The Knowledge to Decide

What does the infamous (2008) case of fake Chinese milk powder and Malaysia’s fake Milo case in 2016 have in common? These are all noteworthy cases of food fraud that show the level of dilution, counterfeiting and mislabelling of food products that has plagued Asia’s food industry, at an estimated annual cost of USD40 billion in damages. What tools can be used to tackle this issue? Safe and Secure Approaches in Field Environments (SSAFE) – a non-profit organization – in collaboration with Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC), VU University Amsterdam, and Wageningen University along with global food industry leaders have launched a free assessment tool. The tool helps to identify loopholes and formulates custom-made solutions. Other ways of prevention can be through using anti-counterfeit technology like holograms and systematic notification to both private and public companies of blacklisted suppliers. Will Asia succeed in reigning in fraudulent food? https://www.spirerese

Japan and China are emerging as the leading Asian countries for 3D printing adoption, thanks to government initiatives and rapid growth in industrial demand. Can these countries outstrip the West in integrating 3D printing into supply chains? In an article inspired by the  SpirE-Journal , Spire shared its views on the challenges and opportunities in Asia’s 3D printing industry. In comparison to the 3D printing market in Europe and the US, Asia’s growth is sluggish. However, the Asia-Pacific region – especially Japan and China- is now 3D printing-ready, thanks to its extensive industrial base, government funding and a supportive research and development (R&D) eco-system. The Japanese Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry (METI) has set aside USD44 million in the 2014 budget to support R&D initiatives for metal products manufacture through 3D printing. This demonstrates its seriousness in promoting Japanese leadership in 3D printing. On the other hand, China’s Ministry