Policy considerations for Gene editing: The Asian & Australian Perspective

23-25 Aug, 2022

Sunway Clio Hotel, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

Rationale

Policy considerations governing gene editing in agriculture and the food industry varies from
country to country. Many are taking a progressive and scientific approach by examining gene
edited crops on a case-by-case basis. Argentinian policies for gene editing that exempt SDN1
and SDN2 forms of gene editing has resulted in the emergence of new SMEs and startups
that are developing gene edited seeds to support sustainable agriculture. This is a healthy
development where local priorities are met by national organisations and local companies.

In Asia, a similar approach is being adopted by Japan and India, while discussion is on-going
in most other countries. This workshop intends to inform local policymakers, regulators and
other stakeholders so that they can play a proactive role in developing their national policies
for gene editing. This will support international harmonization of gene editing policies,
enhance applications of gene editing and reduce trade barriers, ultimately supporting
sustainable food security.

MABIC, together with credible like-minded organizations including Murdoch University

(Western Australia), ISAAA SEACenter and BioTrust Global the National Seed Association
Malaysia, are undertaking outreach initiatives to raise awareness to enable stakeholders to
support science-based regulations.

Objectives

1. To raise awareness among stakeholders to enable science-based participation in the

development of the policy and regulatory frameworks for gene editing in Asian
countries and Australasia
2. To support harmonization of gene editing regulations in the region
3. To support advancement of gene editing applications for improved crop yields and
quality for consumption
 Proposed agenda

Day 1

(Facilitator: Dr Mahaletchumy Arujanan)

8.30-9.00am: Registration
9.00-9.25am Welcome by MABIC/BioTrust Global: Dato’ Dr Nazlee Mohd Kamal,
MABIC Board of Director
Photo session

Session I: The basics of gene editing

(Moderator: Dr Rhodora Aldemita)

9.25-9.55am: The basics on gene editing (Prof Mike Jones, Murdoch University)
9.55-10.25am: Commercialisation and acceptance of gene edited products (Dr Kay
Khoo, BASF)
10.25-11.00am: Coffeebreak
11.00-11.30am: Safety of gene edited crops for food and environment (Dr Gabriel
Romero, Philippines Seed Industry Association)
11.30-12 noon: Discussion

Session II: Policies and regulations

12 noon-12.40pm: Dialogue: Current development in Asia Pacific on gene editing policies

(Australia, Japan, India, Philippines, Singapore) (Moderated by Sonny
Tababa, CropLife Asia)
12.40-1.00pm: Discussion
1.00-2.00pm: Lunch
2.00-2:50pm: Dialogue: Status of gene editing regulations in Malaysia, Thailand,
Indonesia, Vietnam, Taiwan, South Korea
(Moderated by Dr Rhodora Aldemita, ISAAA)
2:50-3:10pm: Discussion
3:10-3:40pm: Coffeebreak
3:40-4:10pm: Global Status of Policies and Regulations on Gene editing (Dr Szabi
Ruthner, ISF, Online)
4.10-4:40pm: The Regulatory Status of “Precision Bred” Crops: An EU and UK
Perspective (Dr Penny Hundleby, John Ines Centre, Online)
4:40-5.15pm: Discussion and END OF DAY 1

7.00pm: Workshop Dinner – Thai Thai Restaurant, Sunway Pyramid

Day 2

(Facilitator: Saarani Vengadesan)

Session III: Pathways-to-market and commercial potential (Moderator: Prof Mike Jones)

9.00-9.30am: The commercial pathway of gene edited crops vs GM (Osman

Mewett, Australian Seed Federation)
9.30-10.00am: Current status of gene editing research in India and plans for
commercialisation (Dr Shivedra Bajaj, India)
10.00-10.30am Current research on gene editing in Malaysia (Dr Kumitaa, Universiti
Sains Malaysia)
10.30-11.00am: Coffeebreak
11.00-11.30am: Research and products for near-term marketability: Challenges and
opportunities in Japan (Prof. Dr. Toshiya Muranaka, Japan, Online)
11.30-12 noon: Why is gene editing important for China and the proactive measures?
(Dr Wei Xun, China, Online)
12 noon-12.30pm Discussion
12.30-1.30pm: Lunch

Session IV: The importance of Science Diplomacy and Harmonization

1.30-2.00pm: Science Diplomacy Interface of Biotechnology (Dr Muhammad Adeel,

Murdoch University)
2.00-4.00pm: Breakout session: Biotech Game: A Science Diplomacy Deliverable for
Science Communication (Prof Mike Jones & Dr Muhammad Adeel,
Murdoch University)
4.00-4.30pm: Coffeebreak
4:30-5.00pm: Discussion
5:00pm: End of Day 2

Day 3

Session V: Enabling regulation for Asia/Australasia – Working Groups (Dr Mahaletchumy

Arujanan)

9.00-10.30am: Brainstorming on policy considerations to support research,

development, commercialization and trade of gene edited products
i. Opportunities
ii. Challenges and barriers
iii. Stakeholder perspectives
iv. Way forward for policy consensus
(Group lead: Mahaletchumy, Mike Jones, Rhodora Aldemita,
Shivendra Bajaj, Osman Mewett, Panfilo de Guzman)
10.30-11.00am: Coffeebreak
11.00-11.30pm: Plenary Presentation of the output and discussion (Prof Mike Jones)
11.30pm: Closing: Datuk Seri Ir. Dr. Zaini Ujang, Secretary General, Ministry of
Environment and Water.
12.00 noon: Lunch
END OF WORKSHOP