As part of Japan ASEAN Cooperation and a way forward for human resources development on building an advanced value chain, the Project for Human Resources Development in Food-related areas through Partnership with Universities in ASEAN Region hereinafter called as HRD Project was established on 1st September 2014. The Project aims to (1) Enhancement/Improvement of a system for human resource development on the Food Value Chain in the region through training and programs by experts in related fields, (2) Build a network among the young generation, compositional organizations for strengthening FVC such as Agricultural Cooperatives, agricultural community enterprises, and farmer organizations through proper involvement in programs, (3) Development of human resources for enhancing food security and harmonizing agricultural and food-related regulations and standards through specialized intensive courses. The target beneficiaries will be mainly the young generation, especially university students and other stakeholders such as government officials, experts from food-related companies, agricultural cooperatives, agricultural community enterprises, farmer organizations, and testing laboratories that need new knowledge, practical know-how, and skills.

The Project completed its 1st Phase on 31 December 2017, then followed by the 2nd Phase which started from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2020. In response to the AMSs request and needs, the Project continuously develops in the 3rd Phase by adding more components which comprise Food Value Chain, Food Analysis, and Food Safety Management.