b"APSAs partnership with ASF delivers expanded courses, certification pathways, SEED ACADEMY 2.0 and record member participationGROWING SKILLS,The Seed Industry Professional Program (SIPP) x Seed Academy GROWING IMPACT marks a major evolution of APSAs digital learning initiative, incorporating member feedback to deliver a more practical, flexible, and impactful professional development experience.A SMARTER, MORE FLEXIBLE LEARNINGPRACTICAL, RELEVANT, AND IMMEDIATELYAccess to industry knowledge for professional growth is something our EXPERIENCE USEFUL members value highly, said APSA Executive Director Francine Sayoc. Rather than reinvent the wheel, we partnered with ASF to build on their proven e-learning The new platform features a wider course library,Early participants report that the platforms mixframework and enhance our Seed Academy program. SIPP x Seed Academy brings quarterly content refreshes, and 15-minute micro- of technical depth and flexible delivery is helpingindustry-recognized certification, progress tracking, and a structured learning learning modules designed to fit busy professionalthem apply new skills almost immediately. pathwayexactly what our members asked for.schedules. Participants can now earn digital badges,ASF leaders echoed this emphasis on collaboration. Katherine Delbridge, certificates, and professional development (PD)One participant, Catur Prihatingrum, a consultantCEO of the Australian Seed Federation, noted that national and regional seed points, building toward accreditation as a Seedwith Sakata Seed Indonesia, explained thatassociations often work with limited resources, which is why partnerships like this Industry Professionalwith 250 PD points requiredshe joined because she wanted to strengthenare so valuablethey enable us to do more for our members.for recognition and 100 points needed annually toher technical knowledge and broaden herAdding to this, Fergus Brown, ASFs Head of Policy and Programs, highlighted the maintain it. perspective on the seed industry. She describedprograms long-term industry benefits: The SIPP x Seed Academy program enables the platform as flexible and practical, addingcompanies to upskill and support their teams, strengthening the seed industry through These upgrades are already translating into higherthat the seed business management modulesknowledge sharing.engagement. As of August 21, 2025, 120 participantsprovided practical insights I could apply directly from 26 APSA member companies and institutions,in my work. She also credited the expandedHow to enroll A PLATFORM TO GROW WITHincluding APSAs own secretariat, have registered,topics and certification benefits with motivating an almost 70% increase compared to last year. her to keep learning. Registration for theWith seven courses already availableThe growing adoption numbers show 20252026 program Academic users are also finding direct classroomyear is still open, running including Seed 101, Seed Productionthe appetite for structured, credible, and through June 30, 2026.& Coating, Seed Upgrading, Seedindustry-relevant e-learning in the Asia-applications. Dr. Weeraphorn Jira-anunkul, aMembers can enrollDormancy, Plant Breeding, WatermelonPacific seed sector. APSA is encouraging lecturer at Khon Kaen University, in northeastindividually or through a Thailand, said that the updated Seed Dormancycompany-wide packageGenomics and Plant Breeding Advanceall members to take advantage of at discounted rates, withAPSA aims to keep the momentum going. the platform, whether to brush up on module introduced her to a new technique thatopportunities to earnfundamentals or explore advanced topics.she has already integrated into her teaching. Thecertificates and industry- Looking ahead, the course library will experience, she shared, has strengthened herrecognized accreditation. continue to expand every four months.Together, APSA and ASF are cultivating confidence in evaluating and inspecting seedFor more informationOn November 1, four new modules willknowledge, nurturing growth, and quality against established standards. or to get started, visitbe added: Seed Processing and Seedempowering the next generation of seed APSAs Seed Academy Taking the online coursepage or contact Bobbie atMolecular Testing (developed by ASF),professionals across the Asia-Pacific.helped me discover some newkomsak@apsaseed.org. alongside Seed Coating and Field Crops Breeding Technologies (developed by techniques that I hadn't usedAPSA). These additions will further before, which has fulfilled mystrengthen the platforms mix of technical teachingdepth and practical application, ensuring content remains fresh and relevant for aDr. Weeraphorn Jira-anunkul wide range of seed professionals.62/ SEEDWORLD.COMDECEMBER 2025"