AOAC Southeast Asia Section

16/06/2026

Shaping the Future of Global Halal Testing Standards!

Are you a laboratory professional, researcher, or regulatory expert involved in Halal food testing? Your expertise is needed to help bridge global analytical gaps!

The AOAC Joint Expert Core Team on the Harmonization of Analytical Methods for Halal Food Certification (a collaboration between the AOAC Arab Section and AOAC Southeast Asia Section) has officially launched a global survey.

Our goal? To build a science-based roadmap that reduces technical barriers to trade and strengthens international confidence in Halal certification systems through harmonized testing benchmarks.

📊 How your insights will help:

1. Map existing regulatory frameworks and certification requirements;

2. Identify the current analytical methods and technical challenges in use;

3. Understand accreditation practices across jurisdictions; and

4. Capture key parameters for Halal verification (such as alcohol, porcine DNA, and animal origin)

🕒 Deadline: 22 JULY 2026
🔗 Participate here: https://bit.ly/aoachalalq

Let’s advance scientific alignment together. Please share this within your technical networks!

AOAC INTERNATIONAL

22/05/2026

Post-Event Wrap-Up: Mycotoxin Standardization Webinar Achieves Great Success

On 22 May 2026, the AOAC Southeast Asia Section Working Group on Harmonization of Methods successfully hosted its highly anticipated webinar titled: “Harmonizing the Future: Standardizing MYCOTOXIN Detection and Quantification Across Southeast Asia.”

The two-hour live event brought together food safety professionals, regulators, and researchers from across the region to discuss standardizing testing protocols to combat mycotoxin contamination in the food supply chain.

Key Highlights:

Expert Perspectives: Industry leaders Wee Siew Moi and Wai Chinn Chan from the Nestlé Quality Assurance Center (Singapore) provided dual perspectives on regional contaminant management and laboratory ex*****on.

Technical Deep-Dive: The presentations shed light on the complexities of mycotoxin analytical testing, highlighting emerging methodologies and the critical need for standard validation frameworks across Southeast Asian laboratories.

Active Q&A Forum: Attendees actively engaged with the panel, bringing up critical troubleshooting questions, such as the viability of ELISA methods when testing masked or conjugated mycotoxins. Questions about challenges in the harmonization initiatives were also raised.

A massive thank you to our expert speakers from the Nestlé Quality Assurance Center in Singapore for sharing their invaluable insights and practical expertise:

> Wee Siew Moi
Chemical Contaminants Expert for Nestlé’s Asia, Oceania & Africa Region

> Wai Chinn Chan
Laboratory Manager

Conclusion

The webinar underscored AOAC Southeast Asia Section’s ongoing commitment to building a unified, scientifically rigorous approach to food safety. By aligning regional testing standards, the working group aims to facilitate smoother trade and guarantee safer food for consumers across the ASEAN region.

Thank you to everyone who tuned in live, raised insightful questions, and contributed to the discussion. Together, we are raising the bar for food safety standards across ASEAN!

Missed it? Stay tuned to our social media channels under the hashtag for announcements regarding upcoming sessions and access to future event materials.

19/05/2026

THERE IS STILL TIME TO REGISTER!

Advancing Food Safety through Harmonization

The AOAC INTERNATIONAL Southeast Asia (SEA) Section, through its Working Group on Harmonization of Methods, is pleased to announce an upcoming webinar titled "Harmonizing the Future: Standardizing MYCOTOXIN Detection and Quantification Across Southeast Asia."

This session will delve into the critical efforts and methodologies required to unify mycotoxin testing standards within the region.

Event Details

Date: 22 May 2026 (Friday)

Time: 01:00 PM – 02:00 PM (UTC+8)

Registration Link: https://tinyurl.com/AOACSEAWebinarMycotoxins

Featured Speakers

We are honored to host two distinguished experts from the Nestlé Quality Assurance Center, Singapore:

Miss Wee Siew Moi
Chemical Contaminants Expert for Nestlé’s Asia, Oceania & Africa Region

Ms. Wai Chinn Chan
Laboratory Manager

Why Attend?

As food safety remains a top priority, the harmonization of detection and quantification methods is essential for ensuring consistency and accuracy across borders. Participants will gain professional insights into the current landscape of mycotoxin analysis and the collaborative efforts driving regional standardization.

Advancing Food Safety through Harmonization

The AOAC INTERNATIONAL Southeast Asia (SEA) Section, through its Working Group on Harmonization of Methods, is pleased to announce an upcoming webinar titled "Harmonizing the Future: Standardizing MYCOTOXIN Detection and Quantification Across Southeast Asia."

This session will delve into the critical efforts and methodologies required to unify mycotoxin testing standards within the region.

Event Details

Date: 22 May 2026 (Friday)

Time: 01:00 PM – 02:00 PM (UTC+8)

Registration Link: https://tinyurl.com/AOACSEAWebinarMycotoxins

Featured Speakers

We are honored to host two distinguished experts from the Nestlé Quality Assurance Center, Singapore:

Miss Wee Siew Moi
Chemical Contaminants Expert for Nestlé’s Asia, Oceania & Africa Region

Ms. Wai Chinn Chan
Laboratory Manager

Why Attend?

As food safety remains a top priority, the harmonization of detection and quantification methods is essential for ensuring consistency and accuracy across borders. Participants will gain professional insights into the current landscape of mycotoxin analysis and the collaborative efforts driving regional standardization.

30/04/2026

Advancing Food Safety through Harmonization

The AOAC INTERNATIONAL Southeast Asia (SEA) Section, through its Working Group on Harmonization of Methods, is pleased to announce an upcoming webinar titled "Harmonizing the Future: Standardizing MYCOTOXIN Detection and Quantification Across Southeast Asia."

This session will delve into the critical efforts and methodologies required to unify mycotoxin testing standards within the region.

Event Details

Date: 22 May 2026 (Friday)

Time: 01:00 PM – 02:00 PM (UTC+8)

Registration Link: https://tinyurl.com/AOACSEAWebinarMycotoxins

Featured Speakers

We are honored to host two distinguished experts from the Nestlé Quality Assurance Center, Singapore:

Miss Wee Siew Moi
Chemical Contaminants Expert for Nestlé’s Asia, Oceania & Africa Region

Ms. Wai Chinn Chan
Laboratory Manager

Why Attend?

As food safety remains a top priority, the harmonization of detection and quantification methods is essential for ensuring consistency and accuracy across borders. Participants will gain professional insights into the current landscape of mycotoxin analysis and the collaborative efforts driving regional standardization.

29/04/2026

Save the Date: AOAC Southeast Asia Section Heads to Jakarta for its 5th Annual Conference!

We are thrilled to announce that the vibrant city of Jakarta, Indonesia, will serve as the host city for the AOAC Southeast Asia Section (SEA) 5th Annual Conference. Mark your calendars for the week of October 19–23, 2026, as we gather the region’s leading analytical scientists, regulators, and industry experts for another milestone event. Specific dates are still being finalized.

While the city is set, we are currently finalizing the foundational elements of this year's gathering. Information regarding the official conference theme, the specific venue within Jakarta, and our local co-organizers will be shared in the coming weeks.

Stay tuned for further updates as we prepare to deliver a technical program that continues to advance global standards and food safety in our region.


AOAC INTERNATIONAL

24/04/2026

Co-Chairperson for Harmonization of Methods Working Group

The AOAC Southeast Asia Section is proud to announce the appointment of Ms. Wannapa Kamin as the new Co-Chairperson of the Harmonization of Methods Working Group.

As the Laboratory Manager at the Nestlé Quality Assurance Center (NQAC) in Thailand, Ms. Kamin brings a deep well of expertise in directing complex microbiological and chemistry operations. Her leadership is defined by a commitment to maintaining rigorous food safety and quality compliance, backed by extensive experience in method validation and verification across diverse product categories.

Ms. Kamin’s technical proficiency is particularly vital to the section’s mission of standardizing analytical protocols. She specializes in optimizing laboratory efficiency for qualitative pathogen detection—such as Salmonella species—and is an expert in implementing pooled sample size studies to provide cost-effective, large-scale monitoring solutions. By ensuring strict adherence to international standards like ISO 6887-1 and ISO 16140, her contribution to the Harmonization of Methods Working Group will be instrumental in enhancing analytical reliability and fostering technical excellence throughout the Southeast Asian laboratory community.

Please join the AOAC SEA Executive Committee and the entire membership in welcoming Ms. Kamin to her new role. Her expertise will undoubtedly be a cornerstone in our upcoming initiatives and working group projects for 2026 and beyond.

24/04/2026

Introducing the New Marketing and Communication Manager for AOAC Southeast Asia Section

We are proud to announce the appointment of Mr. Admer Rey C. Dablio from the Philippines as the newest Marketing and Communication Manager for the AOAC Southeast Asia Section.

A Registered Chemist and a distinguished leader in the Philippine scientific community, Mr. Dablio brings a wealth of expertise from his current role as Supervising Science Research Specialist and Quality Manager at the DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI). His professional journey is marked by excellence, having been recognized as the 2023 Most Outstanding Professional for Chemistry in Northern Mindanao and receiving the 2025 Outstanding Achievement Award for Service to the Chemistry Profession from the Philippine Federation of Chemistry Societies.

With a strong foundation in laboratory accreditation (ISO/IEC 17025) and a proven track record in technical training and research, Admer is uniquely positioned to elevate the section’s communication strategies.

Please join us in welcoming him as we continue to advance global standards in analytical science across Southeast Asia.

24/04/2026

Announcing the AOAC Southeast Asia Section’s New Treasurer: Dr. Lee Huei Hong

The AOAC Southeast Asia Section is proud to announce the appointment of Lee Huei Hong, PhD, as our Section’s Treasurer.

Dr. Lee brings over a decade of distinguished experience in analytical science and agricultural food science to this executive role. Currently a Principal Field Application Chemist at Waters Pacific Pte Ltd, she is a recognized expert in advanced chromatography and mass spectrometry. Beyond her technical prowess, Dr. Lee has been a cornerstone of our community, serving as co-chair of the AOAC SEA Emerging Issues Working Group.

With her PhD from Universiti Putra Malaysia and a proven track record of fostering international scientific collaborations, Dr. Lee is uniquely positioned to manage our section’s resources while driving technical innovation and regional growth.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Lee Huei Hong to her new leadership role.

24/04/2026

Welcoming Our New Secretary: Sylvia Lawrance

The AOAC Southeast Asia Section is proud to announce the appointment of Sylvia Lawrance as our new Section Secretary.

With two decades of experience across the Asia Pacific region, Sylvia is a distinguished leader in scientific and regulatory affairs. Her career is a testament to the powerful synergy between analytical science and regulatory policy. Currently serving as the Director of Regulatory Affairs for Southeast Asia at Abbott, she oversees complex regulatory strategies across nutrition, medical devices, diagnostics, and pharmaceuticals.

Sylvia’s deep expertise in accredited analytical laboratories and standards harmonization will be invaluable as AOAC SEA continues to advance science-based regulatory approaches. We are confident that her leadership will further our mission of translating analytical evidence into pragmatic policy outcomes across the region.

Please join us in welcoming Sylvia to the leadership team!

24/04/2026

Introducing the President-Elect of AOAC International Southeast Asia Section: Nicole Zhang

We are proud to announce the appointment of Nicole Zhang as the President-Elect of the AOAC SEA Section. Nicole brings a powerhouse combination of technical expertise and strategic leadership to the Executive Committee.

Currently the Senior Regional Marketing Manager at Thermo Fisher Scientific, Nicole has a proven track record of driving innovation and market growth across the APJ region. With a career spanning influential roles at Waters and Shimadzu, she is a recognized leader in the analytical instrumentation industry.

Beyond her business acumen—highlighted by a Global MBA with Distinction from the University of Manchester—Nicole remains deeply rooted in the laboratory. She is a trained MALDI-TOF and LC-MS(MS) Chemist and a certified UPLC Engineer. Her unique perspective as both a scientist and a marketing strategist will be invaluable as AOAC SEA continues to advance global standards and laboratory excellence in our region.

Please join us in congratulating Nicole on her new role!