ILSI SEA Region

Malaysia Country Committee

9 th Scientific Seminar on
Drivers of Consumer
Food Choices
15 November 2016 • Istana Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
Introduction Objectives
The question that is often asked is: “Why do people • Insights into studies on consumer food choices in Malaysia
eat the foods they do?” We ask why individuals • Update on methodologies for the study of consumer food choices
shift from consuming starchy staples to eating more • Review programmes and food regulations in promoting healthier food choices –
meat, fish, egg and poultry; why individuals prefer issues and challenges
fatty and oil foods and foods and beverages high • Provide a platform for discussing ways to improve consumer food choices through
in sugars; why people do not consume vegetables a multi-stakeholder approach
and fruits in the recommended amounts. People • Identify research gaps in understanding drivers of consumer food choice
eat to satisfy their hunger. They generally do not
consider what foods they need to consume to meet Who Should Attend
physiological and nutritional needs. Instead, there is Nutritionists, dietitians, food scientists, policy makers and programme managers
a complex mixture of factors driving consumer food from government departments and agencies, academia, research organisations,
choice, including economic, physical, social and professional bodies, behavioural scientists as well as the food industry.
psychological determinants.
Understanding how consumers making food Seminar Topics (Tentative) Call for Abstract
choices, and why they like what they choose to
eat is of central importance to nutritionists, other 1. Studies of food choices among Malaysian consumers Participants who
healthcare professionals, researchers, policy makers 2. Methodologies for studies of consumer food choices are interested to
and the food industry. Promoting healthy diets and 3. Socio-economic status and food choices present in the oral
increased physical activity have been recognised 4. Role of advertisement in driving food choices or poster sessions
as key to preventing diet-related chronic diseases. 5. Food environment – a driver of food choices are invited to
A better understanding of the main determinants 6. Contribution of various stakeholders towards submit an abstract
of food choice will enable us develop policies and promoting healthy food choices of their paper
interventions to promote healthier eating patterns. 7. Senses and food choices (200-300 words in
It is important to identify those influences that are 8. Food labelling and health claims – do they make a MS Word format)
amenable to change and identify possible successful difference in consumer food choices? not later than 30
interventions. In addition, in-depth understanding 9. Innovative ways to communicate to consumers September 2016
on drivers of food choices will be essential in any 10. Improving consumer food choices through a multi-
initiative aimed at developing successful products stakeholder approach: Issues and 
challenges
and services by the private sector, including the food
industry.
Registration
The high prevalence of non-communicable diseases
and their risk factors in this country has been Category Registration Fee
attributed to inappropriate food choices and a Industry/Private sector RM400
sedentary lifestyle. The way forward to arrest the
further increase of these diseases among Malaysians Government agencies/Academia RM200
is to promote healthy diet through informed food Postgraduate students* RM100
choices. First of its kind in the country, we invite all
stakeholders involved in promoting healthier diets to International participants USD120
join us to further understand the major determinants Registration fee covers seminar material, 2 refreshments and lunch
of food choices among Malaysians. Let us explore
*Only a limited number will be accepted; proof of student status has to be submitted with registration form
approaches to interventions.
Please complete the registration form and email to nsm.scientificupdates@gmail.com
Seminar Goal or fax to 03-5638 9909 by 28 October 2016 to reserve your seats. All registration will
Understand how consumers make food choices, only be confirmed upon receiving proof of payment. Seats are on a first-come-first-
and gain insights into the drivers of food choices served basis.
that could be useful for implementing intervention
For enquiries, contact:
Dr Tee E Siong / Ms Muhaini Hussin
programmes.
Email: estee@nutrihealth.com.my/nsm.scientificupdates@gmail.

Organizer Co-organizer
REGISTRATION FORM
ILSI SEA Region
Malaysia Country Committee

9 th Scientific Seminar on
Drivers of Consumer Food Choices
15 November, 2016
Istana Hotel, Kuala Lumpur

[ ]