Food
News
19 May 2026
Lingnan University
To understand their awareness of and interest in the Chinese tea culture, the Asia-Pacific Institute of Ageing Studies at Lingnan University conducted a public opinion survey and analysis of the tea consumption habits of young people in the Hong Kong SAR. The findings show that more than three quarters of respondents drink Chinese tea regularly. However, as many as half also drink “flavoured tea” with sugar, floral flavours or milk frequently. The proportion of young people who drink tea regularly was significantly higher than soft and speciality drinks, although more than one third were unfamiliar with the health benefits of tea. Scholars point out that parents exert a strong influence on young people’s tea-drinking habits and suggest that different sectors of society might organise intergenerational activities to pass the Chinese tea culture on to younger generations.
14 Apr 2026
Asia Research News
Matcha surprise, Smart sea urchin spines, Breaking biomass bonds, Hybrid air-conditioning, Alga in gloom & A touch of tech. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice. Plus Early Bird submissions for Asia Research News 2027
14 Apr 2026
Osaka Metropolitan University
Carbohydrates affect weight gain and metabolic energy
31 Mar 2026
Hiroshima University
Researchers at Hiroshima University have developed a new tool to quickly and accurately map fungal gene functions, even for species that have never been studied before.
11 Mar 2026
Hiroshima University
The famed Japanese green tea powder may suppress nerve activity associated with sneezing in hay fever, according to a study in mice.
06 Mar 2026
Asia Research News
Kelli canines, Healthy fats in rice, Mercury and Earth in chorus, AI lights up materials discovery, Radiation detection with phones and Down to one. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice. Plus Women's Month 2026.
27 Feb 2026
Hokkaido University
Study of 56 japonica rice varieties finds black and green rice to be healthier choices
05 Feb 2026
Osaka Metropolitan University
A comprehensive analysis of supersulfide production in fermented soybeans
05 Feb 2026
National Taiwan University
Researchers in Taiwan demonstrate that installing solar panels above clam ponds can simultaneously support aquaculture and renewable energy under increasing climate stress. Using real-world farm data, the study shows that moderate shading lowers pond temperatures, reduces water demand, and generates clean electricity. This reveals novel, practical synergies across the Water–Energy–Food–Climate–Land nexus.
02 Feb 2026
Hiroshima University
A Hiroshima University-led project has secured a $1.8 million grant to develop a way to store bull semen using simple refrigeration instead of costly cryopreservation, a shift that could remove a major barrier to modern dairy cattle breeding that has long shut out farmers in low-resource regions. If successful, the technology is expected to boost milk yields, stabilize incomes for small-scale dairy farmers, and improve nutrition.
22 Jan 2026
City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK)
A research team from City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) recently collaborated with an international research team to publish a study revealing a correlation between global contamination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in globally consumed edible marine fish and associated human health risks.
The study found that consumers may be exposed to elevated levels of PFAS by consuming imported fish such as salmon, tuna, swordfish and cod — even in regions with low environmental pollution — thereby increasing food‑safety risks.
15 Jan 2026
Osaka Metropolitan University
Researchers have developed technology to convert naturally derived monomers into polymers capsules
19 Dec 2025
Tohoku University
Why are gourmets seemingly able to detect subtle nuances in taste that others miss? Researchers at Tohoku University have uncovered part of the answer by demonstrating that taste sensitivity can be enhanced through learning.
05 Dec 2025
Tohoku University
Game meat has traditionally been shunned by the Japanese population, Despite it being a sustainable food resource, vast amounts go to waste each year. A research team has dived deeper into the psychological barriers to game meat in Japan in an attempt to better market this underutilized resource.
19 Nov 2025
Ateneo de Manila University
The Philippines remains mired in import dependence despite years of government support.
30 Oct 2025
Asia Research News Partnerships
SINGAPORE, 29 October 2025 – TechInnovation 2025, organised by IPI Singapore, returns from 29–31 October at Sands Expo & Convention Centre and is expected to bring together over 4,000 attendees from more than 40 countries. The event features 100 emerging “Tech Offers” spanning artificial intelligence, HealthTech, sustainability, circular food innovation, and advanced manufacturing.
23 Oct 2025
Coffee beans harvested from the faeces of the Asian palm civet may have higher levels of fats and other key flavour-enhancing compounds than traditionally harvested beans. according to a new study, helping explain why civet coffee is so prized.
17 Oct 2025
Osaka Metropolitan University
Modified yeast developed to efficiently adsorb targeted elements from solutions
24 Sep 2025
In a bold step toward climate action, leading microbiology societies and organizations have unveiled their first joint global strategy to harness the power of microbial science in addressing the climate crisis. This landmark strategy has been published across 6 scientific journals, including Sustainable Microbiology.
04 Sep 2025
Asia Research News Partnerships
Taiwan Innotech Expo (TIE) 2025 will return from October 16–18 at Taipei World Trade Center, Hall 1, uniting government, academia, and industry under the theme “Cross-Domain AI Innovation: Driving the Future with Intelligence.” The event will feature 450 exhibitors presenting nearly 1,100 patented technologies, highlighting Taiwan’s role as a key driver of global innovation.
20 Aug 2025
Hiroshima University
Can understanding these differences help researchers breed better crops suited for a changing climate?
21 Jul 2025
Asia Research News
Echoes of grief, Unexpected mineral, Insulin on edge, Fingerprinting bacteria, Beefing up taste & Power of glass. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice
01 Jul 2025
Hiroshima University
Dietary prebiotics may induce an increase in brain GABA levels through the regulation of gut microbiota, which can be a major point for reducing or even treating these occurrences of certain neurological diseases in individuals.
23 Jun 2025
Asia Research News
Cyborg jellyfish, 3D collagen, Light, light go away, AI electronic nose, FLASHing cancer, Hydrogen storage in nanoscales & Can I drink this? Read all in the latest Editor's Choice
09 Jun 2025
Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo (UTokyo-IIS)
Researchers from the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, track and control levels of key flavor compounds in cultured beef
06 Jun 2025
University of the Philippines Diliman
The study reviews existing scientific methods for detecting methanol in lambanog, a traditional Filipino alcoholic beverage.
04 Jun 2025
Tohoku University
Guaiazulene is a compound that gives off a beautiful blue colour, and it is often found in topical creams for skincare. It has also been touted as a potential food coloring agent. Yet this has been stymied because of its poor water solubility and color degradation under acidic conditions. A group of researchers overcame this common stumbling block by introducing guaiazulene into a hydrophilic poly(allylamine).
21 May 2025
Osaka Metropolitan University
Portable technology offers instant, power-free ethanol detection across concentrations
25 Apr 2025
Duke-NUS Medical School
A set of digital interventions can spur consumers to pick healthier options and reduce their intake of calories and nutrients that should be consumed sparingly when implemented in online grocery stores.
Public health bodies and retailers could leverage these tools to improve diet quality and reduce rising rates of non-communicable diseases
Events
10 Feb 2026
The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada) is excited to host the fourth annual Canada-in-Asia Conference in Singapore from February 10-11, 2026.
29 Oct 2025
TechInnovation 2025 is Asia’s premier platform for innovation and business transformation, organised by IPI Singapore, a subsidiary of Enterprise Singapore. Now in its 13th edition, the event will take place from 29 - 31 October 2025 at Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Level 3 Heliconia and Hibiscus Ballroom, Singapore, bringing together global innovators, startups, corporate leaders, and government agencies for three days of insights, networking, and partnerships.

11 Nov 2024
Looking to make a meaningful impact on regional research and scientific capacity development in the Asia-Pacific region? The APN’s 2024 Call for Proposals invites you to submit proposals that tackle global change challenges, foster regional partnerships and support the development of sustainable solutions.
28 Oct 2024
Asia's premier technology-matching platform which connects the innovation and technology ecosystems from Singapore and beyond, TechInnovation, IPI’s flagship brokerage event, will return to Singapore for its 12th edition.

27 May 2024
The 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4), co-chaired by New Zealand and the Maldives, will take place from 27 to 30 May 2024 in Antigua and Barbuda under the theme “Charting the Course Towards Resilient Prosperity”.

09 Nov 2023
Seeking to build experience in collaborative regional research and scientific capacity development in the Asia-Pacific region? Interested in writing grant proposals for global environmental change projects? Come and join our open capacity building seminars to receive grant proposal writing guidance and an introduction to the Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN)'s 2023 Call for Proposals. Two seminars are available on the 9th and 10th of November, and we warmly welcome participation from early career professionals and global change practitioners in the Asia-Pacific region.
03 Oct 2023
The Journal for Humanities and Social Sciences Research is calling for papers in conjunction with the Asia Smart Farming & Food Security Conference 2023, scheduled to take place from 3rd-6th October in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
11 Oct 2021
Pandemics and Policy: Protecting Health and Promoting Economic Recovery
28 Sep 2021
TECHINNOVATION is a premier technology-to-industry matching event presented by IPI. It brings together international technology providers and enterprises to accelerate the commercialisation of emerging technologies, seed licensing opportunities and foster open innovation collaborations.
25 Oct 2021
First in the region focused on recognizing innovations, initiatives, programmes and ideas which contribute to sustainability, eradicating poverty, improving well-being, protecting our planet, and building peace and prosperity.

26 Mar 2021
Springer Nature and the University of Tokyo to hold SDGs Symposium 2021, “Interdisciplinary science solutions for food, water, climate and ecosystems Sustainable Development Goals”
18 Nov 2020
The Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit will focus on accelerating innovation in supply chain resilience, urban food systems, alternative proteins, and affordable nutrition. Will you be joining the conversation virtually on November 18-20?
The Khwarizmi International Award (KIA) acknowledges the efforts made by researchers, innovators and inventors from across the globe and to appreciate their high quality research work and contributions to different fields of science and technology.
25 Sep 2019
Vitafoods Asia is the dedicated event for Asia's nutraceutical, functional food and beverages, and dietary supplement industries, providing 350+ global suppliers to meet and do business with 6000+ visitors across the industry's four key areas from ingredient to shelf.
20 Nov 2019
Accelerating technology and investment in Asia’s agri-food supply chain
Researchers
Dr Chia is a longevity scientist engaged in disease-free longevity, and preventing and reversing diabetes, hypertension, dementia, heart disease and cancer remission. Through breakthrough discoveries, it’s not science fiction anymore!
Jeconiah Dreisbach is a Filipino interdisciplinary social scientist specializing in the sociolinguistics of migration, family language policy, language contact, and Philippine Studies.
Sadia Salim is an environmental and public health researcher working on climate change, planetary and environmental health, WASH, sustainability, education and empowerment, and grassroots community development and resilience in vulnerable regions.
A dynamic force in social creative catalyst, navigates the global landscape with a unique perspective, work across disciplines in sustainability, creativity, human factors, entrepreneurship and innovation.
I am an efficient Professor able to Develop courses with IT skills & sound teaching skills in a manner attractive to students. I have vast experience in supervising postgraduate research & Contribute in a well manner to the ongoing academic development of the School’s postgraduate courses and research.
Ts. Uganeeswary Suparmaniam, AMIChemE (UK) is a multiple award-winning young scientist, sustainability advocate, and climate activist attached to the HICoE-Centre for Biofuel and Biochemical Research, Institute of Self-Sustainable Building, PETRONAS University of Technology, Malaysia.
Dr. Chong Li Choo is an accomplished academic, Associate Professor at Taylor's University, expert in food technology, and innovative product design. Award-winning researcher, director for Food Security & Nutrition Impact Lab, and impactful leader in the field.
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)
Epidemiologist working with health of marginalized groups, including migrants, informal houses residents, homeless and women caregivers.
Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
Dr. Zheng Chen is an environmental chemist and associate professor at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University. His research interests include nutrient recycling from agricultural waste, soil contamination and remediation.
Nanyang Technological University
Dr. Edison Huixiang Ang is a Singaporean Materials Scientist who born in 28 July 1987. He has a background in materials science and engineering along with a diverse skill set. He completed his undergraduate studies, earning B.S. degrees, at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore in 2012. Later, in 2017, Dr. Ang received his Ph.D. from the same university. He gained additional experience as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the National University of Singapore from 2016 to 2017 and later served as a Research Fellow at Nanyang Technological University from 2017 to 2019. In mid-2018, he also took on a Visiting Scholar role at the Technical University of Munich in Germany.
Currently, Dr. Edison H. Ang serves as an Assistant Professor at the National Institute of Education/Nanyang Technological University.
His expertise encompasses various areas, including 2D Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, Energy Storage and Conversion, Sensor Technology, Membrane Technology, Additive Manufacturing, Catalysis, Waste-to-Wealth, Surface Coating and Film, Circular Economy, Renewable Energy, Sustainability, and Chemistry and Chemical Engineering.
Professor Crumlish has researched aquatic microbial diseases, specifically ones that have economic impact in global aquaculture, and potential solutions to such infectious diseases. Her current project seeks to develop vaccines against antimicrobial resistance in aquaculture.
Dr Kanimolli Arasu is a lecturer and a dietitian at the International Medical University, Malaysia.
International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)
Dr. Nor Aiman Sukindar has joined International Islamic University Malaysia in 2019 and currently working as Assistant Professor in Manufacturing and Materials Department and at the same time holding a position as Chairman of the Advanced Manufacturing and Material Research Unit (AMTech). Before joining IIUM, Dr. Aiman was working with Politeknik Kuching Sarawak for more than seven years from 2011 until 2019.
Dr. Aiman has extensive experience in research pertaining to additive manufacturing technologies including the design and development of 3D printers, fabricating scaffold structures for bone replacement using biomaterials, optimization printing parameters, and any other related field. Dr. Aiman was awarded grants from industries and the government including PPRN, Tin Grant, and Sponsored research grant.
Recently, Dr. Aiman won several awards including a silver medal in Asia Innovation Festival 2022, Gold Medal in RITEC 2021 Competition in 2021, and a silver medal and Outstanding Award in SDG MTE 2021 Competition also in 2021.
Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU)
Prof. Cai Zongwei is now the Chair Professor of Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry and Director of both State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis as well as Dioxin Laboratory, Hong Kong Baptist University.
The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK)
Dr. Brian Man Yu Bon is currently serving as an Assistant Professor in Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong.
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)
Department of Microbiology / Biomolecular Sciences
Universiti Teknologi MARA
Malaysia
Ms. Nagal is an alumnae of the University of Santo Tomas, who graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from the College of Education and a Master in Business Administration major in Entrepreneurship from the UST Graduate School. An academician with more than 10 years of experience in several capacities, she is currently a full-time academic staff for the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management, and concurrently the College Coordinator for International Relations and Programs and an Affiliate and Associate Researcher for the UST Sentro Turismo.
An energetic and talented researcher with a strong desire to build a career within the research industry. Passionate, self-motivated individual with a drive to succeed, with excellent organizational skills. Highly efficient and methodical with a good eye for detail with a proactive approach to performance and data accuracy.
I am a Health Economist/Researcher, working with UN agencies in the development of policy documents for developing countries including Nepal, Ethiopia and Pakistan.
Singapore University of Technology and Design
Mr. Lee Cheng Pau is currently pursuing his Ph.D in the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) focusing on 3D Food Printing.
The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK)
Dr. Louisa Chung is a Registered Nutritionist of Association for Nutrition (UK) with ten years experience in weight management and physical fitness projects. She is now working on an innovative dietary intake method which aims better result in weight loss and nutrition education.
City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK)
Prof. Chen’s current research covers research on bacterial antimicrobial resistance, virulence and tolerance in the veterinary, food and medical microbiology fields
International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)
Dr. Tengku Haziyamin Tengku Abdul Hamid's recent discovery of a novel strain has enabled a new patent to be drafted and was awarded gold medal in Malaysian Technology Expo 2021 for his new probiotic prototype called ProAquaVcare.
Taylors university
Dr Chin Chin Sia is a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Business & Law, Taylor's University, Malaysia.
Universiti Malaysia Sabah
Dr. Connie Cassy Ompok is an early childhood education expert and a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Psychology and Education, Universiti Malaysia Sabah. She Started her career in Early Childhood Education as a preschool teacher (2004-2007), a lecturer in early childhood education at the Malaysian Institute of Teacher Education (2008-2016) before serving as a Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education at UMS (2016 until now).
Dr. A. Ahmad obtained his BS, MSc, and PhD degrees in Biotechnology and Chemical Engineering, respectively. Dr. Ahmad's areas of expertise include algal engineering for bioenergy production, environmental remediation, dark fermentation, and biochemicals, CO2 mitigation, industrial wastewater treatment, and heavy metals biosorption. Ahmad has worked on several projects using integrated microalgal engineering in industrial wastewater. Dr. Ahmad has published over 35 articles in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings and generated significant research interest. He serves as a reviewer for more than ten scientific journals.
Prof. Khader has spent more than 30 years researching economic empowerment of Rural, Farm, Fisher and Tribal Women. Gender aspects underpins her research on livelihoods, food and nutrition security, growth and well-being of community.
A Tenured Professor at the Institute of Space Technology (Pakistan), Dr. Shabbir is working on Polymer based Nanomaterials for food safety, nano-drug delivery systems, water treatment, solar cells and carbon dioxide capture.
The knowledge and skills learned from The University of Sydney, Cornell University, CIMMTY, IRRI, TWAS, OWSD, running of international projects and presentation of research findings in multiple international congress/conferences – all helped not only to become the researcher today, but also motivated to become a research leader.
Giants in history
Chinese biochemist Chi Che Wang (1894 - 1979), one of the first Chinese women to study abroad, advanced to prominent research positions at American institutions including the University of Chicago and the Northwestern University Medical School.
Pakistani botanist Azra Quraishi (22 September 1945 – 22 November 2002) is recognised for developing virus-free seed potatoes that increased potato production in Pakistan by an estimated five per cent.
Flora Zaibun Majid ( 1939–2018) was an accomplished Bangladeshi researcher in botany and nutrition science and the first female chairperson of the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research.
Indian botanist Shipra Guha-Mukherjee (13 July 1938 – 15 September 2007) made a breakthrough discovery that enabled the genetic study of plants and, by extension, the development of improved varieties of rice, wheat, potatoes, and other crops.
Hwang Hye-seong (5 July 1920 – 14 December 2006) was an expert on Korean royal court cuisine, the knowledge of which she dedicated her career to keeping alive. Formerly an assistant professor of nutritional science, Hwang met the last kitchen court lady in the Joseon Dynasty Han Hui-sun and, from her, learned about the culinary traditions of the royal court.
Umetaro Suzuki (7 April 1874 – 20 September 1943) was a Japanese scientist best remembered for his research on beriberi, a disease caused by vitamin B1 deficiency, characterized by limb stiffness, paralysis and pain.
Hsien Wu (24 November 1893 – 8 August 1959) is widely regarded as the founder of biochemistry and nutrition science in China. He was the first to propose that protein denaturation was caused by the unfolding of the protein, instead of chemical alteration.
Kikunae Ikeda (8 October 1864 – 3 May 1936) was a Japanese chemist who discovered the fifth basic taste, umami.
Woo Jang-choon (8 April 1898 – 10 August 1959) was a Korean-Japanese agricultural scientist and botanist.
Minoru Shirota (April 23, 1899 – March 10, 1982) was a Japanese microbiologist who invented the popular fermented drink Yakult.
Chinese agronomist Yuan Longping (7 September 1930 – 22 May 2021) developed the first varieties of the high-yield, hybrid rice that brought food security to multiple countries including China, which had been ravaged by food shortages as recently as the mid-20th century.
In 1939, biochemist Kamala Sohonie (18 June 1911 – 28 June 1998) became the first woman to be accepted into the Indian Institute of Science (IISc).
Filipino chemist and pharmacist Manuel A. Zamora (29 March 1870 – 9 July 1929) is best remembered for his discovery of the tiki-tiki formula to combat beriberi, a disease caused by Vitamin B1 deficiency.
Filipina chemist María Orosa (29 November 1892–13 February 1945) fought malnutrition and food insecurity in the Philippines by devising over 700 culinary creations including Soyalac, a nutrient rich drink made from soybeans, and Darak, rice cookies packed with Vitamin B1, which could prevent beriberi disease caused by Vitamin B1 deficiency. She was also a partisan of the guerrilla movement resisting Japanese occupation during World War II, and died after being struck by shrapnel while working in her laboratory during the Battle of Manila.
South Korean theoretical physicist Daniel Chonghan Hong (3 March 1956 – 6 July 2002) achieved fame in the public sphere through his research into the physics of popcorn.
Ground-breaking cancer researcher Kamal Jayasing Ranadive (8 November 1917 – 11 April 2001) advanced the understanding of the causes of leukaemia, breast cancer and oesophageal cancer through the use of animal models. She was also among the first to recognise how susceptibility to cancer is linked to tumour-causing interactions between hormones and viruses.
In his over 30 year career in rice research, Munshi Siddique Ahmad (1924 – 19 October 2011) developed more than 30 varieties of high-yielding rice, including the BRRI Shail strain, which was responsible for increasing the rice production of Bangladesh from 8 million tonnes in 1965 to 20 million tonnes in 1975.

















































































