Friday, August 5, 2022 – Khon Kaen University joined the Science, Research and Innovation Promotion and Utilization Division; the Northeast Regional Network Operating Unit of MHESI; the Northeast Convention and Exhibition Bureau; the Industrial Council, and other allies to hold the Food and Agro Tech 2022. The event was chaired by Prof. Thidarat Boonmars, Ph.D., Vice President of Khon Kaen University for Innovation and Enterprise; Prof. Supachai Pathumnakul, Ph.D., Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation; and Dr. Taweesan Wichaiwong, President of Khon Kaen Industrial Council and the Head of Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization). The event, which was held at the Golden Jubilee Convention Center, Khon Kaen University, was aimed at extending the knowledge and transferring technologies and innovations towards social and commercial utilization.
Prof. Supachai Pathumnakul, Ph.D., Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation revealed that the Government has a policy and aim for the country to become a developed country within the year 2037. Therefore, we cannot refuse that technologies, research and innovations are very important for the deployment towards the target. Universities and the Ministry should see the same direction for utilization of technologies, research and innovations. First, we have to admit that before the spread of Covid, technologies, research and innovations were already important. After Covid, they have become the accelerators that should urgently be used, especially in digital infrastructure. These are divided into two parts: basic research and applied research.
“Everyone knows about the importance of technology, research and innovation. But the way to put them into practice is not clear. For MHESI, the idea is that first, research must be carried out with one who wants to use it from the start, so that it is certain it is going to be used. MHESI and universities also deploy the work through funding, promotion of benefits from research. There is a new act that promotes utilization of research based on the measure that we have to allocate budget so that the work will be truly utilized. The next part is the standard criteria of new programs that are expected to be effective as of September 27 this year. We will open for the private sector to join in developing programs with universities so that we can build manpower that we need. They will be able to analyze, think and work with the private sector and from this, there will be useful research and innovation. Lastly, we will build Start-up, as it is the point where technology and innovation can be developed. I would like universities and the private sector to work together on new platforms and new ecological systems. It would be best for the private sector to learn under the new 3 dimensions with universities. This will be the path that leads us to the goal, with research works that benefit future society and commerce,” said Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation.
Prof. Thidarat Boonmars, Ph.D., Vice President of Khon Kaen University for Innovation and Enterprise said that universities are aware of the importance in developing works in academic, research and innovation for social and commercial benefits, and for enhancing competitive competency and national development for sustainability and security in the long run. At present, KKU has a lot of innovative works, in medicine, agriculture, food, education, and energy. Recently, KKU has collaborated and implemented works related to innovation development and utilization with external organizations, both governmental, industrial, and the communities. Start-ups have been set up with community enterprises, joint investment in business with the private sector and communities around the university and the provinces nearby.
“The Food and Agro Tech 2022” and “Tech innovation for sustainable future” which transfers technologies and innovations for commercial and social utilization is thus another collaboration that we are very pleased to host the event today with the Science, Research and Innovation Promotion and Utilization Division; the Northeast Regional Network Operating Unit of MHESI; the Northeast Convention and Exhibition Bureau; the Industrial Council, and other allies. The event is expected for true utilization as well as promoting competitive competency for sustainable national development,” said KKU Vice President for Innovation and Enterprise.
The event features over 130 exhibitions and selling of goods from Khon Kaen University, and institutions under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. The works comprise innovations and products in education such as:
Board Game Learning Kits – that promote learning of sciences, computer, and social science for learners at the elementary and secondary levels. The kits have been developed by a group of researchers and educational innovation creators of the Faculty of Education and teachers of the Demonstration School, Khon Kaen University. The kits were shown at Booth B 27.
There are also innovations in agriculture, herbs such as form Sodsai Farm. Mrs. Duangduan Patitangkho, a farmer from Sodsai Herb Farm, Khaen Sub-district, Wapeepathum District, Mahasarakham said when she joined the project, she received budget and there have been people coming to support her farm from upstream until the end of stream or from preparing the soil, checking the soil, and developing the products until they are standardized as organic products, designing of products and marketing. At present the farm is a community enterprise, with people joining in growing herbs in over 200 rais of land. There are herbs grown as cultivars, for manufacturing in different products, or for medical use in hospitals all over Isan. The farm also dispatches fresh herbs to famous and leading brands such as Abhaibhubejhr. This is really helpful to the locals and also those who want to run start-ups that bring incomes back to the community. If interested, follow the work at Facebook Page: Rai Sodsai.
There are also exhibitions of innovations realted to foods, health, energy, and different smart operating systems. At each exhibition booth, there are activities for visitors to join and have fun. Free products are distributed to visitors for trials. There is also the ‘golden time’ for cheap goods selling. In addition, there are shows and performances on the open stage making the event joyful. The other part is a special talk by Prof. Supachai Pathumnakul, Ph.D., Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation on: “Innovations towards Utilization”, an academic forum on “Future Food for Thai to Global Society” and the “Tips that are not secret – how to make Startup successful”. Moreover, there are activities to enhance Soft Power of the elderly and the youths through the Music Contest and “TECH INNO ISAN Cover Dance”, and open-air movies are shown every evening. The event is organized from August 5-7, 2022 at the Golden Jubilee Convention Center, Khon Kaen University. For more information call Tel. 06-3786-8254 (Mallika Plaungklang, Information Technology Officer, Innovation and Enterprise Section, KKU.
News / Photos: Jiraporn Prathumchai
