At the 9th APBioChEC (Nov. 24-28, 2009, Kobe, Japan), it was announced that the Asia Pacific Biochemical Engineering Conference (APBioChEC) would be transformed into the Asian Congress on Biotechnology (ACB) to facilitate an enlarged scope under the newly founded Asian Federation of Biotechnology (AFOB). This development was inspired by similar organizations, the European Federation of Biotechnology (EFB) and the European Congress on Biotechnology (ECB).
 
In light of this new development, we are honored to host the Asian Congress on Biotechnology 2011 (ACB-2011) to be held May 11-15, 2011 in Shanghai. On behalf of the organizing committee of ACB-2011, it is our great honor and pleasure to extend our warm invitation to attend.
 
The theme for ACB-2011 is “Biotechnology for Better Life”. Our world is facing various challenges including environmental deterioration, energy crisis, shortage of natural resources, threats in public health and life, and imbalances in social and economic development. Life sciences are expected to play an important role in addressing those problems to meet the remaining and emerging needs of our society.
 
ACB-2011 aims to provide a forum for biotechnologists and biochemical engineers from Asia and other regions of the world to exchange ideas and findings in biotechnology research and development, to share the experiences in advancing biotechnological development or business adventure, and to further research and business cooperation. In addition to featuring world renowned scientists the technical program will also highlight aspiring young scientists and engineers from Asian countries.
 
We are very pleased to invite you to join us at ACB-2011 in Shanghai, the financial hub and economic center of China, and the host city of the World Expo (May 1 - October 31, 2010). The sightseeing in Shanghai and nearby tourist resorts such as Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Yellow Mountain (Huang-shan) is marvelous, and will leave you with an undoubtedly memorable visit.
 
We are looking forward to seeing you at ACB-2011 in Shanghai.
 
Jian-Jiang Zhong, Ph.D.     Jian-He Xu, Ph.D.
Chairs, ACB-2011 Organizing Committee