This book provides a comprehensive overview of stingless bee farming across South and Southeast Asia, bringing together current research from India, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The book offers an accessible introduction to stingless bee biology, species identification, and colony behaviour, alongside a detailed treatment of the morphological, genomic, and ecological dimensions of Asian meliponiculture. It presents a thorough account of the physicochemical, microbiological, and biochemical properties of stingless bee honey, propolis, and bee bread, with particular attention to their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and nutritional attributes. Additional sections address pollination ecology, the influence of seasonal and botanical factors on honey quality, honey processing and quality standards, and the development of value-added food products incorporating stingless bee honey. The conservation challenges facing stingless bee populations under deforestation and habitat loss are also examined, with evidence-based strategies proposed for their protection.

This book is essential reading for researchers in entomology, food science, and natural products biochemistry, as well as students and practitioners seeking a rigorous and practical guide to the science, management, and commercial prospects of stingless bees in Asia.

Professor Shamsul Bahri Abd Razak is a distinguished researcher and global authority in stingless bee science at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu. He earned his PhD from University of Durham and has dedicated his career to pioneering research in meliponiculture, with a strong focus on sustainable community development through stingless bee farming. He leads international Stingless Bee Expeditions across Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo, Cambodia, and Brazil, fostering scientific collaboration, knowledge exchange, and industry advancement. Before joining UMT, he served for over two decades as a Senior Research Officer at Rubber Research Institute of Malaysia, gaining extensive experience in applied research and biodiversity conservation. An accomplished author, he has published six influential books on stingless bees, earning multiple National Book Awards (2018, 2022, 2025) and the National Academic Award (2023). His work integrates rigorous research, practical applications, and community engagement, positioning him as a leading global figure in apiculture and meliponiculture.

Dr. Mannur Ismail Shaik is a Senior Lecturer at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Malaysia, with over 15 years of experience in teaching and research at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. His specialization includes Biotechnology, Food Technology, Nutraceuticals, Medicinal Plants, Stingless Bee Honey Quality, Histopathology, Hematology, and bioactive compound research, particularly focusing on anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and antimicrobial agents from marine and plant sources. Dr. Shaik has secured research funding exceeding RM 672,000, including the FRGS grant as Principal Investigator and multiple projects as Co-Researcher. He has supervised Master’s and Ph.D. students, as well as numerous undergraduate research and industrial training projects, contributing significantly to academic, research and innovation. He has received several national and international awards in recognition of his scientific achievements.

Associate Professor Dr. Tuan Zainazor Tuan Chilek is a lecturer at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) with extensive experience in food technology and food safety. He holds a Ph.D., Master’s, and Bachelor’s Degree (Hons.) from Universiti Putra Malaysia, following his Diploma in Food Technology from Institut Teknologi MARA (ITM), Shah Alam. He began his career in the private sector, serving in food industries including Nestlé Malaysia, before joining the Ministry of Health Malaysia. With over 29 years of professional experience—six years in industry and more than two decades in the Food Safety and Quality Division—he has developed strong expertise in food microbiology and regulatory food safety management. At UMT, he actively engages in teaching, research, and community outreach, and is a member of the Bee and Stingless Bee Research Group. His work focuses on food safety, microbiological quality, and industry stakeholder engagement.