Fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilisation of genetic resources is one of the core objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). To achieve this objective, the Nagoya Protocol (NP) on Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) was adopted at the Tenth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties of the CBD in October 2010. Implementation of the Protocol requires building capacities to implement and comply with the obligations of the Protocol, including developing and implementing domestic legislative, administrative or policy measures on ABS. It also requires countries to develop research capabilities to add value to genetic resources and capacity to negotiate mutually agreed terms. To enhance understanding of the policy, mechanisms and implementation of the NP, a capacity building workshop for Southeast Asian key stakeholders was conducted. About 56 representatives from various sectors participated in the 3rd Regional Workshop on ABS held in Malaysia in December 2012. The four-day workshop covered key topics on ABS. A visit to the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), which included discussions with representatives from indigenous and local communities (ILCs) on their experience in documenting traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources, provided valuable input on the interface of science and policy. Overall, the regional workshop analysed guidelines on ABS, developed procedures for benefit-sharing and ABS implementation in different countries, and prepared participants to craft national roadmaps towards developing ABS legal frameworks.