Author: Hithaishi CB

Philippine modernized agriculture showcased cutting-edge developments in smart agriculture, food technology, robotics, e-commerce, and more Philippines Department of Agriculture-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (DA-AMAS) proudly led the Philippine delegation to InnoVEX 2025, Asia’s leading startup showcase, held May 20 to 23 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center to promote Filipino innovation in agriculture. A modernized Philippine agriculture, one that employs innovation and new technologies to increase output and yield to ensure food security, can be achieved by exposing young Filipino farmers to the global stage. The Philippines played a central role in this year’s event, featuring cutting-edge developments in smart…

Aims to strengthening the cocoa value chain from farm to the global market; Malaysia’s cocoa export value reaching RM15 billion in 2024 The Malaysia International Cocoa Festival (MICF) 2025, held from 24 to 27 May 2025, concluded with remarkable success and outstanding achievements in strengthening the national cocoa industry and placing it firmly on the international radar. With over 25,000 visitors attending over four days, MICF 2025 officially achieved its objectives – becoming the premier platform that unites innovation, business networking, technical knowledge, and cultural exchange within the regional and global cocoa landscape. The festival was officiated by the Minister of…

CIRAD and GAR sign an MoU to advance sustainable palm oil research at the Indonesia-France Business Forum 2025 Integrated palm oil producer Golden Agri-Resources (GAR) has announced a new agreement to accelerate innovation in sustainable palm oil, together with the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD). In a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed in Jakarta, the two parties committed to extend their partnership, targeting a new phase of progress that will address critical challenges for the palm oil sector. The agreement builds on over 25 years of scientific collaboration between CIRAD and the SMART Research Institute (SMARTRI), GAR’s flagship…

China now hosts 25 GIAHS sites Three sites in China were recognized as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization on May 19, following a comprehensive expert review. With these latest additions, China now hosts 25 GIAHS sites, maintaining its position as the country with the highest number of recognized systems worldwide. The newly designated systems include the Gaolan Shichuan Ancient Pear Orchard System in Gansu Province, the Deqing Freshwater Pearl Mussels Composite Fishery System in Zhejiang Province, and the Fuding White Tea Culture System in Fujian Province.  Gaolan Shichuan Ancient…

Implement measures that will ease the import process for Vietnamese agricultural products. Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), Minister Do Duc Duy stated: “Vietnam and China have agreed to boost customs clearance efficiency and enhance quality control at border gates. Both sides are also prepared to extend clearance hours to help ease congestion.” Sun Mai Jun confirmed that the two countries have reached a broad consensus across many areas of trade. “To support the influx of Vietnamese agricultural products during the peak harvest season, we’ve instructed border officials to increase…

SMART researchers developed the world’s first near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent nanosensor capable of real-time, species-agnostic detection of IAA Singapore researchers from the Disruptive & Sustainable Technologies for Agricultural Precision (DiSTAP) interdisciplinary research group (IRG) of Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART), MIT’s research enterprise in Singapore, in collaboration with Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory (TLL) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), have developed the world’s first near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent nanosensor capable of real-time, non-destructive and species-agnostic detection of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) – the primary bioactive auxin hormone that controls the way plants develop, grow and respond to stress. Auxins, particularly IAA, play a central…

Corals will be raised in high-temperature environments from birth through artificial insemination Researchers at Chulalongkorn University’s Aquatic Resources Research Institute have developed innovative methods to help corals adapt to global warming. Through artificial insemination and raising corals in high-temperature environments from birth, they aim to cultivate corals capable of withstanding rising sea temperatures. In addition, they have introduced cryopreservation techniques to store coral sperm cells for future restoration. Global warming, pollution, and human activities such as tourism and fishing have led to the widespread degradation of coral reefs. Scientists warn that if current trends continue, over 90% of global corals may become extinct within 30…

AI backed system analyzes real-time imaging data to reduce operator input, thereby improving efficiency and productivity Esaote, a leading company in the field of medical diagnostic imaging, has introduced new MyLab™Heron ultrasound system under its category of high-performance portable ultrasound systems. MyLab™Heron was inspired by the animal from which it takes its characteristics, such as precision and ease of movement, even in challenging conditions, and is a portable system that delivers superior results. With its simple, intuitive, customizable functions, and cleanable touch interface, this device is ideal for any clinical setting due to its ease of use and mobility. In order…

Sustainable chocolate innovation in Asia Pacific Singapore-based, Temasek-owned food technology company Nurasa, and globally leading provider of chocolate and cocoa solutions Barry Callebaut, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate sustainable chocolate innovation in Asia Pacific.  The collaboration combines Nurasa’s open innovation ecosystem and commercial acceleration platform with Barry Callebaut’s global expertise in chocolate and cocoa ingredient development, with the shared goal of co-developing next-generation products tailored to evolving consumer preferences in the region and beyond. A key ambition of the partnership is to co-create novel chocolate formats that reflect evolving consumer preferences – balancing flavour, functionality, and sustainability. By…

By 2030, one million hectares of premium, low-emission rice will be cultivated in the Mekong Delta Global trade in 2024 will remain complex due to geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures, and rising protectionism. During these turbulent times, Vietnam’s agricultural sector has become a crucial pillar of economic stability. In response to these tensions, Vietnam’s strategic policy responses include a response to safeguard agricultural production, an examination of agricultural exports’ recent performance, as well as a review of the country’s competitive advantages and prospects for trade expansion. Vietnam will be able to implement sustainable agricultural reforms during this period, diversify Vietnamese products,…