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Bangkok, June 16, 2025 – Thailand’s leadership in the global cassava industry took center stage at the Global Cassava Sustainability Forum 2025, held today at Pullman Bangkok King Power. Co-hosted by King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) and the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC) under the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), the event gathered international experts, industry leaders, and policymakers to strengthen global networks in sustainable agri-business, using cassava as a model value chain. The forum is part of Thailand’s Reinventing University Initiative, supported by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), which aims to enhance Thai universities’ global competitiveness and strengthen their role in national development.

Dr. Punpermsak Aruni, Assistant Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation stated that cassava exemplifies Thailand’s agricultural strengths and its potential to lead sustainable development under the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy model. “Thailand is the world’s largest exporter of cassava products, with exports valued at 3.3 billion USD in 2024. Together with Cambodia and Vietnam, we hold 90% of the global market share,” he said. He added that cassava is a key driver of Thailand’s BCG strategy, contributing to sectors such as bioenergy, biochemicals, food, and pharmaceuticals.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suvit Saetia, President of KMUTT said the university plays a key role in driving research that can be applied in real-world settings through the Reinventing University Initiative. “Cassava offers a powerful entry point for advancing the bioeconomy. It is not only a versatile crop but also a foundation for innovations in biotechnology, energy, and waste management,” he said.

Assistant Professor Dr. Chaowaree Adthalungrong, Executive Director of BIOTEC mentioned that long-standing cooperation between NSTDA, BIOTEC, and KMUTT has produced significant advances in cassava R&D. “From high-yield, low-cyanide cassava varieties like Pirun 1, 2, and 4 to rapid diagnostic tools and starch processing innovations, our work is delivering practical solutions that benefit farmers, processors, and consumers,” she said.

Dr. Warintorn Songkasiri, Acting Deputy Executive Director of BIOTEC, concluded that the Global Cassava Sustainability Forum 2025 aims to establish a Global Network on Sustainable Bioeconomy in Agri-Business, using cassava as a model crop for sustainable development across the entire value chain. The goal is to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, with the potential to expand to other agricultural products. This initiative highlights Thailand’s role as a global leader in sustainable agriculture and as a driver of food, economic, and environmental security in Asia and beyond.

Throughout the three-day forum, participants will explore strategies to strengthen and sustain the global cassava value chain. Topics include modern cultivation technologies, plant disease management, eco-friendly starch production, waste management, and high-value product development. 

The event also features exhibition of cassava starch applications in food innovation, showcases of the latest products from leading companies in the industry, and site visits to an MSG manufacturing plant, a cassava starch factory, and BIOTEC.