Celebrating World Food Safety Day Across Asia Pacific: Voices from Veeva

To celebrate World Food Safety Day , we sat down with a few of our Veeva Account Partners across the Asia Pacific region to hear their reflections on this year’s powerful theme: Science in Action. We asked each of them to share which message from the World Food Safety Day campaign resonated most with their work—and why this day matters to them and to the food industry.

Meet Our Contributors 

Natasha Telles   Senior Account Partner New Zealand

Nirya Tee Senior Account Partner Singapore

James Tan Account Partner Australia

Question 1: Which key message from this year’s World Food Safety Day campaign resonated with you the most?

Natasha Telles (New Zealand)

Key Message: “Food safety is everyone’s business.”

What stood out to me is how this message emphasises shared responsibility. In New Zealand and around the world, collaboration across our food systems is critical - from farmers and producers to manufacturers and logistics teams.

Science in action happens when all of these roles work together, underpinned by strong communication and a shared commitment to quality. When everyone is engaged and accountable, the entire food chain becomes more resilient and trustworthy.

Nirya Tee (Singapore)

Key Message: “There is no science without data.”

In my work across Southeast Asia, I see how data is becoming the backbone of effective food safety and quality strategies. From real-time monitoring to supplier compliance, the ability to gather and interpret quality data is what allows science to drive meaningful action.

This message reminds us that without accurate, accessible data, we can’t move forward. Science depends on good information and the systems that make that possible.

James Tan (Australia)

Key Message: “If it is not safe, it is not food.”

This message resonates deeply with me because it reframes safety as a non-negotiable part of the food itself. In Australia, food quality expectations are high - and rightly so.

Science in action means having company-wide buy in coupled with systems and safeguards to meet those expectations every time. It’s a reminder that food safety is not just a goal, but a human right.

Question 2: What’s your key message for World Food Safety Day?

Natasha Telles (New Zealand)

My message is simple: no role is too small in keeping food safe. Whether you’re working in a lab, a plant, or a head office - your work matters. Let’s continue to build strong, science-backed systems that support everyone in doing their part.

Nirya Tee (Singapore)

To those on the front lines of food safety: thank you. Your work often happens behind the scenes, but it is essential. Keep pushing for transparency, traceability, and smarter use of data, because that’s how we build safer food systems for the future.

James Tan (Australia)

Food safety is not a checklist, it’s a value. Let’s keep innovating, investing in science, and supporting the people who make food safety happen every day. That’s how we earn trust and protect communities.