March-April. 2026 | @ AGROBiz

• IPBBC2026 brings together scientists and industry players in plant breeding and biotechnology.

• The event has been rebranded to reflect a broader focus on both conventional breeding and modern biotechnology.

• More than 15 international speakers are expected to present research in areas such as genomics, gene editing and molecular breeding.

Taking place from Apr 28th to 30th, 2026, at Noble Resort Hotel, Melaka, Malaysia, the conference marks a shift in both name and direction, expanding from its earlier identity as the International Plant Breeding Conference to place greater emphasis on biotechnology.

The rebranding reflects a broader industry transition, in which conventional breeding methods are increasingly complemented by advanced tools such as gene editing, molecular markers, genomic selection, and bioinformatics.

By bringing these disciplines together, IPBBC2026 aims to highlight how integrated approaches can better respond to challenges such as climate variability, crop diseases, and the growing demand for sustainable food production.

Held under the theme“ Plant Breeding and Biotechnological Innovations for a Resilient Future”, the event will gather a diverse mix of stakeholders, including plant breeders, biotechnologists, geneticists, policymakers, researchers, industry representatives and students.

The programme is designed not only to showcase scientific progress, but also to encourage practical collaboration across sectors.

More than 15 international speakers are scheduled to present at the conference, covering functional genomics, molecular diagnostics, genomic-assisted breeding, and climate-resilient crop strategies.

Alongside keynote and plenary sessions, participants can expect oral and poster presentations, as well as a technology and innovation showcase featuring solution providers within the plant breeding and biotechnology space.

A one-day technical visit has also been arranged, offering a closer look at how these advancements are being applied on the ground.

A key highlight will be the Norman Borlaug Lecture, delivered by Professor Dr Jacqueline Batley, ARC Laureate Fellow at the School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia.

Her session will focus on the topic:“ How genomics and pan genomics have revolutionised identifying pest and pathogen resistance in Brassicas?”.

IPBBC2026 is organised by the Genetics Society of Malaysia, in collaboration with the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute( MARDI) and the

1. Agronomy 2. Climate-smart agriculture 3. Controlled environment agriculture 4. Crop improvement for abiotic and biotic stresses 5. Emerging technologies( AI, robotics, digital agriculture) 6. Environmental science 7. Genetic engineering 8. Genetic resources and germplasm conservation 9. Genomic selection and markerassisted breeding 10. Omics and bioinformatics 11. Plant physiology 12. Plant tissue culture and transformation 13. Plant protection 14. Precision farming 15. Regulatory, ethical, and commercial aspects 16. Soil science 17. Sustainable agriculture through biotechnology

Forest Research Institute Malaysia( FRIM).

Additional academic support comes from Universiti Teknologi MARA( Melaka Branch) and Universiti Putra Malaysia, while WMIT Group Sdn Bhd has been appointed as the conference manager.

In line with its role as a knowledge-sharing platform, the conference has opened a call for papers to academics, researchers, and practitioners. Submissions will be reviewed through a blind peerreview process, and selected authors will be invited to submit full papers for potential publication.

Organisers are also emphasising youth participation, encouraging postgraduate students to present

ASSOC. PROF. DR. NOOR BAITY SAIDI Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia

" Biotechnological Approaches for Fusarium Wilt Management in Banana Production Systems "

DR. WILLY BAYUARDI SUWARNO Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Institut Pertanian Bogor, Indonesia.

" Genomic approaches for breeding improved hybrid maize varieties "

MS. LEA JOHNSIUL Centre for Cocoa Biotechnology Research, Malaysian Cocoa Board.

" Clone Identity Assurance in Cocoa: Safeguarding Clone Integrity for Sustainable Breeding and Industry Confidence "

DR. SASANTI WIDIARSIH Research Center for Food Crops, Research Organization of Food and Agriculture, National Research and Innovation Agency( BRIN), Indonesia.

" Enhancing Floral Diversity: Development and Recent Advances in Mutation Breeding of Indonesian Ornamentals "

DR. NURNIWALIS BT ABDUL WAHAB Malaysian Palm Oil Board.( MPOB)

" Lipase in Oil Palm: A Challenge for Oil Quality and an Opportunity for Biotechnology "

ASSOC. PROF. DR. PRAKIT SOMTA Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Kamphaengsaen Campus, Kasetsart University, Thailand

" Molecular Breeding Research of Biotic and Abiotic Resistance in Mungbean " their work and offering discounted registration fees.

By aligning its focus with broader sustainability goals, including efforts linked to food security and climate action, IPBBC2026 is expected to reinforce the importance of scientific collaboration in shaping the future of agriculture.- @ AGROBiz

DR. NARAYANAN CHAENDAEKATTU Rubber Research Institute of India, India.

" Crop Improvement Strategies in Hevea for Sustainable Natural Rubber Cultivation Under Changing Climate Scenario and New Disease Outbreaks: Present Status and Way Forward "

DR. FARAH FAZWA BINTI MD ARIFF Head, Tree Improvement Programme, Forestry Biotechnology Programme, Forest Research Institute Malaysia( FRIM).

" Tree and Herb Breeding at FRIM: Strategies, Outcomes and Prospects for Tropical Genetic Improvement and Resilience "

DR. INEZ H SLAMET-LOEDIN International Rice Research Institute, University Drive Los Banos, Philippines.

" Precision Breeding Innovation to Develop Healthier and Disease-Resistant Elite Tropical Rice in Asia and Africa "

PROF. DR. PRAKASH KUMAR Department of Biological Science, National University of Singapore.

" Generating stress resilient plants by biotechnological modification of apoplastic barriers and the involvement of ion channels "

DR. ZULKIFLI AHMAD SEMAN Principal Research Officer, Biotechnology & Nanotechnology Research Centre, Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute( MARDI).

" Shaping the Future of Crop Improvement: Biotechnology-Driven Plant Breeding at MARDI "

PROF. DR. PABLITO M. MAGDALITA College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños( UPLB), Philippines.

" Papaya Breeding and Biotechnology in the Philippines for Variety Development to Cater Local and Global Market Demands "

PROF. DR. TAKU DEMURA NARA Institute of Science and Technology, Japan. " TBD "