Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI), led a delegation of top executives and researchers from Thailand to participate in the Science and Technology in Society (STS) forum in Kyoto, Japan during 1-3 October 2023. This year, the forum was held under the theme "Lights and Shadows of Science and Technology", serving as a vital platform for global leaders in the field of science and technology to address pressing challenges faced by the world. These challenges include climate change, efforts to reduce CO2 emissions, and the rapid growth of digital and high-tech industries.
During the forum, Professor Dr. Sukit Limpijumnong, President of the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA-MHESI) accompanied the Minister to various sessions to exchange valuable insights that emphasized MHESI’s commitment to working closely with all countries to enhance research and development capabilities, facilitate technology transfer and exchange, and serve as a bridge connecting academia and industry. His key engagements include the 20th S&T Ministers’ Roundtable Meeting on Open Science and International Brain Circulation; the 12th Global Summit of Research Institute Leaders (RIL 2023), where leaders from research institutions worldwide exchanged ideas and perspectives; and the 13th Funding Agency Presidents’ Meeting (FAPM), a high-level policy discussion among research funding agencies
In the RIL 2023 session, NSTDA President gave a presentation on "Cooperation in S&T: Collaboration among Academia, Industry, and Government." During his presentation, the importance of fostering connections among different sectors was highlighted, as well as NSTDA’s role in bridging research and industry, exemplified by its involvement in the Eastern Economic Corridor of Innovation (EECi). In the FAPM, NSTDA's participation provided valuable insights into research funding management. These engagements underscore NSTDA's commitment to advancing scientific cooperation and strengthening partnerships among academia, industry, and government to drive innovation and progress in Thailand.
Besides the STS forum, Professor Dr. Sukit Limpijumnong also accompanied the Minister to bilateral meetings with the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and Singapore‘s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). These discussions aimed to strengthen relationships and expand collaborative networks in research and human resource development, reinforcing mutual growth and development. The exchange encapmpassed insights on various topics of mutual interest, including green energy, pandemic preparedness, artificial intelligence (AI), big data, high performance computing (HPC), the East Asia Science and Innovation Area Joint Research Program (e-ASIA JRP), the ongoing construction of the biorefinery pilot plant in the Eastern Economic Corridor of Innovation (EECi), and energy-related research.
Together with MHESI and NSTDA engagement during the forum and private meetings with JST and A*Star, Professor Dr. Sukit Limpijumnong emphasized the significance of human resource development and the role of science, technology, and innovation in driving national economic and societal advancement. He also highlighted the vital role of international collaboration to address challenges such as climate change, new pandemics, energy crises, and the pursuit of sustainable development. He pointed out Thailand's participation in this meeting as a key to strengthen the long-standing partnerships with collaborating organizations such as JST and A*Star. NSTDA has confidence in the Thai government's policies for sustainable development, exemplified by initiatives like the Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG) Model, designed to foster sustainable and high-quality prosperity through the strategic application of science, technology, and innovation. This approach seeks to elevate income levels and improve the quality of life while maintaining a balance in resource utilization and environmental conservation to achieve the SDGs. As the cornerstone of Thailand's scientific, technological, and innovative capacities, NSTDA remains committed to implementing the cooperative frameworks established during this meeting.