Bangkok:The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) is enhancing its cooperation with Belgium to advance human resource development and biotechnology research, focusing on smart agriculture and future foods, in an effort to boost the Thai economy.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Panphermsak Arunee, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of MHESI, led a delegation of executives from Thai higher education institutions to a meeting with the Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium. The meeting aimed to strengthen collaboration in science, research, and innovation, supporting Thailand's economic goals under the "Nation of Master" policy. This collaboration focuses on human resource development, biotechnology research, and smart agriculture technologies to enhance the Thai economy.
Thailand's economic strategy involves three main approaches the development of the semiconductor industry (Siam Silica), the medical and health industry (Siam Medica), and smart agriculture, biotechnology, and high-value future foods (Siam Terra). These initiatives rely on developing skilled human resources, cutting-edge research, and the commercialization of research findings, necessitating international collaboration to improve competitiveness and ensure sustainable growth.
MHESI, through the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), has collaborated with Belgian institutions like the Belgian Centre for Microbial Collection and Preservation and the Mycology Laboratory of the Catholic University of Louvain. These collaborations have focused on microbial research for environmental applications and agricultural advancements, which align with Thailand's national development policy.
Despite these collaborations, the need for developing doctoral-level personnel remains unaddressed. Thus, MHESI emphasizes the urgency of establishing partnerships with Thai universities such as Mae Fah Luang University and Kasetsart University to develop doctoral programs. The Ministry is committed to expanding cooperation with Belgian institutions to enhance biotechnology research and development under the Siam Terra project. This effort aims to promote smart agriculture, future food technologies, and increased collaboration between Thai and Belgian universities for human resource development and research commercialization, ultimately driving sustainable national development.