National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST) recently successfully hosted an international conference on “Using Smart Innovation for Sustainable Development” (USISD 2025). The theme of the event gave focus to “Net-Zero Emissions and Aging Society”, and examined ways to use smart innovation for sustainable development in related areas.
The conference was organized with the support of the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) of Taiwan and held in collaboration with partner institutions from nine countries: Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Myanmar, Singapore, Pakistan, and Japan.
GLOBAL COLLABORATION ON KEY ISSUES
USISD 2025 brough together top-tier experts, scholars, and industry representatives from across the globe for a time of in-depth exchange on such topics as emerging technologies, sustainable food production, and smart solutions to critical global challenges such as climate change, food security, and nutrition.
The conference also served as a vital preparatory platform for the upcoming 23rd World Congress of the International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST), scheduled to be held in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, in 2026.
FEATURED SPEAKERS AND PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
The four-day conference centered on three core themes: Smart Innovation in Food Technology, Sustainable Food Systems, and Healthy Aging Societies. The program included international keynote speeches, technical workshops, scientific paper presentations, and cross-national industry exchange sessions.
Several influential figures from the international food science and technology community graced the event, including Dr. Pavinee Chinachoti, President-Elect of the International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST); Dr. Aman Wirakartakusumah, Rector of IPMI International Business School (Indonesia) and former IUFoST President (2022-2024); and Dr. Richard Khaw, Chairman of the Federation of Institutes of Food Science and Technology in ASEAN (FIFSTA).
Leaders from various organizations in Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines also shared their expertise. Speakers offered profound insights into challenges and technological solutions for the sustainable transformation of the food industry, and they highly commended NPUST’s contribution to promoting international scientific research cooperation and regional connectivity.
CULTURAL EXCHANGE AND FUTURE OUTLOOK
During the symposium, participants had the opportunity to visit local industries and innovation centers in Southern Taiwan. These site visits provided firsthand observations of the practical application of smart technology in sustainable food production and environmental management. Cultural excursions were also arranged, allowing attendees to experience Taiwan’s rich heritage and local characteristics, thus deepening international friendship and promoting cross-cultural cooperation alongside technical and academic exchange.
The conference concluded with a joint statement of cooperation, reaffirming the commitment of all participants to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through academic exchange, technological innovation, and Asian regional partnerships. The success of this global gathering further underscores Taiwan’s increasing role as a center for innovation, sustainability, and international collaboration in the field of food science and technology.
