The Asian Forum on Smart Agriculture: Futuristic Technologies for Sustainable Farming kicked off in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, on 6 November 2017. The Asian Productivity Organization (APO) in partnership with the Thailand Productivity Institute (FTPI) and Thailand’s Charoen Pokphand Group (CP) are organizing the event. Senior Chairman Dhanin Chearavanont of CP delivered the keynote address, while CP Senior Vice Chairman Dr. Aj Taulananda gave welcome remarks on behalf of their organization. A welcome address by APO Secretary-General Dr. Santhi Kanoktanaporn and opening remarks by APO Alternate Director for Thailand Dr. Phanit Laosirirat on behalf of the FTPI rounded out the inaugural session of the forum.

Charoen Pokphand Group Senior Chairman Dhanin Chearavanont delivering keynote address during the inaugural session of the the Asian Forum on Smart Agriculture: Futuristic Technologies for Sustainable Farming in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, 6 November 2017.

Thirty-three participants from 14 APO member countries are attending, with a panel of 12 renowned experts in sustainable farming initiatives to give presentations and lead discussions. The international speakers include Professor Emeritus and Former Director of the Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behavior Dr. Joerg Hartung, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany; Laboratory of Bio-Sensing Engineering, Division of Environmental Science & Technology, Professor Dr. Naoshi Kondo, Kyoto University Graduate School of Agriculture, Japan; Japan Plant Factory Association and Professor Emeritus, Chiba University Center for Environment Health and Field Sciences, President Dr. Toyoki Kozai, Japan; Value Chain Management in Food and Agriculture Professor Woody Maijers, Inholland University of Applied Sciences, the Netherlands; Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Associate Professor Dr. Jenn-Kan Lu, Republic of China; and Smart Yields Inc. CEO Vincent Kimura, USA.

The following local speakers are also scheduled to address the forum: International Trade and Business Development, CP Food Public Co., Ltd. Chief Operating Officer Prasit Boondoungprasert; CP Produce Co., Ltd. Senior Vice President Julio Cesar Mayrink; Space Krenovation Park, Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, Director Dr. Damrongrit Niammuad; Thai Microelectronics Center National Electronics and Computer Technology Center Director Dr. Amporn Poyai; National Food Institute President Yongvut Saovapruk; and National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards Advisor Dr. Ponprome Chairidchai.

Photo: FTPI