Ahmad Radhzlan Rosli: A mission for food safety and sustainability

For Dr Ahmad Radhzlan Rosli, the journey from academic researcher to regulatory scientist has been marked by one constant: a commitment to safeguarding food systems and advancing sustainable agriculture. Now based in Singapore, Ahmad is the Regional Residue and Dietary Safety Scientist at Bayer Crop Science Asia Pacific, where he leads pesticide safety evaluations across Southeast Asia.

In his role, Ahmad assesses whether Bayer’s vast portfolio of crop protection products – from fungicides to herbicides to biologics – meets the safety standards of countries across the region. “I’m the Asia expert,” he explains. “When a product is up for registration, I prepare the dossiers for submission, review safety parameters, and ensure we meet or exceed local regulations.”

His work involves close engagement with government authorities, particularly in developing countries where policies on pesticide residue and dietary safety are still evolving. “Sometimes we’re not just submitting studies – we’re helping governments understand the science behind them. We’re building systems from the ground up.”

Science-based strategy in a complex landscape

While some of Ahmad’s markets – like Japan, Australia, and New Zealand – are highly regulated, many in Southeast Asia are still developing robust frameworks. His role involves diplomacy as much as data.

“In these countries, you’re often guiding regulators through the science, respectfully helping them build understanding.”

He recently contributed to new national policy guidelines in Malaysia and Taiwan – helping set a precedent for how future pesticide safety evaluations are conducted. “That’s been one of the most meaningful achievements in my career,” he says.

The diversity of work keeps him engaged. Ahmad supports both late-stage product launches and early-stage development, where risk assessments shape whether a new product moves forward. His job, he says, is part science, part policy, and part education.

Global safety, local precision

Ahmad believes that food safety and security are among the most critical challenges facing the world today. He regularly contributes to port inspections in Singapore, where pesticide residue levels in imported food are tested. “We sometimes assess just a kilogram of product out of a massive shipment. It’s not foolproof, but it provides insights into regional compliance and risk.”

With experience in high-standard labs like Bayer’s Mount Gravatt facility in Brisbane, he knows what good data looks like. “The Australian lab works to GLP standards and delivers high-quality results. Sometimes we rely on them for data to support markets beyond Australia.”

Embracing innovation to solve global challenges

When asked about the most significant biotech advancement in the past 25 years, Ahmad doesn’t hesitate: “CRISPR technology has been revolutionary.” Bayer has used it to develop next-generation crop protection products and work with universities on collaborative innovation.

He’s equally enthusiastic about the future, particularly in AI and microbiome-based plant strategies. “AI is already being used to monitor farms, assist in product development, and streamline field applications,” he explains. “When combined with CRISPR, we can unlock solutions that are both fast and sustainable.”

Ahmad is especially excited about technologies that improve crops without genetic modification.

“With metabolomics and microbiome research, we can enhance plant resistance naturally – supporting sustainability without triggering GMO concerns.”

Roots in research, vision in industry

Before joining Bayer, Ahmad worked in Malaysia in plant pathology, leading disease management research in oil palm plantations. He also completed his PhD at UQ’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB), where he specialised in biosensors. “My lab was like a mini United Nations – 13 nationalities working side by side. It was one of the best times of my life,” he recalls. “And I met my wife there!”

He credits UQ’s world-class infrastructure and vibrant international community for shaping his perspective and building his confidence. “The diversity, the collaboration—it all prepared me for the global nature of my work now.”

Advice for biotech students and the future of UQ

For students interested in biotech, Ahmad has a simple message: “Have passion. Be curious.” While technical skills are important, he believes it’s the ability to learn, adapt and communicate that defines success.

“You won’t use every bit of knowledge you gain in your degree, but the skills – the problem-solving, the analytical thinking, the communication – are what matter most.” He encourages students to build strong lab, computer, and software skills, and to focus on what makes them unique.

His advice is practical: “When you graduate, companies aren’t hiring you for experience – they’re hiring you for potential. What skills do you bring to the table?”

Ahmad believes UQ can continue to lead globally by investing in high-impact research and deepening partnerships with industry. “Focus on solving real problems – especially in areas like food security and sustainable agriculture. That’s where biotech can have the biggest impact.”

He’s a strong advocate for diversity in science, too. “Attracting international students and top researchers brings a richness to UQ. The university can create the environment, but it’s up to the students to seize it.”

For now, Ahmad is happy in industry, but he remains open to returning to academia one day – especially as the line between the 2 worlds continues to blur. “Today, universities are closely partnered with industry. There’s space to do both.”