Pathum thani: INTEDIF 2026, the global network conference for museums and science centers, has begun. NSM hosted the grand event 'INTEDIF 2026,' welcoming leaders from museums and science centers worldwide to define the direction of new learning resources. The delegation also visited 'Futurium,' a center of future innovation.
According to Thai News Agency, the National Science Museum (NSM), under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, in collaboration with the Asia Pacific Network of Science and Technology Centres (ASPAC), hosted the International Directors Forum 2026 (INTEDIF 2026) under the theme "Evolving our Organizations Amidst a Rapidly Changing World." This important forum brought together senior executives from museum and science center networks worldwide to exchange perspectives, experiences, and strategic approaches to developing organizations to keep pace with global changes. The forum also aimed to define the direction and enhance the role of museums and learning centers in creating value, addressing societal needs, and driving a sustainable future.
The meeting was honored by the presence of Mr. Suwarong Wongshiri, Acting Director of NSM, along with Maria Isabel Garcia, President of ASPAC (The Mind Museum), and leaders from international science center and museum networks, including Christofer Nelson, President and CEO, Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC); Maria Joo Fonseca, President, European Network of Science Centres and Museums (ECSITE); Maissa Azab, Executive Director, The North Africa and Middle East Science Centers Network (NAMES); Miguel Garcia-Guerrero, Executive Director, The Network for the Popularization of Science and Technology in Latin America and the Caribbean (RedPOP); and Rufus Wesi, Chairman, The South African Association of Science and Technology Centres (SAASTEC). The opening ceremony took place in the Saengduen-Saengthien Meeting Room, Rama IX Museum, NSM, Khlong Ha Subdistrict, Khlong Luang District, Pathum Thani Province.
Mr. Suvarong stated that NSM and Thailand were delighted and honored to welcome 51 senior executives from over 30 organizations across 20 economies worldwide to the INTEDIF 2026 conference. The gathering of museum and learning leaders from various countries in Thailand is a significant opportunity to exchange knowledge, experiences, and strategic perspectives. This will allow them to look ahead to how their organizations can adapt and create value for society in a rapidly changing world, particularly regarding the impact and opportunities from Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is transforming management, learning, visitor experiences, and the sustainable development of organizations and society. The conference will also explore new forms of collaboration within international networks.
The belief that modern museums are not merely places for collecting and disseminating knowledge, but must also be able to adapt to change, connect people with knowledge, and play a role in helping society understand and address new challenges, was emphasized. This gathering of leaders from around the world is therefore highly significant, as diverse perspectives and experiences will lead to strategic approaches and collaborations that will help elevate the field of museums and science learning centers internationally.
Maria Isabel Garcia, President of ASPAC, stated that the INTEDIF 2026 conference is a collaboration of six partner organizations: ASPAC, ASTC, ECSITE, NAMES, RedPOP, and SAASTEC. They have come together to define a direction for creating a positive impact on people, science, technology, and the future. It is hoped that the exchange of ideas and experiences throughout the conference will lead to stronger cooperation and enable museums and science centers to play a vital role in building a learning society that is ready to face future changes and challenges.
On this occasion, executives and leaders from over 20 global museum networks visited "Futurium," the NSM's new regional innovation center. Futurium aims to spark innovation and create a sustainable future by integrating knowledge in science, technology, and innovation with social, career, and environmental dimensions. This is presented through interactive exhibitions in the Innovation World and Job World zones, creating learning experiences that inspire children, youth, families, and people of all ages, as well as preparing them with the skills necessary for the future.