On 27 September 2022, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs joined King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL) and Thai PBS to host the 8^th APEC Media Focus Group (AMF) on “APEC and Food Security: Sustainability beyond global uncertainties” at the KMITL Auditorium with a broad range of panelists.  Participants – in person and online – numbered approximately 1,500.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Komsan Maleesee, Acting President of KMITL, delivered Welcome Remarks, highlighting KMITL’s commitment to research and innovation, including for food security. In his Opening Remarks, Mr. Tanee Sangrat, Director-General, Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, challengedparticipants to explore the negative impacts and potential of food security,within and beyond the APEC context. During the Roundtable Discussion moderated by Thai PBS’ Dr. Nattha Komolvadhin, Ms. Prinat Apirat, Deputy Director-General, Department of International Economic Affairs, MFAadvanced focused efforts on food production and distribution, and sustainable food systems. Ms. Pasinee Napombejra, Thailand’sfocal point for APEC on food security, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, articulated the inter-sectoral frameworks and actions on food security within APEC. Assoc.Prof. Dr. Naphatrapi Luangsakul, Dean, KMITL School of Food Industry, cited notable research networks related to food security. Mr. Sirichet Chiraphongwatthana, CEO, MANTRA Plant-Based Seafood, shared business perspectives on theintersecting issues of nutrition and food security.

Mr. Panu Wongcha-um, President of the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand, advanced public understanding of food security within current geo-politics.  KMITL student representatives shared their views on awareness-raising, food waste, and probiotic and prebiotic research. H.E. Jonathan Kings, Ambassador of New Zealand, represented the previous APEC host economy and emphasised the distinct and ongoing nature of APEC’s work while Dr. Steve Olive, Director, USAID Regional Development Mission for Asia, represented the incoming host economy and noted current challenges, APEC cooperation, and US efforts towards regional food security.

A lively discussion with the audience ensued, on the role of information technology in food security, policy and regulatory issues in the food trade, and effective public communication on food security. These rich and extensive conversations were a fitting conclusion to the AMF series, which have sought to explore crucial issues within APEC, and Thailand’s efforts in our host year. 

For full video: https://www.facebook.com/events/653099152805749/?ref=newsfeed