The HRD Project successfully organised the Food Analysis Training Course, held from 9 to 12 September 2025 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) Cambodia under HRD Project Phase 4.
The training brought together 32 participants, including 1 student and 12 staff members from the Royal University of Agriculture (RUA), 6 participants from research institutes, 7 representatives from government bodies and food/agriculture enterprises in Cambodia, as well as 6 observer students from the International University of Cambodia. In addition, seven experts from Japan and Singapore’s public–private sector companies contributed their insights, sharing extensive knowledge and practical experience in the field of food analysis.
The programme combined lectures with hands-on training, enabling participants to gain practical skills in functional substance analysis. One highlight was the detection of Lutein in spinach using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), which provided participants with valuable laboratory experience. The course also explored a wide range of topics, including an Overview of Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS), Development of functional food and related labelling systems, JAS testing methods, with a focus on determining functional substances and Standardisation in food industries
In his Opening Remarks, Mr Shuji Tani, Director of the Standard and Conformity Assessment Office at MAFF Japan, reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to strengthening food quality and safety in the ASEAN region. He also highlighted Cambodia’s ongoing efforts under the Pentagonal Strategy to enhance food supply stability and promote export growth, emphasising the vital role of high-quality agricultural and food products in boosting international competitiveness.
