The 8th IAPSIT International Sugar Conference commenced on September 16 in Quy Nhon city, Binh Dinh province, Vietnam, gathering nearly 200 global delegates from countries including India, China, Thailand, Fiji, the Philippines, the United States, and Vietnam. The event, running from September 16 to 19, 2024, is jointly organized by the International Association of Professionals in Sugar and Integrated Technologies (IAPSIT), the Society for Sugar Research & Promotion (SSRP), and The Sugar Technologists’ Association of India. The theme of the conference is “Building a Resilient and Sustainable Global Sugar & Bio-energy Industry: Transforming the ASEAN Sugar Sector.”
Global Participation and Focus Areas
The conference brings together industry leaders, researchers, technologists, bioenergy experts, policy makers, and progressive farmers from over 25 countries, who are sharing their expertise to enhance the profitability and sustainability of the global sugar and bio-energy industries.
Key focus areas include:
- Green technologies for enhancing sugarcane and sugar crop production, including sugar beet, stevia, sweet sorghum, and sweet maize.
- Industrial advancements in processing, energy management, and product diversification to boost resource efficiency.
- Government policies aimed at improving the sugar sector in ASEAN countries through modernization, diversification, and better marketing opportunities.
The conference also emphasizes building resilience in the sugar and bioenergy industries, especially in ASEAN countries like Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Recognition of Excellence in the Sugar Industry
The IAPSIT conference is not just a platform for discussions but also a celebration of innovation and contributions to the sugar sector. This year, several key individuals and companies were honored with prestigious awards for their remarkable achievements:
Natural Resource Biochem Pvt. Ltd. (NRBPL) was recognized with the New Bio-Derivative Products Development award for its significant contributions to the sector. Shiv Sahani, MD of NRBPL, received the award at the conference, underscoring his company’s efforts in advancing sugar industry technologies and promoting sustainability.
- Mr. Vivek Verma, Managing Director of Spray Engineering Devices Ltd. (SED), Mohali, Punjab, was honored with the “Sugar Industry Excellence Award 2024” for his outstanding contributions to innovations in energy efficiency. This award highlights the company’s pivotal role in developing cutting-edge technologies that enhance energy management within sugar industries globally.
- Mr. Ashok Kumar Nanda, President of Spray Engineering Devices Ltd. (SED), was presented with the “Sugar Industry Lifetime Achievement Award 2024” in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the field of sugar processing technology. Mr. Nanda’s lifelong dedication has greatly advanced sugar processing innovations, benefitting the industry worldwide.
Technical Sessions and Innovations
The conference also features technical sessions aimed at exploring:
- R&D for increasing sugar productivity amid changing climatic conditions.
- Bio-refinery models and green energy alternatives that promise long-term sustainability for the industry.
- Discussions on fair trade, sugar marketing, and health, as well as the role of international trade bodies such as the WTO.
Participants at the conference have the opportunity to share their experiences and perspectives on various global initiatives aimed at rejuvenating the sugar sector, particularly in ASEAN countries.
ASEAN Sugar Alliance
A key component of the conference is the ASEAN Sugar Alliance, which addresses the modernization and marketing needs of sugar industries across ASEAN nations. These include Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, with a focus on R&D and technology enhancements to boost regional sugar production.
The 8th IAPSIT International Sugar Conference and Sugarcon 2024 continues to serve as a crucial platform for fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth in the global sugar and bio-energy industries. With a wide array of stakeholders in attendance, the conference is paving the way for a more resilient, profitable, and environmentally-friendly future for the sugar sector across the globe.
Event Details:
- Dates: September 16-19, 2024
- Venue: International Center for Interdisciplinary Science and Education (ICISE), Quy Nhon, Binh Dinh, Vietnam
- Official Website: ISC 2024
