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Bangkok, October 5, 2026 – The Office of National Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO), in collaboration with its partners, organized the "Plant-Rich Leaders: Awards & Showcase 2026" on October 5, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Alliance Française Bangkok, Wireless Road. The event aims to honor leading organizations that have pledged to increase the proportion of plant-based ingredients (Plant-Rich) in their menus or products by at least 30%. The initiative's goal is to elevate public well-being, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and drive Thailand towards a sustainable food system.
In addition to product exhibitions, educational showcases, and networking opportunities across various sectors, a major highlight of the event was a research presentation by Prof. Dr. Apichart Vanavichit, Senior Advisor, on the topic "Personalised Diet Intervention: PDI". Prof. Dr. Apichart presented innovative Thai rice varieties designed for the future of health, namely "3G Rice" and "Rainbow Rice". These rice varieties have been specially developed to possess high nutritional value and health properties, making them highly suitable for personalised diets. This is particularly crucial for the elderly demographic as Thailand fully transitions into a super-aging society, helping to prevent and mitigate the impacts of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases
The presentation of these Thai rice innovations aligns perfectly with the event's core concept of promoting food for health and the environment. The event also featured several talk sessions that reinforced this theme, including topics such as "Conscious Dining," the "Longevity & Wellness" trend, and "The Future of Good Food". Furthermore, this event was registered as part of the Bangkok Climate Action Week 2026, featuring a plaque presentation ceremony for the Plant-Rich Leaders. The program also included Plant-Rich cooking demonstrations and panel discussions sharing the success stories of leading organizations, aiming to inspire further collaboration in driving the country's sustainable food system forward.
