Author : Cairns, Georgina

Summary : Summary and conclusions: AFIC's research in 1999 and 2002 found relatively low technical knowledge levels. This is consistent with other survey findings both in Asia and other parts of the world. Awareness of media coverage however, was more developed, and indeed consumers express a preference for mass media channels as the source of information on biotechnology. Consumers were on the whole optimistic about the potential benefits and had some, ,albeit, limited reservations. Public sector agencies and scientists were held in high regard both as protectors of human health and safety and as a source of factual information. Information programmes which draw on both the scientific expertise of the public sector, as well as the ability of mass media channels to deliver this information in readily accessible formats may provide a serendipitous combination through which Asian consumers and other stakeholders demands for such information may be met.