News Year 2021

Industry 4.0 represents the fourth industrial revolution in which manufacturing is enhanced with smart and autonomous systems and driven by data and machine learning. Cyber-physical systems form an integral part of Industry 4.0, enabling the integration and interconnectivity of physical and computer components to achieve higher efficiency, productivity, and the autonomous operation of production processes.

An agreement signing ceremony was held on 15 December 2021 among nine organizations to embark on a joint project to develop a battery swapping platform for electric motorbikes. Members of this consortium include ENTEC-NSTDA, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), Khon Kaen University, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), Beta Energy Solution Company Limited, GP Motor (Thailand) Company Limited, I-Motor Manufacturing Company Limited, Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited and GridWhiz (Thailand) Company Limited, representing research and academic institutes, manufacturers of electric motorbikes and EV battery, smart grid solution provider and energy companies. The ceremony was presided over by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thongchai Suwonsichon, Deputy Director of Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMU-C), the main sponsor of this project.

Cannabi Biotech, known as a NSTDA Startup Company joint-ventured between Cannabi Biosciences (Hong Kong, China) and National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), aims to focus on the latest innovation in biorefinery, health sciences and drug discovery. Cannabi Biotech has attracted investment from China in strengthening the science and innovation exchange, marketing and economic collaboration between Thailand and China. Recently, Cannabi Biotech has financially supported several research projects for National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC) and National Center for Nanotechnology (NANOTEC).

Health Tech Thailand 2021, Thailand's first hybrid event showcasing the latest medical and health technological innovations since the reopening of the border, kicked off on 8 December at Thailand Science Park with Prof. Dr. Anek Laothamatas, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation presiding over the opening ceremony. The event brought together health-tech entrepreneurs, health-tech companies, researchers, and medical doctors to develop connection in order to advance the health and medical service industry.

NSTDA and Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) Thailand announced the plan to build a new supercomputer for NSTDA Supercomputer Center (ThaiSC) to support research communities in Thailand. The press conference – presided over by Prof. Dr. Anek Laothamatas, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) - was held on 30 November 2021

NSTDA President Dr. Narong Sirilertworakul and Dr. Kazuhiro KIMURA, Director of Research Center for Structural Materials, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) recently participated in a virtual signing ceremony of an MOU to co-develop cardiovascular stents. NIMS and NSTDA have long been strategic partners in the materials science research and this new collaboration will provide a platform to combine device design with specific material properties to make medical devices more suitable for their applications.

NSTDA Innovation and Technology Assistance Program (ITAP-NSTDA) and the Department of Industrial Works launched a project to build capacity of food sector and supply chain in green technology, aiming to achieve 100% green food and supply chain industry by 2025.

An MOU signing ceremony was held on 27 November 2021 to launch collaboration between NECTEC-NSTDA and eleven Rajabhat Universities located in northeastern Thailand. The partnership aims at promoting the implementation of five educational innovations developed by NECTEC to drive area-based development as part of the Bio-Circular-Green economy (BCG) national agenda.

Hom Siam is a photosensitive non-glutinous rice with medium height, high yield, good cooking quality, resistant to blast and drought conditions. The sturdy form of 120 cm height prevents plants from falling over under windy condition and makes it easy for machine harvest befitting the modern farming. Application for a variety registration of Hom Siam has been filed with the Department of Agriculture. 

Both biofuel and electric vehicle (EV) play a critical role in the effort to reduce greenhouse gas emission in the ASEAN region, enabling the region to meet the climate commitment made under the Paris Agreement and stay on track to achieve carbon neutrality. To ensure that ASEAN has a clear and balanced policy to address both issues, ENTEC-NSTDA in partnership with the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE), Thailand’s Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency and Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy launched a new project to strategically integrate EV into ASEAN Biofuel Roadmap. Spearheaded by Dr. Nuwong Chollacoop, Leader of ENTEC Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Research Team, this 3-year project is sponsored by the ASEAN-Korea Economic Cooperation Fund.

The Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), a global network that mobilizes experts to help realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), recently released the 2021 Networks in Action Report featuring major accomplishments of the SDSN networks over the past year. The publication contains SDSN Thailand Report showing how SDSN Thailand - the national chapter of SDSN - forges partnerships with governments, the business sector, and civil society to promote sustainable societies in Thailand. Initiatives highlighted in Thailand Report include the Area-Needs project, the SDG Watch project and the publication of Stakeholder Action Reports.

Khlu (Pluchea indica (L.) Less) is an indigenous medicinal plant commonly found in a tropical wet climate in Asia. In southern Thailand, Khlu is used as a traditional medicine. Khlu leaves are dried and used to make herbal tea known for its diuretic and blood sugar lowering effects.

At a press conference on 17 November 2021, NSTDA and partner organizations announced an upcoming event, Health Tech Thailand 2021 to be held on 8-9 December 2021 at Thailand Science Park. Health Tech Thailand 2021 is a hybrid event gathering the latest medical and health technological innovations, as well as importers and exporters of medical equipment and healthcare solutions via an integrated platform of on-site and online exhibition, business matching, workshops and seminars.

NANOTEC-NSTDA developed a technology to enable Bannmaihomhinoki Chaiprakarn Company Limited to manufacture a Hinoki aroma pillow. The aroma has a long-lasting effect after multiple washes.

Cider vinegar made from fruit juice is gaining popularity due to its health benefit. Acetic acid, the main component of cider vinegar, is known for improving digestive system and promoting blood sugar control. The market value of cider vinegar products is expected to reach USD 16 billion by 2027. However, Thailand occupies very little market share despite its abundant farm products. The lack of suitable technology is the main reason that has prevented Thai enterprises from entering this promising market.

Indentation Error – a student team from Assumption College Thonburi - was named the winner of the 2nd Kibo Robot Programming Challenge. Kibo Robot Programming Challenge is a competition in which competing teams creates programs to operate Astrobee, a free-flying robot system developed by NASA, to perform an assigned mission.

Smart enzyme for textile industry ENZease was announced the winner of National Innovation Award 2021 for Social & Environmental Contribution on 5 October 2021. Dr. Thidarat Nimchua, Team Leader of BIOTEC Enzyme Technology was presented with the award trophy from Dr. Anek Laothamatas, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation.

NSTDA has recently been elected to serve on the Steering Committee of the Life Cycle Initiative. Hosted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Life Cycle Initiative, LC Initiative, is a public-private, multi-stakeholder partnership aiming to promote the application of life cycle knowledge in the public and private domain.  NSTDA is among 21 government organizations joining the LC Initiative’s membership which also includes 70 business entities, 52 science and civil societies and 309 individuals worldwide.

Traffy Fondue was presented with the 1^st runner-up National Innovation Award 2021 for Social & Environmental Contribution. The award presentation presided by MHESI Minister Dr. Anek Laothamatas was held on 5 October 2021 to coincide with Thailand’s National Innovation Day. The National Innovation Awards recognize innovations and innovators in five categories: economic contribution, social & environmental contribution, product & service design, media & communication, and innovative organization. Receiving the award on behalf of NECTEC-NSTDA was Dr. Wasan Pattara-atikom, Leader of Intelligent Transportation Systems Research Team.

NSTDA recently announced collaboration with the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) and the Department of Local Administration to employ big data analytics and artificial intelligence to monitor nutritional status and enable nutritional school lunch menu for pre-school and school-aged children.

On 30 September 2021, NSTDA Executive Vice President Dr. Janekrishna Kanatharana gave a presentation on Bio-Circular-Green Economy Model – Thailand’s New Sustainable Growth Engine and National Development Agenda at the Virtual Thailand-UK Roundtable Meeting on BCG. Organized by the Royal Thai Embassy in London and Public Policy Projects, the meeting was moderated by the Rt Hon Claire Perry O’Neill, Former Minister of State for Energy and Clean Growth.

NSTDA and its partners prepares to close Sirindhorn Science Home Field Hospital for Disabled Persons on 30 September 2021 as the number of disabled COVID-19 patients tapers. The hospital sent off its last three patients on 27 September. The facility will return to serve as a permanent science camp.

AMED Telehealth developed by NSTDA research team at Assistive Technology and Medical Devices Center (A-MED) has been applied to support Home Isolation and Community Isolation programs.

NECTEC-NSTDA and the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) recently announced a collaboration to drive digital transformation and innovation in geology and resource management. The agreement signing ceremony was held virtually on 26 August 2021 with the presence of DMR Director General Dr. Sommai Techawan and NECTEC Executive Director Dr. Chai Wutiwiwatchai.

Despite the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, NSTDA continues to develop innovative methods to deliver STEM education to students and teachers across Thailand. And this work is now being recognised internationally.

Ms. Ruetai Chongsrid and her NSTDA  colleagues have developed curriculum and learning materials

called “STEM and Coding in Action:Knowledge and Awareness Augmentation for COVID-19 Prevention”

that are designed to raise awareness and strengthen understanding among students and teachers about COVID -19, and then to use this knowledge to maintain their own health and that of the communities around them.

The NSTDA “STEM and Coding in Action” curriculum has now been recognised by “Science & You” which is an international event of scientific and technical culture organized by the University of Lorraine in France that attracts the best science communicators from around the world.  After three editions in 2015 (Nancy), 2017 (Montreal) and 2018 (Beijing), a new edition will take place from November 16th to 19th 2021 in Metz, France. The innovative work of Ms Ruetai Chongsrid and her NSTDA colleagues be presented during the Science & You event and will be published in the conference proceedings. Ms. Ruetai Chonsgrid is Senior Director of the Academic Affairs and Youth Science Program Development Division at NSTDA.

Since the emergence of COVID-19, NSTDA has developed more than 60 STEM online learning clips and 12 online STEM camps.  

NSTDA President Dr. Narong Sirilertworakul was recently named the recipient of the 2021 Guangxi Golden Silk Ball Friendship Award presented by the People’s Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region for his outstanding contribution to the socio-economic development of Guangxi. The award presentation ceremony was held on 9 September 2021 as part of the 9^th Forum on China-ASEAN Technology Transfer and Collaborative Innovation in Nanning, Guangxi, P.R. China.

To reduce virus transmission via infectious aerosol and increase the safety of health care workers, NANOTEC-NSTDA developed nSPHERE Pressurized Helmets. Two types of nSPHERE are available; a negative-pressure helmet nSPHERE(-) and a positive-pressure helmet nSPHERE(+). nSPHERE(-) is to be worn by infected patients as the pressure inside the helmet is kept lower than that of the outside thus allowing air to flow into the helmet but not leaking out to keep the medical workers safe. Air from inside the helmet is cleaned by HEPA filter prior to release out. Conversely, nSPHERE(+) is designed to be used by medical workers enabling air to be cleaned before flowing into the helmet.

NSTDA researchers: Experience as MSCA fellows working in Europe

Through international collaboration, a number of NSTDA researchers get to perform their research overseas in their partner research laboratories to acquire or transfer new techniques and work interactively with their collaborators. Two of NSTDA researchers - Dr. Nitsara Karoonuthaisiri and Dr. Noppol Kobmoo, along with Asst. Prof. Dr. Narisorn Kitiyanant of Mahidol University, recently spoke to The Momentum, a Thai digital media, of their experience working in European research labs under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) fellowship program.

BIOTEC-NSTDA successfully developed an ELISA-based SARS-CoV-2 antibody test called COVYD-19. The development was a collaboration between two research teams at BIOTEC-NSTDA, i.e., Virology and Cell Technology and Monoclonal Antibody Production and Application.

Dr. Sasitorn Srisawadi, a senior researcher of MTEC-NSTDA, was selected to join a prestigious group of TWAS Young Affiliates 2020. TWAS Young Affiliate is an honor presented by the World Academy of Sciences for the advancement of science in developing countries (TWAS) to developing-nation researchers who demonstrate potential for a high-impact career.

TAIST-Tokyo Tech recently hosted 2021 Virtual Graduation Ceremony for 14 graduates from 3 programs: automotive engineering; information and communication technology for embedded systems; and sustainable energy and resources engineering.

Nipah virus is a deadly virus that can be transmitted from animals to humans.  In humans, it causes a range of illnesses from asymptomatic infection to acute respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis. The virus can also cause severe disease in animals such as pigs, resulting in significant economic losses for farmers.  There are currently no drugs or vaccines for Nipah virus infection in both human and pigs.

Since vaccines against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus are widely used, BIOTEC-NSTDA embarked on the development of a bivalent PRRS/Nipah virus vaccine as a strategy to prevent transmission from pigs to human and devastating impact on Thai swine industry.

Durian is an important fruit crop in Thailand. Its export value just hit the record high of 58.344 billion THB over the five-month period of 2021, generating the second highest revenue out of all farm product exports after rubber. To maintain high productivity and quality, pest management is the key among durian orchards. Fruit bagging is a method that orchards use to prevent insect pests infesting durian fruit. The practice is preferred over pesticides which is more expensive and not safe for workers, consumers and the environment. Fruit wrapping bags available in the market are net bags that provide protection against fruit borers, but not mealybug and sooty mold.

On 11 August 2021, NSTDA President Dr. Narong Sirilertworakul and NEDO Chairman Dr. OIKAWA Hiroshi signed a Memorandum of Understanding between NSTDA and the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) of Japan. The cooperation emphasizes the development and implementation of technologies and innovations of Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG) for sustainable and eco-friendly economic growth based on the complementarity of Thailand’s BCG Model and Japan’s Green Growth Strategy.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2019, attempts have been made around the world to develop drugs and vaccines against the disease. At NSTDA, the researchers at BIOTEC employed genetic engineering technology to develop COVID-19 vaccine prototypes.

Dr. Nitipol Srimongkolpithak, BIOTEC Researcher of Frontier Biodesign and Biomolecular Engineering Research Team, recently shared the development of favipiravir API synthesis process in NSTDA special seminar.

Thai student team called Indentation Error from Assumption College Thonburi was crowned the 1^st place winner of the Programming Skills Round of the 2^nd Kibo Robot Programming Challenge. The competition was held on 18 July 2021 with 9 participating teams from Japan, Australia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in many parts of the world, including Thailand due to the emergence of new and more transmissible variants, intense pressure has been put on public health. Hospitals are running out of beds to treat patients, whereas healthcare professionals experience fatigue from working long hours.

To lessen the burden of healthcare staff, MTEC-NSTDA has developed a remote-controlled cart Aree for delivering food and medicines to COVID-19 patients. The cart not only helps scale down labor, but it also reduces exposure risk of healthcare workers and saves PPE cost.

The EU-ASEAN High-Performance Computing (HPC) Virtual School 2021: System Design and HPC Applications is a hands-on virtual curriculum taught by foremost international experts in HPC technology. It is hosted by National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) Supercomputer Center (ThaiSC), Thailand.

The Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG) Policy Board convened on 12 July 2021 with Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha serving as the board chairman. The meeting reviewed the performance of Thailand in the global stage with regard to BCG. Thailand’s Global Green Economy Index (GGEI) improved from the 45^th position in 2014 to the 27^th position in 2018, whereas its SDG Index rose from the 55^th place in 2017 to the 43^rd place in 2020.

1 July 2021, NSTDA and RTRI, Japanese’s technical research company under the Japan Railways (JR) group of companies, have entered into a 3-Year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2023 to establish a formal technical cooperation to exchange and co-create the information, know-how, human development, and joint research in the area of railway technology. This formal collaboration aims for the enhancement and advancement of the Thai railway system.

As the key driver of Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economy in Thailand, NSTDA brought the BCG economy agenda to the attention of ASEAN to promote regional collaboration for sustainable development. BCG economy is an economic model for inclusiveness and sustainable growth, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Prof. Puangrat Kajitvichyanukul, Faculty of Engineering, Chiang Mai University recently revealed that her collaboration with Thai enterprises, with financial support from NSTDA Innovation and Technology Assistance Program (ITAP), led to the launch of two products to support safe food initiative.

Thai farmed shrimp production is approximately 400,000 tons/year, worth around 100 billion THB and accounted for 8.15% of the global market. However, the Thai shrimp industry is threatened by disease outbreaks which can cause as much as 60% loss of the domestic production, and viral diseases represent the major threat.

A recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) is a new way to farm fish at high densities in tanks with a controlled environment. However, RAS has yet to be adopted widely among Thai aquaculture farmers, as the technology can be expensive due to imported devices, too complicated for farmers to operate and costly to operate and maintain.

To overcome these barriers, a research team at MTEC-NSTDA has developed an automated RAS for intensive farming that is simple to operate and all parts can be manufactured in Thailand. The system is equipped with RAScal software for assessment of overall operation and a measuring and controlling system for managing water quality to promote fish growth and enabling users to monitor and control the operation via a mobile application.

NSTDA, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and The Alliance of International Science Organizations (ANSO) recently organized ANSO International Forum for Green Technology as part of the 14th China Bioindustry Convention held on 10-12 June 2021 in Guangzhou, China. The virtual forum took place on 11 June and aimed to promote the concept of green technology and its contribution to SDGs.

The forum covered wide-ranging topics of circular economy, clean technology and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in green society and creative economy with experts and leaders representing the governments, international organizations, businesses, and academia sharing their knowledge and experience. Providing opening remarks and warm welcome to the audience were ANSO President Prof. Bai Chunli and NSTDA President Dr. Narong Sirilertworakul, President of NSTDA.

During 31 May - 2 June 2021, the Royal Thai Embassy in Copenhagen, in collaboration with Thailand’s National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) and Thailand Board of Investment (BOI), has organized a webinar series entitled “Thai - Danish Cooperation on Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy Model”. The webinar series consist of 3 sessions including (1) Policy-maker Session (2) Business and Investment Session and (3) Business Case Session.

With the growing popularity of plant-based protein, MTEC-NSTDA has developed high-protein drink made from mung bean meal, aiming to utilize by-product of food industry.

As the COVID-19 infection cases continue to rise, field hospitals have been established for asymptomatic COVID cases and those with mild symptoms. However, most, if not all, of these field hospitals cannot accommodate patients with disabilities. With the cooperation of Sirindhorn National Medical Rehabilitation Institute (SNMRI) and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, NSTDA has turned Sirindhorn Science Home to a field hospital to treat COVID-19 patients with disabilities aged between 15 and 65.

Congratulations are in order for Thai student teams winning a total of six awards – four grand awards and two special awards - at the Virtual Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (Regeneron ISEF 2021) held during 16-21 May 2021. The event was participated by 1,834 students - ninth through twelfth graders – from 64 countries.

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) is a fruit tree, cultivated for its edible sweet fruit. Due to their delicious taste and high nutrients, date fruits have gained popularity. The fresh fruit varieties thrive well in Thailand. The growing domestic and international demands for fresh dates make date palm a new economic crop in Thailand. Currently, most date trees grown in Thailand are imported. To support growers in Thailand, BIOTEC-NSTDA and P Solution Company Limited formed a collaborative project to develop mass propagation technology for date palms, with financial support from ITAP-NSTDA.

Seed propagation is not a proper method of date palm propagation for multiple reasons. Date palm is a dioecious species and consequently half of the progeny will be males and half will be females, but only female plants bear fruits. In addition, because date palms are heterozygous, seed propagation will not give true-to-type plants.

Research team of BIOTEC-NSTDA, led by Dr. Yeetoh Dabbhadatta, has developed a mass propagation technique for date palm using a combination of tissue culture and bioreactor system. Shoot tips and young leaves of female mother trees carefully selected based on proven health and variety characteristics were grown in a medium to induce calluses. This process took around 1-2 years. With a more efficient bioreactor system using liquid media, Dr. Yeetoh expects that it will take another 6 months to reach the plantlet stage and her current batch should produce more than 1,000 plants by early next year.

This technology will enable the domestic production of date palm plants, resulting in cheaper plants for growers. The project demonstrates the application of advanced technology to improve the production of economic crop, helping farmers and growers by reducing production cost. It is an example of Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG) model that has been declared a national agenda.

Ve-Chick is the latest innovation from MTEC-NSTDA, offering alternative protein for healthy and eco-friendly lifestyle.

Dr. Kamolwan Israkarn, member of MTEC Food Materials Research Team, explained that the team employed knowledge on food structure design and the soy protein properties, along with the use of binding substances acting as a binder and the appropriate dietary fiber to create soy-based chicken meat with a similar texture to chicken. Flavoring agents are added to give it a taste like real chicken.

Chicken meat contains approximately 20 grams of protein per 100 grams. Ve-Chick contains 16% protein and 6-10% dietary fiber by weight. Unlike chicken, Ve-Chick is completely free from cholesterol and growth hormone residue.

Ve-Chick is now available in two forms, both with very accessible price. Pre-cooked product is in the meat form and premix in the powder form.

Ve-Chick manufacturing technology is available for licensing for commercialization or research collaboration for product development. This technology not only offers alternative source of protein, but also supports food security and environmental sustainability.

A virtual press conference was held on 5 May 2021 to launch the 2nd Kibo Robot Programming Challenge. Kibo Robot Programming Challenge aims at fostering STEM knowledge (science, technology, engineering and math) among young generations and preparing future workforce for the development of space industry. The press conference was joined by Dr. Chularat Tanprasert, NSTDA Executive Vice President, Mr. Ono Atsushi, Director of JAXA Bangkok Office and representatives of partner organizations.

Though required in relatively small quantities, micronutrients are essential for crop growth and development.  Some micronutrients are easily precipitated in soil, and their utilization is, therefore, not efficient. To improve micronutrient utilization efficiency, Dr. Khomson Suttisintong, NANOTEC researcher, developed a chelated fertilizer prepared from amino acids bonding with mineral micronutrients to form organic complexing agents enabling better delivery of micronutrients. Designed for foliar application, this novel fertilizer can potentially boost farm productivity by 20% and reduce the use of fertilizer by 50%.

NSTDA President Dr. Narong Sirilertworakul has been selected to serve on the Ethical Governance, Standards of Excellence, and Quality Leadership Committee of the World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF). WBAF aims to foster innovative financial instruments for startups, scaleups, innovators, entrepreneurs and SMEs and the Ethical Governance, Standards of Excellence, and Quality Leadership Committee will help guide WBAF to achieve the highest quality standards.

On 5 April 2021, a press conference was held to announce a joint investment between NSTDA, Thaifoods Group Public Company Limited and a group of investors and researchers in a new biotech startup Genepeutic Bio aiming to manufacture and commercialize CAR T-cell therapy for treating leukemia patients.

The collaboration between NSTDA and the National Applied Research Laboratories (NARLabs) of Taiwan was initiated in 2018 with the launch of NARLabs- NSTDA Joint Research Program in 2020 as a funding facility for collaborative projects. Three joint projects were supported in the 2020 Call for Proposals, ranging from the diagnostic technology for EGFR mutations from circulating tumor cells in non-small cell lung cancer to the use of Taiwan Data Cube to monitor the change in paddy field land use and the novel bioassay for rapid screening of COVID-19.

Thailand Energy Storage Technology Association (TESTA) in collaboration with the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) organized “Workshop on Mainstreaming Electric Mobility in Thailand: Baseline and Alternative Energy Solution” at the 42^nd Bangkok International Motor Show 2021. Held in the morning of 30 March, the workshop aimed at promoting the use of electric vehicles (EV), especially electrified 2 wheelers, in Thailand as a way to cut back on the pollution and increase energy efficiency in the transport sector. The conference was opened by Dr. Pimpa Limthongkul, TESTA President and Energy Storage Technology Research Team Leader, MTEC-NSTDA. Speakers at the workshop included Mr. Bert Fabien from UNEP, Dr. Peerawat Saisirirat from ENTEC-NSTDA, and representatives from the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI), Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited and Swap & Go Company Limited.

As part of NSTDA Annual Conference 2021, Presidents’ Forum 2021 took place on 26 March 2021. This event brought together leaders of scientific and academic institutes from Thailand and overseas to share their perspectives on science, technology and innovation issues. The theme of Presidents’ Forum 2021 was Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG): Turning Challenges into Opportunities in the Post-COVID-19 World with four distinguished keynote speakers: Prof. Dr. Chen Chien-Jen, Distinguished Professor Genomics Research Center, Taiwan; Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal, President, Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBITAK), Turkey; Prof. Joachim von Braun, Director, Center for Development Research (ZEF), Germany; and Prof. Emeritus Dr. Kraisid Tontisirin, Former Director of Food and Nutrition Division, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Approximately 150 participants from 10 countries attended the online forum.

The project “Joining forces to exploit the mycobiota of Asia, Africa and Europe for beneficial metabolites and potential biocontrol agents, using-OMICS techniques (MYCOBIOMICS)”
led by Prof. Marc Stadler, Helmholtz Center for Infection Research, Germany, in cooperation with Dr. Jennifer Luangsa-ard, Team Leader of Plant Microbe Interaction Research Team, and research institutes from Europe and Africa, was successfully funded by the European Commission’s H2020-MSCA-RISE framework for a total amount of EUR 1,375,400 (THB 51,035,377).

A royal opening ceremony of NSTDA Annual Conference 2021 (NAC2021) took place on 25 March 2021. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presided over the opening ceremony remotely from Sra Pathum Palace as NAC2021 is held on a virtual platform to respond to the new normal.

In her opening remarks, Princess Sirindhorn congratulated NSTDA for its 30^th anniversary and for three decades of strengthening Thailand’s science and technology. She hoped that NSTDA would carry on its commitment to be a driving force in the national development through science and technology. She declared the conference officially open and wished it a great success.

NSTDA and the Asia Pacific Seed Alliance (APSA) recently celebrated the MOU extension to support the collaboration in research, development, technology transfer and human resource development in seed technology. The ceremony was attended by executives of the two organizations, namely APSA President Mr. Wichai Laocharoenpronkul, APSA Executive Director Dr. Nanokwan Chodchoey, NSTDA Executive Vice President Dr. Prasit Palittapongarnpim, and NSTDA Senior Division Director Ms. Wannipha Tongsima.

Train-the-Trainer Program under Lancang – Mekong Cooperation to Enhance Production Capacity and People’s Livelihood by Improving the Value Chain for Cassava Cultivation and Application: Clean Cassava Chips, Native Starch, Modified Starch, Ethanol and Biogas Production Project was awarded a grant of THB 13,732,488 for a period of 3 years (2020-2023)

At the World Congress of Angel Investors - WBAF 2021 recently held on a virtual platform, NSTDA was presented with the Most Startup-Friendly Technology Institute of Asia award.  The award recognizes NSTDA’s effort in fostering tech companies in Thailand in order to drive new S-curve industries.

MG and NSTDA recently announced a partnership to establish standards and develop a certification system for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The move comes as MG is expanding the number of MG SUPER CHARGE stations to 500 this year.

COXY-AMP, a rapid COVID-19 colorimetric detection kit developed by BIOTEC-NSTDA, in collaboration with the Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, has been certified by the FDA Thailand for meeting the performance requirements as stipulated in the Notification of the Ministry of Public Health B.E. 2563 requiring performance evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 test kits and reagents to be manufactured in or imported to Thailand.

NSTDA and the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) held a joint press conference launching the the 1^st National Science Technology and Innovation Fair 2021 (NSTIF 2021), a national science competition. The press conference was joined by NSTDA President Dr. Narong Sirilertworakul, NRCT Secretary-General Dr. Wiparat De-ong and two notable alumni of NSTDA science competitions, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweetham Limpanuparb, Program Director of Chemistry, Mahidol University International College and Mr. Natt Piyapramote, Senior Software Engineer, Agoda Services Co., Ltd.

TAIST-Tokyo Tech Virtual Graduation Ceremony 2020 recently took place to celebrate the graduation of its students under the new normal conditions. Thailand Advanced Institute of Science and Technology – Tokyo Institute of Technology, or TAIST-Tokyo Tech, is a joint graduate program between Tokyo Tech, leading Thai universities and NSTDA.

Nepalese Ambassador to Thailand His Excellency Ganesh Prasad Dhakal paid a visit to NSTDA Headquarters at Thailand Science Park on 8 March 2021. He was accompanied by Mrs. Tara Sharma, Third Secretary and Ms. Shinakarn Wongbhumiwatana, PA to H.E. Ambassador.

On 2 March 2021, NSTDA President Dr. Narong Sirilertworakul, along with NANOTEC Executive Director Dr. Wannee Chinsirikul and NECTEC Executive Director Dr. Chai Wutiwiwatchai, participated in the press conference announcing the upcoming NSTDA Annual Conference 2021 (NAC2021) to take place from 25-30 March 2021 with the theme “STI Driving BCG Economy for Sustainability”. To embrace the new normal environment, NAC2021 – comprising seminars, exhibition, open house, job fairs and STEM activities - will be held entirely on an online platform at https://www.nstda.or.th/nac/.

On 3 March 2021, Dr. Anek Laothamatas, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) presided over a press conference announcing a collaboration between NSTDA and the Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO) on the development of industrial-scale manufacturing process of favipiravir API. The press conference was participated by GPO Director-General Dr. Witoon Danwiboon, NSTDA President Dr. Narong Sirilertworakul, BIOTEC Executive Director Dr. Wonnop Visessanguan and executives and researchers of the two organizations.

NSTDA Deep Tech Acceleration Program officially kicked off on 25 February 2021 with a bootcamp for 29 teams of researchers and entrepreneurs in three industrial sectors, namely food technology, assistive technology devices and internet of things (IoT) for smart industry. The 4-day bootcamp offers participants comprehensive knowledge and tips shared by tech startup experts on how to build and succeed in innovation-based businesses, as well as strategy and tools to take ideas to market and thrive in the business. Speakers at the bootcamp include Mr. Surawat Promyotin, Director of Sasin Sustainability and Entrepreneurship Center; Dr. Panachit Kittipanya-ngam, CEO /Co-Founder of a startup ZTRUS; Dr. Jessada Wannasin, an associate professor at Prince of Songkla University and Founder of GISSCO and Dr. Anongnat Somwangthanaroj, an associate professor at Chulalongkorn University and CTO of a food packaging & food contact materials startup.

NSTDA, researchers of Kasetsart University and farmers in Ban Don Hwai village recently celebrated the launch of Ban Don Hwai KUML Mung Bean Seed Production Center in Uthai Thani province, the first community mung bean seed production center in Thailand.

NSTDA Characterization and Testing Center (NCTC) announced a launch of Cannabis Analytical Testing Laboratory and signed an agreement with Play La Ploen Herbal Center Community Enterprise located in Buriram province to perform cannabis testing for the enterprise to ensure their products meeting international standards.

NSTDA and Thammasat University Hospital have signed an MOU for the R&D collaboration on digital healthcare to support the transition into smart hospital. The partnership was announced by NSTDA President Dr. Narong Sirilertworakul and Hospital Director Dr. Pharuhat Tor-Udom.

Twenty-five years ago, BIOTEC-NSTDA embarked on the forest survey and building an entomopathogenic fungal collection under the leadership of Dr. Nigel L.H. Jones. Through the collaboration with universities and the Department of National Park Wildlife and Plant Conservation, BIOTEC research team has collected and identified over 400 entomopathogenic fungal species in Thailand, placing Thailand on the world map as the hotspot for this type of fungi. Because of their high insecticidal effectiveness, entomopathogenic fungi are commonly used as biopesticides. They are also a good source of bioactive compounds for various applications.

On 9 February 2021, NSTDA President Dr. Narong Sirilertworakul, along with executive directors of four NSTDA research centers, held a press conference highlighting NSTDA R&D achievements and outlook into the future. As NSTDA is celebrating its 30^th year anniversary in 2021, this press conference is the first of a press conference series to feature NSTDA’s work over the past three decades in various facets. The focus of this event is on agriculture and food sector.

Dr. Narong explained that NSTDA R&D in agriculture and food aims at making improvement on productivity and quality of farm commodities and products, reducing production costs for farmers and manufacturers, enhancing competitiveness and minimizing environmental impact. Priorities are given to economic crops and farm animals such as rice, cassava, sugarcane, poultry and aquaculture. Achievements over the past three decades were provided as follows:

• A number of new rice varieties have been developed with improved yield, better disease and pest resistances and climate resilience. These include flash flooding tolerant Homcholasit, blast-resistant glutinous Thanyasirin and blast-and-blight-resistant Nan 59. The effort is led by BIOTEC-NSTDA in collaboration with universities and government agencies, employing advanced molecular breeding technique. Some new varieties have been registered with the Department of Agriculture and these include RD51 and RD73. Riceberry and Sinlek are examples of nutritious rice that have already been certified as new varieties. A genetic database of 250 Thai rice varieties and a breeding management system (BMS) have been established to support rice breeding program, along with the development of a mobile application for diagnosing 12 rice diseases.
• Pirun 1, Pirun 2, Pirun 4 and Kasetsart 72 are among new improved cassava varieties with high starch and low cyanide contents. Novel cassava-based products have been introduced such as gluten-free flour and bio-compostable plastic bag for food waste. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of cassava mosaic disease, as well as tissue culture and mini cutting techniques which enable rapid mass production of disease-free plant materials, were developed and introduced to cassava farmers to curb the catastrophic outbreak of cassava mosaic in 2019.
• Molecular marker associated with sugar content in sugarcane has been identified, which led to the development of Phu Khiao 2 and Phu Khiao 3, both of which have been certified as new sugarcane varieties by the Department of Agriculture. A farm management model employing artificial intelligence (AI) has been developed for industrial-scale sugarcane farms. Dextran test kit developed by NSTDA research team is used for the management control of the sugar production process, enabling the reduction of product loss.
• R&D concerning rubber industry at NSTDA extends across the production process from upstream to downstream. Innovative solutions have been developed, including a preservative for extending shelf life of fresh natural rubber latex and a variety of new rubber-based products.
• To promote the seed industry, new vegetable varieties have been developed for chili and tomato to enhance flavor and disease resistance. A training program for new seed producers was initiated to increase the number of seed farmers. These efforts have contributed to 10% export growth per year.
• A number of plant disease diagnostic tests (e.g. PlantSmart for multiplex detection and a strip test for a causative agent of fruit blotch disease in cucurbit), biocontrol products to replace chemical pesticides (e.g. VipPro protein for controlling beet armyworm and cutworm, Beauveria bassiana for controlling brown plant hopper and mealybug and NPV for insect pest control) and digital farm systems (e.g. an agricultural registration system TAMIS and an agricultural management tool Agri-Map) have been developed to support farming activities.
• A wide range of innovative products and technologies have been developed to support food and feed industry. Examples include enzyme-based technology to accelerate fish sauce fermentation process; starter culture technology for Thai fermented sausage, pickle mustard green and fruit vinegar; protein drink, low-fat sausage, pasteurized egg whites, gluten-free bread, fermented animal feed, feed enzyme and a mycotoxin binder as a feed additive. The first industrial-scale microbial production facility for animal feed was established.

BIOTEC Executive Director Dr. Wonnop Visessanguan further highlighted R&D achievements in 2020 which include the discovery of 47 new species of insect-pathogenic fungi adding to its unique microbial collection which holds more than 90,000 microbial species. These microorganisms have potential applications in food and agriculture sector such as biocontrol products. Production technology for biocontrol agents for controlling pests and weeds such as Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae have been developed and transferred to enterprises and farmers. As for food and feed industry, BIOTEC has been collaborating with industrial partners to create products and technologies that have successfully reached the market.  Examples are a feed preservative eLysozyme for shrimp feed industry, the production technology of beta-glucan and yeast probiotic for animal feed industry, the fermentation technology of fruit vinegars (mangosteen vinegar, pineapple vinegar, coconut vinegar and black garlic vinegar) and production of mushroom as an alternative protein source. These projects have generated over 180 million THB investment from the private sector and contributed to the country’s economic growth. For 2021, the center will continue to work on rice breeding and employ participatory varietal selection approach to facilitate new variety adoption of glutinous Hom Naga, Hom Jinda and Thanya 6401. Two new tomato varieties from the collaboration with Maejo University will be released this year.

MTEC Executive Director Dr. Julathep Kajornchaiyakul elaborated on MTEC rubber research that has created over 10 billion THB socio-economic impact. The preservative developed by MTEC is designed for extending shelf life of fresh natural rubber latex for rubber sheet production. It offers an alternative to toxic ammonia and sodium sulfite, commonly used preservatives. The center also developed a novel latex concentrate for mixing with asphalt cement for road construction. The material was used to build 4,610 km of road covering 73 provinces. A novel process developed by MTEC to recover rubber solids from sludge waste and reuse them enables circularity in Thai rubber industry. MTEC also employs its expertise to help the industry design rubber with properties meeting certain specifications at competitive production cost and provide solutions to over 50 companies. New products and technologies to be released in 2021 include a coagulant for rubber cup lump coagulation, removal of allergenic protein in natural rubber latex gloves and other new products such as educational toys. The center will also focus on developing green processes for rubber manufacturing and engage in the standardization of rubber and rubber products to increase the competitiveness of Thai rubber industry and facilitate its participation in global trade.

NANOTEC Executive Director Dr. Wannee Chinsirikul discussed the 2021 R&D strategy that the center will focus on chelation technology, in combination with nano chemistry and nano characterization to improve quality and productivity of economic fruits such as durian and mango and provide innovative solutions to the animal feed industry. The technology enables the development of amino acid chelated foliar fertilizer and amino acid chelated trace minerals for the feed industry. R&D will be conducted to develop different amino acid chelated mineral formulae specific to each type of farm animals, i.e. pig, chicken and dairy cattle. The center will be working with Mitr Phol Group to implement nanosensor-based dextran detection test in 7 sugar mills owned by Mitr Phol Group to mitigate dextran contamination and improve efficiency in the sugar production process.

NECTEC Executive Director Dr. Chai Wutiwiwatchai explained that the NECTEC’s work in food and agriculture involves the application of IoT, AI and sensor technology to facilitate smart farming. Examples are a smart aquaculture system AQUA GROW, Agri-Map, precision-farming HandySense and farm management system WiMaRC. Agri-Map system has been accessed over 43 million times, and the model has a 90% accuracy in predicting the productivity and sugar content of sugarcane. Its Thai School Lunch – an AI-enabled automated system enabling schools to self-plan nutritious lunch menus at an optimal budget – have 58,046 users covering schools nationwide and will soon have an additional feature to link with logistics system to supply farm products to schools. The center will also explore the use of terahertz technology in food inspection and quality control.

A virtual MOU signing ceremony was held between NSTDA and SIASUN Automation (Singapore) on 10 February 2021 to officiate a partnership aiming to apply automation, robotics & intelligent system to facilitate Industry 4.0 transformation. The MOU was signed by Ms. Toh Guat Lan, Deputy CEO of SIASUN Automation (Singapore) and Dr. Janekrishna Kanatharana, NSTDA Executive Vice President and Director of Eastern Economic Corridor of Innovation (EECi). Joining the celebration were Mr. Zhao Chen, CEO of SIASUN Automation (Singapore); Dr. Chai Wutiwiwatchai, NECTEC Executive Director; Dr. Panita Pongpaibool, NECTEC Deputy Executive Director; Dr. Kanit Sangsubhan, Secretary General of Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) and Ms. Salinee Phonprapai, East Asia 1 Division Director of Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Last year, the cabinet approved 5.4 billion THB budget to establish Sustainable Manufacturing Center (SMC) at EECi. SMC is expected to be a state-of-the-art research and demonstration center of automation, robotics and intelligent system to support Thai manufacturers to transition into Industry 4.0. SMC will serve as a platform bringing together manufacturers, system integrators, innovators, researchers and students to collaborate through available tools and facilities such as Industry 4.0 Assessment Tools, Learning Station/Line and testbed/sandbox.

Under this partnership, SMC and SIASUN - a leading Chinese enterprise specializing in robotics and intelligent system – will set up SMC-SIASUN Innovation Center at EECi to create a complete ecosystem to translate research to commercialization and tailor some advanced technologies to fit with the conditions of Thai industry.

SMC recently launched Industrial IoT and Data Analytics Platform (IDA Platform)- applying IoT and data analytics to optimize decision-making, enable intelligent operations and improve operational and energy efficiency. 15 factories have been selected to participate in the pilot project to test the equipment and system. The project will be expanded to cover 500 factories over a 3-year period.

Air filters are used to remove particulates and microorganisms from the air stream. However, under suitable conditions, retained microbes can propagate and re-enter the filtered air, exposing users to respiratory problems such as allergy and pneumonitis. To solve this problem, NANOTEC research team has employed nano-coating technology to impart antibacterial and antifungal properties to an air filter. Dr. Nuttaporn Pimpha, Team Leader of Environmental Nanotechnology Research Team, Nanohybrids and Coating Research Group, explained that nanoparticles coated on the filter inhibit bacterial and fungal growth. The nano-coating process is simple and cost-effective and can be easily applied by the industry. In addition, the coating material does not alter other functional properties of the air filter.

On 25 January 2021, NSTDA President Dr. Narong Sirilertworakul and Mr. Surasri Kidtimonton, Director General of Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation participated in the virtual signing ceremony of an MOU between NSTDA and the Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. Accompanying Dr. Narong in the ceremony was Dr. Wannee Chinsirikul, Executive Director of NANOTEC-NSTDA.

Since the COVID-19 outbreak emerged in December 2019, NSTDA has been developing innovative healthcare solutions to fight against the disease. As the latest outbreak erupted in December 2020, NSTDA and its partners have presented the following medical devices and healthcare products developed by NSTDA research team to a number of hospitals and health facilities.

The Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG) Committee convened on 13 January 2021 at the Government House. Serving as the committee chairman, Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha stated that the government will include BCG in its national agenda alongside Thailand 4.0. BCG will be a vehicle to modernize Thailand’s agricultural sector, establish national health security and reduce foreign dependency.

Zinc ions are known to exhibit a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. This property drew an interest of Unisil Group Company Limited to incorporate zinc ion in livestock feed as an alternative to antibiotics. The company reached out to NANOTEC-NSTDA and received a transfer of technology to produce zinc ion as an antimicrobial agent.

Isolation chamber is a personal protective equipment that prevents the transmission of airborne pathogens during the transport of infectious respiratory patient and reduce infection rate of medical staff. Driven by the rapid progression of COVID-19 pandemic, researchers at MTEC-NSTDA designed a patient isolation and transportation chamber called PETE with multiple key features that overcome shortcomings of products currently available in the market.