Conference Introduction

The interest and participation in health promotion and wellness activities has been a virtual explosion for the past two decades. This scenario is apparent throughout the world as the conscious and deliberate approach to not only an advanced state of physical and psychological/spiritual health but also associated with certain lifestyle. The ^"wellness revolution,^" especially in terms of diet and exercise, has been affected by both scientific findings and cultural changes where it involves at least five more areas than just physical well-being (emotional, spiritual, social, intellectual and occupational).

The third health revolution begins in 1986 with the introduction of Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion during the conference of the World Health Organization where it is agreed that empowerment of individuals, communities and entire societies is the key factor in promoting health. Today, the wellness concept is centered on the idea that the mind, body, spirit, community and environment are inter-related and inter-dependant. Proactive self-control of health and homeostasis emerges as a leading tendency in current wellness approach. The focus on disease prevention is realized as a leading strategy in this area.

The global wellness market, currently dominated by USA, Canada, Japan and Europe, comprises of health-complementary products such as vitamins, dietary supplements and nutraceuticals. The market in Asia is led by Japan and China. Demand is fuelled by growing consumer awareness of diet-disease links, aging populations, and advances in nutrition, growing purchasing power and rising healthcare costs. Wellness industries have accelerated to become the next trillion dollar industry.

The application of biotechnology and wellness technology is expected to create added value to food products, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, healthcare sectors, industrial bioprocessing sectors and not neglecting the new business advantages. Discovering new trends and challenges creates a platform to explore either by furnishing fresh findings with supported scientific evidence or by creating new niches of commercial opportunities in this booming industry.

Who Should Attend?