region
18 Mohamed Sultan Road #03-01 Singapore 238967
Tel: 65 6352 5220
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