Tokyo, 12 December 2024:The ERIA School of Government, in collaboration with the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and the Asia Pacific Research Center (APRC), successfully held the inaugural ERIAAPRC Research Exchange and Innovation Workshop on Biomanufacturing. This initiative aims to bolster science and technology cooperation between ASEAN countries and Japan, promoting sustainable development through academic collaboration and innovation.

The workshop aligns with the 50th anniversary of ASEAN–Japan friendship and cooperation, commemorated in 2023. Building on decades of trust and shared aspirations, ASEAN and Japan are now advancing their partnership under themes such as 'Heart-to-Heart Partners Across Generations,’ ‘Co-Creators of Economy and Society of the Future,’ and ‘Partners for Peace and Stability.’

The ERIA–APRC workshop seeks to unite academic, policy, and business communities from ASEAN and Japan. It serves as a platform for sharing cutting-edge research, fostering professional networks, and encouraging science and technology collaboration. The event also supports future joint research projects under the NEXUS programme and reinforces ERIA’s mission to aid science policy development through the ERIA School of Government.

In the opening remarks, Akira Tsugita, Vice President of JST, emphasised the importance of biomanufacturing, biomass, and biofuels as key areas for innovation. Prof. Nobuhiro Aizawa, Dean and Managing Director of the ERIA School of Government, highlighted the vital role of science and technology in shaping public policy and the need for trust and collaboration to maximise the benefits of emerging technologies. The keynote address by Prof. Akihiko Kondo from Kobe University focused on advancements in biofoundry and smart cell development for chemicals and fuels, with an emphasis on collaboration with ASEAN countries to build biomanufacturing ecosystems.

The workshop featured three research exchange sessions:

Session 1: Biotechnology and Sustainability

Chair: Prof. Chiaki Ogino
This session showcased presentations from five researchers representing leading institutions:

• Keiichi Mochida, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science
• Prof. I Ketut Adnyana, Institute of Technology Bandung (ITB)
• Prof. Kohsuke Honda, Osaka Universitys International Center of Biotechnology
• Prof. Sudesh Kumar, Universiti Sains Malaysia
• Prof. Masafumi Yohda, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology

Session 2: ASEAN–Japan Partnerships in Bioresource Management

Chair: Prof. Akihiko Kondo
Key presentations explored innovative approaches to bioresource management:

• Prof. Noriho Kamiya, Kyushu University
• Cuk Supriyadi Ali Nandar, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN)
• Prof. Sosaku Ichikawa, Tsukuba University
• Prof. Made Tri Ari Penia, ITB
• Prof. Yutaka Nakashimada, Hiroshima University
• Dr Novitri Hastuti, BRIN Biomass and Bioproducts Researcher

Session 3: Biotechnology, Biofuels, and Energy Transition

Chair: Prof. Nobuhiro Aizawa
This session explored biofuels and industrial property law, featuring presentations from:

• Elis Heviati, representing Prof. Dr Eng. Eniya Listiani Dewi (MEMR)
• Prof. Chiaki Ogino, Kobe University
• Prof. Ahmad Ramli, Universitas Padjadjaran
• Oki Muraza, Pertamina

The workshop was supported by the NEXUS programme, which offers funding for ASEAN–Japan collaborative projects in critical scientific fields. Introduced by Satoshi Yokoyama, Deputy Manager of JST’s International Affairs Department, NEXUS enhances research collaboration and supports joint innovation efforts

Participants engaged in discussions addressing challenges, opportunities, and societal issues in advancing the bioeconomy. The outcomes of this workshop will guide future collaborations, with the next workshop planned for Jakarta.

Through these efforts, ERIA and APRC reaffirm their commitment to fostering international research exchange and driving innovation in biotechnology, bioenergy, and sustainability. This collaboration underscores ASEAN and Japan's dedication to a sustainable, prosperous future through science and technology.