BIO Asia–Taiwan 2026 亞洲生技大會

BIO Asia–Taiwan 2026 亞洲生技大會

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MEDIA

Europe, US, and Asia: 10 Countries Feature at BIO Asia–Taiwan 2025 Regional Collaboration Forums

Europe, US, and Asia:
10 Countries Feature at BIO Asia–Taiwan 2025 Regional Collaboration Forums

Asia Pacific Regional Biotech Cooperation Working Group launched

26 July, 2025

In collaboration with the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), BIO Asia–Taiwan 2025 again hosted the Regional Collaboration Forums, bringing together representatives from ten countries across Europe, the US, and Asia, including Australia, South Korea, the United States, Japan, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Canada, India, and Singapore. Also represented was the International Council of Biotechnology Associations.

Over the opening three days of BIO Asia–Taiwan, country-specific forums were held, with each meeting featuring in-depth discussions on opportunities and the future of regional collaboration in the biotech and healthcare industry. A collective outcome of the forums was the official launch of the "Asia Pacific Regional Biotech Cooperation Working Group," intended to be platform for dialogue and cooperation on topics such as regulations, investment, startup incubation, and clinical trials.

BIO Asia–Taiwan Chairman Johnsee Lee remarked that this year’s Regional Collaboration Forums welcomed participation more countries than ever, highlighting growing momentum for collaboration on regulatory harmonization, international multi-center clinical trials, innovation-driven investment, and joint R&D efforts.

Dr. Tam C. Nguyen, Deputy Director of Research at St. Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, Australia, emphasized that Australia offers a robust clinical trial ecosystem, attracting global biotech companies to conduct Phase I clinical studies. However, he noted that only through cross-border regulatory alignment can the full benefits of these trials be realized on a global scale.

Ed Jager, Director of Trade and Investment at the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei, shared Canada’s experience in leveraging AI to accelerate drug development and precision diagnostics, and affirmed Canada’s commitment to deepening partnerships with Asia in these key areas.

Mariëlle Lagers, Executive Director for Taiwan and South Korea at the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA), stated that with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) headquartered in the Netherlands, the country plays a leading role in promoting regulatory science innovation and pharmaceutical safety. This makes the Netherlands an ideal partner for Asian biotech companies seeking to expand into the European market and engage in international multi-center clinical trials.

Yoshiaki Tsukamoto, Executive Director of the Japan Bioindustry Association (JBA), explained that Japanese companies possess strong capital resources, and Japan accordingly hopes that more investment can be channeled into innovative technologies and the cultivation of startups.

Murali P.M., former Chairman of the Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE) India, shared that India is actively promoting biotech manufacturing policies, optimizing regulations around biosimilars, and has established a US$12 billion R&D fund to support the growth of the biotech sector.

The Philippines also announced its plan to establish a biotechnology park, backed by hundreds of millions of US dollars in R&D investment, alongside biotech-related infrastructure and favorable geographical and environmental conditions, aiming to attract more biotech companies to the region.

Wan Yee Goh, Senior Vice President of Biopharmaceuticals at the Singapore Economic Development Board, noted that Singapore has established a region-leading mRNA biotechnology manufacturing platform, positioning itself as a key hub for advanced biomanufacturing in Asia.

Jurie Hwang, Director of Public Affairs at the Korea Biotechnology Industry Organization (KoreaBIO), emphasized the importance of cross-border investment in accelerating biotech innovation and collaboration across Asia.

Kelly Seagraves, Vice President of the US-based Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), stated that despite political fluctuations, the US Congress and state governments remain strongly supportive of the biotech industry. She encouraged Asian partners to break down regional barriers and leverage diverse capital sources to drive biotech progress.

Claire Skentelbery, Chair of the International Council of Biotechnology Associations (ICBA), and Wallace Lin, Secretary General of the Taiwan Bio Industry Organization (Taiwan BIO) and also Vice Chair of the ICBA, both emphasized the importance of collaborative integration among national biotech associations. They expressed hope that such cooperation would enable more effective consolidation of diverse viewpoints and lead to concrete, actionable policy recommendations, thereby narrowing the gap between industry needs and policy implementation.

The forum concluded with the official launch of the “Asia Pacific Regional Biotech Cooperation Working Group”, intended to serve as an ongoing platform for dialogue, and to to foster regional exchange and cooperation on key issues such as regulations, investment, and startup incubation.