Strengthening Skills and Voices Across the SEC Asia Community 

In March, the SEC Asia community convened in Bangkok, bringing together professionals from across the animal protein value chain to enhance capabilities, exchange practical insights, and deepen regional collaboration. The program also marked International Women’s Day with a panel spotlighting three professionals whose careers reflect the growing depth of talent within Asia’s animal protein sector. Together, these moments highlighted SEC Asia’s commitment to developing people, elevating expertise, and fostering a community that learns and advances together. 

The gathering brought together a diverse mix of technical specialists, operations managers, nutritionists, veterinarians, and emerging leaders from across the region, reflecting the broad range of roles that shape Asia’s animal protein value chain. 

Expanding Technical and Professional Perspectives 

The event was designed to expand participants’ technical and professional perspectives. By engaging with topics outside their primary areas of expertise, participants gained a clearer understanding of how different functions across the value chain intersect — from formulation and animal health to quality, operations, and R&D. This approach supports SEC’s mission to build well‑rounded professionals who can navigate complex production systems and contribute to more resilient, future‑ready businesses. 

Applying Knowledge Through Real‑World Scenarios 

Interactive group discussions further reinforced this goal. Participants collaborated across countries, roles, and experience levels to analyze practical scenarios and exchange insights. These conversations demonstrated how diverse viewpoints can enhance problem‑solving and decision‑making — a core principle of SEC’s community‑based learning model. 

Participants collaborating during group discussions.  

Spotlight on the Women of SEC 

Within this setting, the “Women of SEC” panel added a personal and grounded perspective to the program. The three panelists — Sanshala Therawundi (Sri Lanka), Sofia Gonzales (Philippines), and Phuong Nguyen Thi (Vietnam) — spoke about how SEC training has supported their professional development and strengthened their work in the field. 

SEC alumni sharing insights during the “Women of SEC” panel discussion. 

• Sanshala Therawundi, a Veterinary Surgeon overseeing 20 farms across multiple species, shared how SEC courses help her translate global best practices into practical improvements on the ground. She noted that the training has sharpened her approach to diagnosing issues, improving animal health outcomes, and guiding farm teams with greater confidence. Exposure to global experts has broadened her perspective on herd management and strengthened her ability to troubleshoot complex on‑farm challenges. 

• Sofia Gonzales, an animal nutrition consultant with more than 30 years of experience, reflected on how SEC’s structured modules continue to reinforce her technical advisory work. She often revisits SEC materials when supporting feed mills and farms, finding them useful for validating formulations and staying aligned with evolving industry standards. She shared that the courses also help her mentor younger nutritionists, giving her a consistent framework to guide their development. 

• Phuong Nguyen Thi, who leads R&D, formulation, and quality teams across six feed mills, emphasized how SEC keeps her connected to new developments in nutrition and quality management. She shared that the training helps her guide her teams more effectively and maintain consistency across operations in a rapidly changing industry. She noted that SEC’s community network has become a valuable channel for exchanging technical insights and staying ahead of emerging trends. 

Panelists Sofia Gonzales, Sanshala Therawundi and Phuong Nguyen Thi sharing their experience with the SEC. 

Impact Across the Value Chain 

Together, their reflections illustrated how SEC’s curriculum and community model translate into meaningful impact — helping professionals stay current, address practical challenges, and strengthen their leadership within their organizations. The panel also underscored the growing role of women in shaping the region’s feed and livestock sectors. 

These efforts are increasingly important as Asia’s demand for high-quality protein continues to rise, requiring more skilled professionals and stronger, more integrated value chains. The SEC is helping prepare the industry to meet that demand by building technical capacity, elevating industry standards, and supporting the next generation of leaders across the region.