On May 5, 2026, a United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) delegation visited Chitose Algae Farm (CAF) for a site tour and strategic discussion on the regional bioeconomy and Foreign Direct Investment opportunities to advance the regional ecosystem and green transition. 

The visit was part of the ESCAP-Brunei Darussalam Sustainable Development Partnership, led by H.E. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana (Under-Secretary-General of the UN and Executive Secretary of ESCAP), accompanied by officials from the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) and the Prime Minister’s Office.

CHITOSE Group’s CEO Dr. Tomohiro Fujita had previously been invited by UNESCAP and attended the third ASEAN Investment Forum in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in October 2025, where he highlighted investment opportunities in microalgae, the bioeconomy and biofuels across ASEAN.

CHITOSE’s innovative approach to advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) strongly highlighted its role as a key bioeconomy leader in the region and its attractive position for large-scale regional investment.

Representatives from UNESCAP, BEDB, Brunei PMO, and CHITOSE at the Chitose Algae Farm

The discussion focused on long-term sustainability initiatives and cross-border bioeconomy expansion. CHITOSE presented its core activities throughout the region, detailing how it is creating value chain opportunities across ASEAN through its microalgae production, circular resource initiatives, and agricultural operations. H.E. Alisjahbana and UNESCAP representatives commended these efforts, noting their strong alignment with the organization’s mission to advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and foster cross-border value chain integration.

The visit included a tour of the production facilities, where the delegation observed the farm’s current operational capabilities and technical workflow. CAF, a major producer of food-grade spirulina in Brunei, showcased its proprietary frozen raw spirulina technology which, unlike traditional processing methods, preserves the full nutritional profile of this super-food microalgae.

H.E. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Under-Secretary-General of the UN and Executive Secretary of ESCAP
(third from the left) during the CAF facilities tour

Drawing on its track record of establishing multiple biotechnology businesses in the ASEAN region, as well as the MATSURI initiative, CHITOSE Group demonstrated its potential to serve as a platform for expanding into a broader, cross-border bioeconomy. The parties acknowledged the need to promote the growth of bioeconomy in ASEAN and to further cooperate in financing these projects.

*Chitose Algae Farm (formerly known as Tavelmout Biofarm (B) Sdn Bhd.) is a Brunei-based subsidiary of CHITOSE Group,

About MATSURI
https://matsuri.chitose-bio.com/en
MATSURI, led by CHITOSE Group, was launched in 2021 to establish an advanced microalgae-based industry in collaboration with partner enterprises, government and academia institutions. By 2025, it had evolved beyond microalgae into a cross-industry initiative driving the global bioeconomy forward. With a vision to realize a society powered by biotechnology, our efforts continue to expand – from AI-driven bio-manufacturing and resource circulation to sustainable agriculture. As what MATSURI means in Japanese, it is a festival that will leave its mark on human history. We invite partners from all industries to join us in shaping the future together. Click here to contact us.

Related Information
[External] Frozen Raw Spirulina – Taberumo Official Website
[External] UNESCAP Official Website