Biotechnology Industry Issues Discussed in Singapore

August 22-23, 2003

Dr. Val Giddings, Vice President, Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO)

American scientist and industry spokesman, Val Giddings, discussed biotechnology issues and concerns with Singaporean officials, scientists, businessmen, and media commentators August 22-23. Dr. Giddings, Vice President of Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), an interest advocacy group representing over 1600 member companies worldwide, met public and private sector leaders and decision makers to talk about the phenomenal global growth of biotechnology firms and products over the past decade. Often asked to describe the industry’s prospects for the next ten years, people were especially interested in hearing his thoughts on where Singapore might create a GM R&D niche for itself. He was also able to correct a lot of “unexamined perceptions” people have in connection with genetically modified products that are false, often providing the background for the misperceptions’ origins, separating GM fact from its critics’ fiction. Dr. Giddings’s two-day program proved an excellent opportunity for Singaporean officials, academics, commercial leaders, and the media to examine and discuss the latest scientific and commercial information on agricultural biotechnology.