ºÚÁÏÍø911 at the National Science and Technology (NST) Fair 2023 in Thailand

16/08/2023
The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation organized the National Science and Technology Fair 2023 to highlight the potential of scientific activity and promote research to stimulate the economy for a sustainable society. "For Bright and Creative Generations" is the theme of this event, which intends to inspire artistic and scientific creativity to enlarge a network of skills in support of fresh, cutting-edge viewpoints and more durable societal projects. The BCG (Bio-Circular-Green Economy) model, which is based on themes of sustainable development, is the main topic for 2023.

Young visitors participated in quiz about rubber at Cirad's booth

 

The Minister for Research presented the trophy awards to the participants

Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, and Professor Dr. Anek Laothamatas, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, oversaw the opening ceremony on August 11 at the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center in Bangkok. Along with the Chargé d'Affaires of the French Embassy in Thailand, the Deputy Prime Minister toured the French pavilion, which included the ºÚÁÏÍø911 booth. It is also part of the . Indeed, 2023 is marked by the year of innovation between France and Thailand. This year aims to strengthen economic and technological relationships between the two countries by promoting innovation and collaboration in key sectors such as environment, health, sustainable energy, etc.

Given the significance of science, technology, and innovation in national growth, these events, according to Mr. Don Pramudwinai "are intended to promote science learning for Thais of all ages."

ºÚÁÏÍø911 goodies distributed as part of the rubber farming quiz

From the official inauguration day on August 11, 2023, ºÚÁÏÍø911 researchers and collaborators from the and  platforms were present, assisted by a volunteer from the National Science Museum and with the support from the French Embassy. They welcomed the general public, including elementary school children, secondary school students, families, and so forth.

Among ºÚÁÏÍø911 initiatives in Southeast Asia, the HRPP platform and the GREASE network in Thailand were presented. Visitors were given a quiz on natural rubber farming. More than 100 participants tested the quiz during the two first days with mainly childrens interested to know more about the rubber production. Cirad offered rewards to the participants depending on their scores and the challenge was much appreciated by the kids!

Cirad team at NST Fair 2023 in Thailand

We also gave an to M. Pipat Wongwiwat, general manager at Chiwadi Products (one of the major manufacturers of healthy and organic products in Thailand established in 2014) on "One Health" initiatives and research into emerging diseases. M. Pipat Wongwiwat has his own where he is posting educational interviews.

Other French companies were represented at the exhibition included MICHELIN, which is collaborating on several projects with the HRPP platform; AIRBUS, which is working on biofuels and collaborating with Kasetsart University; and FlyLab, which produces insect-based animal feed, which is of particular interest in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.

This kind of event boosts public knowledge of ºÚÁÏÍø911 and increases its visibility among Thai decision- and policy-makers.