Khon Kaen, Thailand, November 10 – 14, 2025 — Asst. Prof. Dr. Pimnibha Hirunsorn, Head of the Food Technology Department, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Kantiya Petsong successfully concluded a five-day Regional Training on “Training on Food Safety Management Systems for SMEs” at MI’s Training Center in Khon Kaen, Thailand at the Mekong Institute from November 10-14, 2025, as Trainor Lead at the Mekong CREATES Project, supported by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).
The training program brings together 28 participants from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam (CLMV countries), targeting government officials, SME owners, production managers, and food safety officers. The initiative responds to a pressing need in the region, where SMEs face significant challenges in meeting international food safety standards due to limited technical capacity and resources. The program covers essential food safety management systems including Good Hygiene Practices (GHPs), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and ISO 22000 standards. Participants will gain hands-on experience through:
- Hazard identification and risk assessment methodologies
- Documentation and record-keeping systems
- Internal audit procedures and inspection readiness
- Structured learning visits to food processing facilities
- Development of actionable implementation plans
Regional Impact and Collaboration
This initiative aligns with ASEAN’s Food Safety Policy Framework (2021-2030) and supports the region’s vision for sustainable and inclusive food systems transformation. By fostering cross-country dialogue and peer learning among CLMV nations, the training promotes policy coherence and strengthens regional food safety networks. The program emphasizes practical application, with participants developing customized action plans to implement food safety improvements in their own enterprises and organizations upon returning to their home countries.
About the Mekong Institute and Mekong CREATES
The Mekong Institute (MI) is an intergovernmental organization serving the six countries of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). MI works to strengthen regional cooperation and integration through human resource development, knowledge sharing, and capacity building.
The Mekong Collaboration for Resilient and Equitable Agrifood System Transformation (Mekong CREATES), supported by the New Zealand Government, empowers stakeholders to co-develop innovative, inclusive, and climate-resilient solutions that advance food safety and agrifood competitiveness across the GMS. The project runs from March 2025 to July 2026.
news: Miss Kanok-on Neera
photos: MEKONG INSTITUTE
