JAKARTA, March 21 – The United Kingdom welcomed more than 25 delegates from all 10 ASEAN member states and the ASEAN Secretariat to London for the second chapter of the ASEAN-UK Regional Training and Workshop on Engineering Biology, held from March 18 to 20.
With ASEAN projected to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2030, the workshop served as a strategic platform to align regulatory frameworks, technical standards, and innovation pathways between the UK and the rapidly growing region, the ASEAN Secretariat said in a statement.
Building on the first chapter held in Singapore last year, this edition of the programme focused on advancing discussions in key areas such as technical standards, biometrics, responsible innovation frameworks, and the commercialisation of engineering biology.
UK Ambassador to ASEAN Sarah Tiffin described engineering biology as “a game-changer for economic growth and sustainable development,” reaffirming the UK’s commitment to supporting a robust and inclusive bioeconomy across ASEAN.
British High Commissioner to Singapore, Nik Mehta, underscored the bioeconomy’s global value—estimated at US$4 trillion—and its potential to address critical global challenges, including food security, climate resilience, and healthcare innovation.
Dr. Vanny Narita, Senior Officer from the ASEAN Secretariat’s Science and Technology Division, reiterated the shared commitment between ASEAN and the UK to strengthen cooperation in science, technology, and innovation to meet future regional needs.
— BERNAMA
