LOS BAÑOS, Philippines—Five distinguished experts from universities across Southeast Asia have been awarded the SEARCA Regional Professorial Chair for Academic Year 2026–2027, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to research, instruction, and innovation in support of agricultural and rural development in the region. The awardees are Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmad Faizal Abdull Razis of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Prof. Bambang Purwantara of IPB University, Indonesia, Prof. Ng Kee Woei of Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore, Prof. Adrian P. Ybañez of Cebu Technological University (CTU), Philippines, and Prof. Dr. Chanakan Prom-u-thai of Chiang Mai University in Thailand.
Dr. Ahmad Faizal Abdull Razis, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Food Science and Technology at UPM, has been awarded the Professorial Chair for his contributions to the field of food science and technology. Faizal is a leading expert in food toxicology and food safety, with a strong track record of global collaboration with institutions and organizations across Asia, Europe, and international agencies. Recognized among the world's top 2 percent of scientists by Elsevier and Stanford University for three consecutive years, his research has generated significant impact on food safety policy, risk assessment, and industrial innovation. Through partnerships with global institutions such as the International Atomic Energy Agency and through ASEAN initiatives, his work advances science-based solutions to emerging food contaminants, strengthens regulatory frameworks, and supports sustainable agricultural and food systems in Southeast Asia and beyond. Faizal will share his research results through a public lecture titled "Genomics-Driven Authentication of Village Chicken: Identifying Breed-Specific Biomarkers for Sustainable Poultry Development in Southeast Asia."
Prof. Bambang Purwantara of IPB University, has been selected for the SEARCA Regional Professorial Chair for AY 2026–2027 in the field of veterinary medicine and biomedical sciences. With over four decades of academic service, Purwantara has advanced research in livestock reproduction, particularly in artificial insemination, embryo transfer, and molecular fertility studies aimed at improving cattle productivity and supporting food security programs. Beyond livestock, his studies have also supported biodiversity conservation, including research on endangered species such as native Indonesian cattle. His recognition underscores the growing importance of biotechnology-driven research in addressing agricultural challenges, strengthening food systems, and promoting sustainable development across the region. Purwantara's Professorial Chair public lecture is titled "Assisted Reproductive Technology and Biobanking in Animals: Challenges and Opportunities in the Genomic Era."
Prof. Ng Kee Woei is a distinguished professor at the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore. His research focuses on nanotechnology, particularly nanotoxicology and nanosafety, as well as the development of sustainable materials for biomedical, food, agricultural, and security applications. His studies have led to advancements in wound healing, tissue engineering, and even sustainable agricultural systems such as hydroponics. With more than 160 journal publications and over 13,000 citations, he has earned numerous awards and recognitions, including the American Chemical Society (ACS) Salute to Excellence Award in 2025 and election as an Academician of the Asia Pacific Academy of Materials the same year. He has also played an important role in international scientific communities, including serving as an invited expert for the World Health Organization and in various professional societies. Ng will deliver a public lecture on "Improving Sustainability in Agriculture through Innovations in Growing Media Technology."
Prof. Adrian Ybañez is a veterinarian, researcher, and academic leader known for his significant contributions to veterinary science, public health, and research development. Currently Professor VI at Cebu Technological University (CTU) in the Philippines, his work focuses on zoonotic diseases, molecular diagnostics, and animal health. His excellence has been recognized through prestigious awards, including Outstanding Young Scientist from DOST-NAST (2020), recognition among the Top 100 Asian Scientists (2022), and an Outstanding Veterinarian in Education from the Philippine Veterinary Medical Association (2023). Ybañez will share his work through a public lecture titled "Livestock Vector-borne Diseases and Their Impact on Animal Health and Economy."
Prof. Dr. Chanakan Prom-U-Thai is a distinguished agronomist and leading expert in rice science at Chiang Mai University (CMU), Thailand. Currently Director of the Lanna Rice Research Center, her research initiatives focus on improving rice productivity, quality, and sustainability. Together with her team, she has developed more than ten rice varieties enriched with essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, anthocyanins, and vitamin E that provided healthier food options for consumers and helped improve farmers' income. Her work also focuses on efficient nutrient management, enabling farmers to increase yields while reducing production costs and promoting environmentally sustainable practices. will deliver her public lecture titled "Biofortification for High-Yield, Nutrient-Dense Rice Through Nutrient Management."
The SEARCA Regional Professorial Chair Award is an annual recognition given to outstanding academics in Southeast Asia who have made significant contributions to Sustaining Transformation through Agricultural Innovation (SUSTAIN) in Southeast Asia. Since academic year 2012–2013, the Center has conferred the award on 72 highly accomplished recipients.