Sanya Shines as APAC Seed Capital as ASC 2024 Sets New Record

December 6, 2024, Sanya, China: The 2024 Asian Seed Congress (ASC) concluded in Sanya with a record-breaking attendance of more than 1,800 delegates from over 50 countries and territories. This turnout surpasses previous benchmark Congresses, including those held in Kuala Lumpur in 2019 and Macau in 2014, both of which drew record-breaking numbers of around 1,500–1,600 participants.

Co-organized by the Asia and Pacific Seed Alliance (APSA) and the China National Seed Trade Association, the event was made possible through collaboration with the Sanya City and Hainan Provincial Governments and support from  China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. This landmark gathering reaffirmed the Asian Seed Congress’s position as the premier platform for the seed industry in the Asia-Pacific region.

 

 

Held in Sanya, China, from December 2–6, the 2024 Asian Seed Congress marked the most attended edition in APSA’s 30-year history. The event brought together public and private sector stakeholders from the seed industry across the region and around the globe.

From left: Weihong Tian (Secretary General, CNSTA); Xi Chen (Mayor of the People’s Government of Sanya City); Feng Li ( Vice Governor of the People's Government of Hainan Province); Yan Huang ( Member of CPC Leading Group of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs); Dr. Manish Patel (outgoing APSA president); Fanrong Li (Chairman of the Board of Directors, Sinochem Holdings Corporation Ltd.)  Minjie Ying (CNSTA President); and Francine Sayoc (APSA Executive Director).

This year’s Congress was particularly significant as APSA celebrated its 30-year milestone, underscoring three decades of fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainability in the seed industry. During the Inaugural Ceremony, APSA’s Director, Francine Sayoc, announced the association’s new slogan, "Seed Comes First," emphasizing the vital role of seeds in food security and sustainable development.

Francine also unveiled APSA’s Strategy 2025-2027, introducing 30 Strategic Objectives to coincide with the association’s 30th anniversary. These objectives aim to elevate APSA’s operational excellence, advocacy, and service to members, ensuring the association remains sustainable and relevant in a rapidly changing world. The new strategy aligns closely with the Congress themes, highlighting APSA’s forward-looking commitment to the industry.

A New Era for APSA

A major highlight of the week was the Annual General Meeting (AGM), where Koh Teck Wah assumed the role of APSA President, succeeding Dr. Manish Patel, whose tenure was celebrated for his unwavering dedication and exceptional leadership.

As per APSA’s constitution and procedures, the Vice President automatically transitions to the President role after two years. During the Executive Committee meeting held on December 7, Takahiro Ando was elected as the new Vice President, set to serve a two-year term before assuming the presidency in 2026.

At the same meeting, the board appointed Dr. Chua Kim Aik as Treasurer for the next year, further strengthening APSA’s leadership team as it moves forward into a new chapter of innovation and growth.

 

Gratitude: During the AGM, outgoing EC members and president were thanked for their service: from left  Yang Yasheng, Zhu Xiaobo, Dr. Manish Patel,  Kwanghong Lee and Nicolas Perrin

APSA’s new president Koh Teck Wah with outgoing president Dr. Manish Patel

The AGM also welcomed five new Executive Committee members:

  • Nicolas Perrin, representing SEMAE (Associate Category)
  • Yingjie Jia, representing Shanghai Wells Co., Ltd. (Seed Enterprise/Government Seed Agency Category)
  • Ahmed Nouman, representing Green Gold Agri Seeds (Pvt.) Ltd. (Seed Enterprise/Government Seed Agency) Category
  • Kwanghong Lee, representing the Korea Seed & Variety Service (Seed Enterprise/Government Seed Agency Category) and
  • Linfeng Chu, representing the China Seed Association (Seed Association Category)

From left: Ahmed Nouman; Nicolas Perrin; Kwanghong Lee; Yingjie Jia and Linfeng Chu

Exploring Innovation, Equity, and Sustainability

This year’s Congress featured technical sessions under three key themes:

  1. Our Business Landscape, Today and Tomorrow, addressing AI-driven breeding technologies, digitalization, and climate-smart farming solutions.
  2. Accelerating and Safeguarding Innovation, focusing on genome editing policies, intellectual property protection, and phytosanitary frameworks for secure and efficient seed movement.
  3. Moving Quality Across Borders, highlighting global policy changes, seed health advancements, and strategies to streamline international seed trade.

Social Stamina

Delegates engaged in vibrant networking opportunities at events like the Lady’s Luncheon, Past Presidents’ Lunch, and the energetic APSA Young Club Networking Night, which featured inspiring speeches and a lively Quiz Night. The Inno-Tech Showcase presented cutting-edge innovations, from AI-powered breeding platforms to advancements in seed coating technologies.

The week concluded with the Grand Banquet, a celebration of the seed industry’s achievements, filled with entertainment, awards, and camaraderie.

Mumbai and Antalya to Host #AsianSeedCongress in 2025, 2026

The 2025 Asian Seed Congress was officially sealed with a signing ceremony on December 5, immediately following the AGM. The agreement, signed with the National Seed Association of India and the Federation of Seed Industries of India, confirms Mumbai, India, as the host city for Q4 2025. This milestone underscores APSA’s ongoing commitment to fostering regional collaboration and innovation.

During the AGM, it was also announced that the 2026 Asian Seed Congress will take place in Antalya, Turkey. Preparations for the Antalya Congress are now underway, with the official signing ceremony scheduled for 2025 to formalize the agreement.

 

 

 

 

For further inquiries, email Steven@apsaseed.org