On 19 May 2025, AFSIS Secretariat attended the online Kick-off Meeting on ASEAN+3 Food Security Information System (AFSIS) Phase 3 Cooperation Project (Cambodia) – PMC Service The meeting was conducted in collaboration with the Korea Rural Community Corporation (KRC), the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) of Cambodia, and EGIS Korea Co., Ltd., as part of the ongoing establishment of Real-Time ASEAN Food Security Information System and Human Resource Development Project – 3rd Phase. This strategic cooperation is part of the pilot project focused on enhancing crop forecasting systems to strengthen food security in Cambodia, forming a critical component of the broader regional initiative.
On 28-29 April 2025, The AFSIS Secretariat participated in a two-day workshop this workshop aimed to strengthening the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR) Mechanism. Held at the Innovation Building, Office of Agricultural Economics, Bangkok, Thailand
On 19-20 February 2025, the AFSIS Secretariat attended the 13th Meeting of the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR) Council held in Tokyo, Japan. The meeting brought together key stakeholders from the APTERR Council, ASEAN Plus Three countries, ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN Food Security Reserve Board (AFSRB), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the APTERR Secretariat, and the AFSIS Secretariat to discuss crucial topics related to food security and rice reserves.
From 10-14 February 2025, the AFSIS Secretariat, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) and the Korea Agency of Education, Promotion, and Information Service in Food, Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (EPIS), successfully hosted the Invitational Workshop on the Project for Establishing a Real-Time ASEAN Food Security Information System and Development of Human Resources. The event took place in Seoul, the Republic of Korea, bringing together representatives from 5 target countries Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
On 24 January 2025, AFSIS Secretariat join the meeting in collaboration with The APTERR Secretariat and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in the successfully co-organised a hybrid workshop on “Building Resilient Rice Market and Robust Policy Framework in Asia” The event brought fostering meaningful discussions on strengthening food security and stabilizing rice markets through effective policy strategies.
During 22 - 24 January 2025, The ASEAN Food Security Information System (AFSIS) Secretariat, in collaboration with Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Remote Sensing Technology Center of Japan (RESTEC), and Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), successfully conducted the Inception Workshops, the 1st Seminars for Executive Officials, the 1st Hands-on Training Courses for Agricultural Statisticians and Technical Staff held in Bangkok and Chonburi Province.
In late November and early December 2024, Malaysia and southern Thailand experienced severe flooding and heavy rainfall, which caused widespread damage, including landslides and agricultural devastation. The agricultural losses in both countries highlight the critical need for improved disaster preparedness and more resilient agricultural systems.
The tropical cyclones that impacted the Philippines in November 2024, including Yinxing, Oraji, Usagi, and Man-Yi, have caused widespread devastation across several provinces, resulting in heavy rainfall, severe winds, flooding, and significant agricultural damage. These storms have left communities grappling with extensive losses, including damaged crops, disrupted livelihoods, and displacement.
On 26-27 November 2024, Dr. Sumanya Ngandee, the AFSIS Manager, participated in the 30th session of the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF-30), held in Perth, Australia. This event was co-organized by the Australian Space Agency (ASA), the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan, and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The forum's focus was to bring together stakeholders from various space agencies in the Asia-Pacific region to address pressing regional issues through space-based solutions.
On Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 22:57 WITA, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, one of Indonesia’s 120 active volcanoes, erupted on the island of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara province, The eruption, lasting 24 minutes (1,450 seconds), was recorded with a massive amplitude of 47.3 mm. According to Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency, a strong eruption sent ash up to 2,000 meters (6,500 feet), affecting over 10,000 people. Smaller eruptions followed on November 5-6. In response, the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) raised the volcano’s alert status to “Awas” (Level IV), indicating a high danger level.