PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP
Scaling Up Biopharma in SE Asia: Smart Packaging, Agile Compliance & Tech-Driven ROI
12.00 - 04.40 PM Thailand Time
4th November 2025 | Amari Bangkok, Thailand
This exclusive pre-conference workshop provides a focused deep dive into the evolving Southeast Asian biopharmaceutical landscape, with emphasis on scalable manufacturing strategies, regulatory navigation, and technology integration.
Led by industry leaders and technical experts, the sessions will explore:
- Regional investment and innovation trends
- Practical pathways toward insulin self-sufficiency
- Regulatory strategies for biologics and vaccines
- The evolving role of CDMOs in Southeast Asia
Attendees will gain actionable insights into single-use technologies, modular biomanufacturing platforms, and partnership models that enhance production agility, compliance, and long-term resilience.
Ideal for mid-to-large biopharma manufacturers, this workshop sets the stage for strategic collaboration and next-generation innovation in biologics, insulin, and vaccine production.
Join us for a day of expert-led discussions, live technology demonstrations, real-world case studies, and high-impact networking tailored to support sustainable growth and innovation in the regional biomanufacturing landscape.
AGENDA
12:00
Networking Lunch
13:00
Welcome Remarks
👤 Lara Santiago, Senior Portfolio Specialist, IMAPAC, Singapore
13:05
Southeast Asia Biopharmaceutical Market Trends
- Analysing investment trends in biopharmaceuticals in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam.
- Innovation trends
- Government policy support, biopharmaceutical development priorities (especially vaccines, insulin, oncology drugs)
- Gaps and opportunities for SEA production players.
- Insulin &CDMO opportunity in SEA
👤 Rathanesh Ramasundram, Head of Healthcare & Life Sciences, APAC, Growth Advisory, Frost & Sullivan, Malaysia
13:25
Panel Discussion: Building Biomanufacturing Capacity in Southeast Asia — Global Insights and Practical Experience
Objective:
This panel discussion explores how global experience and technological innovation can help strengthen biomanufacturing capacity in Southeast Asia. Through insights from international experts in biopharmaceutical production, the session aims to provide practical lessons on scaling up vaccine and biologics manufacturing, advancing quality standards, and fostering sustainable growth across the region.
Key Discussion Points:
- What are the major capacity-building challenges facing Southeast Asia’s biomanufacturing industry?
- What lessons can be drawn from China’s biopharmaceutical development — for example, the success of local insulin and vaccine manufacturing?
- How can global partnerships support the region’s efforts to improve GMP compliance, automation, and regulatory readiness?
- In what ways can technology providers like Tofflon contribute to enabling local production and technology transfer?
- What are the key success factors for Southeast Asia’s biomanufacturing sector over the next five years?
Moderator:
👤 Rathanesh Ramasundram, Head of Healthcare & Life Sciences, APAC, Growth Advisory, Frost & Sullivan, Malaysia
Panelists:
👤 Tony Xu, Business Development Director, Tofflon
👤 Luigi Bonfatti, Executive Advisor, RVMC, Norway
👤 Lisa Yang, General Manager-SEA, Tonghua Dongbao Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd
13:55
Regulatory Roadmap:
Key Regulatory Trends for Biologics and Vaccines in Thailand: What Manufacturers Need to Know
- Regulatory framework focusing on patients and product lifecycle management
- Leveraging Thailand’s Reliance Pathway and WHO ML3 Status
- Challenge of innovative products and the regulatory gaps
👤 Wittawat Viriyabancha, Pharmacist, Professional Level, Thai FDA, Thailand
14:20
Redefining Self-Sufficiency: Southeast Asia’s Path to Local Insulin Manufacturing
- Why local Insulin production matters for Southeast Asia
- Insulin manufacturing process and technical complexity
- Practical Roadmaps for Localizing Insulin Production
- Strategic Recommendations & Collaboration Opportunities
👤 Tony Xu, Head of BD, Tofflon, China
👤 Lisa Yang, General Manager-SEA, Tonghua Dongbao Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd
15:10
Technology Demonstration & Networking Break
15:35
Single-Use, Modular Platforms & CDMO Transformation in Southeast Asia
- Single-Use Technology: Enabling Flexible, Fast-Track Biologics
- Modular Biomanufacturing: The Fast Lane to Capacity
👤 Claire Chong, Technical Application Manager, Tofflon Singapore
16:05
Case Scenario Game
16:15
Closing Remarks
👤 Yenlu Toh, Country Manager, Tofflon Thailand & Malaysia
SPEAKERS
Tony Xu
Head of BD
Tofflon China
Tony is a pharmaceutical engineering specialist with over 15 years’ experience in biopharmaceutical processes and pharmaceutical manufacturing systems. A graduate of Wuhan University of Technology in Pharmaceutical Engineering and a PMP-certified project leader, he has led the design, optimization, and implementation of advanced manufacturing facilities worldwide.
Since 2017, he has headed Tofflon’s International Bioprocess Design Department, providing technical leadership in oncology injectables, insulin, cell and gene therapy, and vaccine manufacturing projects. His expertise covers upstream, downstream, and fill & finish processes, with a strong focus on GMP compliance and technology transfer.
Lisa Yang
General Manager-SEA
Tonghua Dongbao Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd
With a strong track record in bridging scientific innovation and practical application, Lisa specializes in delivering technology transfer solutions that help pharmaceutical and biotech companies overcome challenges in innovation and productivity.
She has designed and led impactful seminars on frontier topics such as Cell Therapy (CAR-T), Single B Cell Screening, and Routine Diagnostics Strategies, bringing complex science to life for diverse audiences.
In addition to her expertise in international product collaborations and business development, [Name] possesses solid knowledge of pharmaceutical product development and hands-on experience in immunology research—ensuring her insights are grounded in both science and industry realities.
Claire Chong
Technical Application Manager
Tofflon Singapore
With over 10 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, Claire is a highly skilled professional specializing in single-use technology and downstream processes.
Her expertise covers a broad spectrum, including virus filtration, affinity chromatography, and bioburden and sterile filtration. Claire’s deep knowledge has been instrumental in supporting biopharma clients, particularly in downstream processes.
Beyond technical support, she plays an active role in R&D projects and new product development, driving key advancements in the industry.
Yenlu Toh
Country Manager
Tofflon Thailand & Malaysia
A proud graduate of the International Medical University with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Nutrition and Dietetics.
Dynamic and results-driven Regional Sales Manager with over 3 years of experience in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, specializing in the Southeast Asian market. Demonstrated success in driving revenue growth and expanding market presence across the region. Skilled in developing and executing strategic sales plans, leading high-performance teams, and building strong relationships with key stakeholders, healthcare professionals, and regulatory bodies. Adept at analyzing market trends, optimizing sales strategies, and delivering impactful solutions that align with corporate objectives.
Wittawat Viriyabancha
Pharmacist, Professional Level
Thai FDA, Thailand
Wittawat Viriyabancha, Pharmacist (Professional level), is currently working in ATMP and Biological Products Sub-Division, Medicines Regulation Division, Thailand Food and Drug Administration (Thai FDA). His principal responsibility is biological product registration. By this role, he started the Thailand ATMP regulatory framework development project in 2018 and has also involved in several Thai FDA projects such as risk management plan (RMP) implementation program, advancing regulatory science program, biopharmaceutical research and development policies, etc. Wittawat earned his Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, and Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Graduate Certificate in Regulatory and Clinical Affairs from University of Southern California, USA.
Rathanesh Ramasundram
Head of Healthcare & Life Sciences, APAC, Growth Advisory
Frost & Sullivan, Malaysia
Rathanesh Ramasundram is a healthcare strategist with over 20 years in the healthcare industry, including 15 years in growth and strategy consulting. She is passionate about crafting impactful strategies that accelerate organizational success and transformation. Rathanesh specializes in supporting organizations expand their market presence across APAC and globally, with deep expertise in business growth roadmaps, go-to-market strategies, benchmarking, competitive and customer intelligence, and pipeline optimization.
In her current role at Frost & Sullivan, she partners with leading healthcare stakeholders and governments to shape strategic direction and drive operational excellence across the healthcare ecosystem. She has worked extensively with global life sciences and pharmaceutical companies, medtech and diagnostics firms, hospital groups, and public sector agencies. Her work focuses on delivering actionable insights that inform investment decisions, fuel innovation, and guide long-term strategies. Known for facilitating high-impact growth engagements, Rathanesh is a trusted advisor in advancing healthcare transformation and ecosystem collaboration.
Luigi Bonfatti
Executive Advisor
RVMC, Norway
Luigi Bonfatti is Executive Advisor at RVMC (Regionalized Vaccine Manufacturing Collaborative). As member of RVMC Leadership he is focused on industry and industry associations engagement.
Before joining RVMC, Luigi has been supporting Chiesi Farmaceutici, Italian largest pharma company, in managing the integration of its largest acquisition to date (a fully fledged rare disease company) and adjust its operating and governance business models.
Prior to that, Luigi has spent 25 years at GSK Vaccines in a variety of senior roles in business development, supply, marketing and strategy of growing importance. During the last 8 years at GSK he created and grew a self-standing business unit in charge of integrations, divestments and strategic partnerships. As general manager of this business unit, Luigi was overseeing commercial and industrial partnerships and product transfers allowing him to have a unique end-to-end understanding of the vaccine industry and value chain.
Luigi holds a chemical engineering degree from Polytechnic School of Brussels University as well as an MBA from Solvay Business School.
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