UK HOSTS ASEAN DELEGATES FOR REGIONAL WORKSHOP ON ENGINEERING BIOLOGY

JAKARTA, March 21 (Bernama) -- The United Kingdom (UK) hosted over 25 delegates from all ten ASEAN member states and the ASEAN Secretariat for the ASEAN-UK Regional Training and Workshop on Engineering Biology Chapter II, held in London from March 18 to 20.

As ASEAN is expected to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2030, the workshop provided a key platform to align regulations, technical standards, and innovation between the UK and the fast-growing region, according to ASEAN Secretariat.

Building on the first chapter held in Singapore last year, the latest programme focused on several key areas, including technical standards, biometrology, responsible innovation frameworks, and the commercialisation of engineering biology.

UK Ambassador to ASEAN, Sarah Tiffin, emphasised the transformative potential of engineering biology, calling it “a game-changer for economic growth and sustainable development.”

She added that the workshop reinforced the UK’s commitment to supporting a thriving bioeconomy across ASEAN.

British High Commissioner to Singapore, Nik Mehta highlighted the global bioeconomy’s potential, valued at US$4 trillion, noting its capacity to address pressing issues such as food security, climate resilience, and healthcare innovation.

ASEAN Secretariat’s science and technology division senior officer Dr Vanny Narita affirmed the shared commitment between ASEAN and the UK to use engineering biology as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth.

“The ASEAN bioeconomy employs over eight per cent of the global workforce and generates over US$2.3 trillion annually, contributing to a global bioeconomy expected to reach US$4 trillion by 2040,” she said.

The recently concluded workshop enhances the UK’s role as a key partner in advancing biotechnology innovation and regional sustainability.

-- BERNAMA