On November 7, 2024, the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), represented by Associate Professor Dr. Toemsak Srikhirin, Executive Director of the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), joined by MTEC researchers led by Dr. Nudjarin Ramungul, Research Specialist of Environment Research Group, Dr. Witchuda Daud, Director of Advanced Polymer Technology Research Group, Dr. Asira Fuongfuchat, Deputy Executive Director attended the Indo-Pacific Plastics Innovation Network (IPPIN) Demo Day – Thailand Chapter. The event, themed “Innovation sparks hope for a future without plastic waste in Thailand,” was hosted by the Australian Embassy in Thailand. Representatives from various sectors, including Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), Thai Environment Institute (TEI), plastic manufacturing companies, startups, and governmental agencies responsible for plastic waste management policies, also participated in the event at The Peninsula Bangkok.

On October 2, 2024, at the 8^th General Assembly of the Life Cycle Initiative, the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) was invited to nominate a representative from the Asia-Pacific region for the UN Life Cycle Initiative Steering Committee. This position is explicitly allocated to government agencies. Dr. Jitti Mungkalasiri, Head of the Life Cycle Inventory and Data Applications for Sustainability and Trade Research Team (LIDAST) within the Technology and Informatics Institute for Sustainability (TIIS) at MTEC, won the election with 10 out of 11 votes. This event involved candidates from three countries—Brazil, Argentina, and Thailand—who presented their pitches before the voting process.

On October 15, 2024, in Meeting Room M119, National Metal and Materials Technology Center Building, Thailand Science Park

Dr. Asira Fuongfuchat, Deputy Executive Director of the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC) under the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), together with Dr. Chanchana Thanachayanont, Director of the Environment Research Group at MTEC; Dr. Uracha Ruktanonchai, Director of the National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC); Dr. Sansanee Huabsomboon, Deputy Executive Director of NANOTEC; and Dr. Pimpa Limthongkul, Director of the Energy Innovation Research Group at the National Energy Technology Center (ENTEC), along with a team of researchers, warmly welcomed Dr. Masahiro Takemura, SIP Director – project manager and Mr. Kaname Takahashi, project engineer of the Cross-Ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP) under the National Institute for Materials Science Japan (NIMS). Their visit aimed to engage in collaborative discussions and explore the facilities. SIP is a national initiative led by the Japanese government’s Council for Science, Technology, and Innovation (CSTI), employing an interdisciplinary management approach focused on scientific and technological innovation in Japan. The two sides identified three key areas for potential collaboration: (1) water treatment technologies, (2) materials for lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, and (3) NSTDA’s strategies for developing and transferring advanced technologies to benefit society. They also exchanged perspectives on evolving research trends shaped by changing socio-economic conditions and emerging societal demands, explored opportunities for future joint initiatives, and assessed R&D competitiveness. Additionally, the discussion emphasized NSTDA’s efforts in business development, including international partnerships with industry and academic institutions.

These exchanges laid the foundation for collaborative planning to secure international funding and develop project proposals across several key areas. Among the targeted initiatives are water treatment technologies aimed at removing heavy metals, negatively charged ions, and PFAS from drinking, industrial, and wastewater; lithium-ion battery materials tailored for electric vehicles and motorcycles; and the “Start-up & Incubation” program focused on “nurturing” emerging enterprises. SIP will convey the meeting’s outcomes to its partners in Japan and actively pursue future collaboration opportunities.

After the meeting, Dr. Samerkhae Jongthammanurak, the leader of the SMARTest Research Team in the Environmental Research Group, led the delegation on a tour of the Trace Element Analysis Laboratory (TEA-Lab) facilities. The team focuses on improving contaminant analysis capability in materials to meet RoHS standards, aiming to serve as a model for standardized testing facilities across Thailand while providing technical information to enhance testing capabilities and develop comprehensive guidelines. The tour ended with a visit to the Energy Storage Technology Team (ESTT) Laboratory, where Dr. Nattanai Kunanusont presented his battery pack design and development research. All research works generated significant interest from the delegation, laying the groundwork for future collaborations.

On October 2, 2024, Dr. Witchuda Daud, Director of the Advanced Polymer Technology Research Group, and Dr. Kittinan Annanon, Research Specialist in the Environmental Research Group at the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), NSTDA, were invited as speakers to attend the ASEAN Circular Economy Forum 2024. The event was organized by the ASEAN Center for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue (ACSDSD) at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. In her lecture, Dr. Wichuda shared her experiences, insights, and perspectives on the potential of Thailand’s regional integration and cooperation on Circular Economy (CE) Initiatives, Circular Economy (CE) design solutions, and best practices for engaging with the industry/private sector under the central theme of “The Circular Economy in ASEAN – Harnessing the Potential of Regional Integration and Cooperation.” Meanwhile, Dr. Kittinan participated in the panel discussion on “Comprehensive Circularity for Electronics – Using the Full Range of Circular Strategies,” contributing knowledge and experiences and exchanging opinions on reducing the environmental impact of electronic devices, government participation in promoting product life extension and management, creating product safety, and social responsibility.

The ASEAN Circular Economy Forum (ACEF) is a significant annual gathering for the ASEAN policy community. It serves as a platform for collaboration on strategies for promoting a circular economy through national policies and regional initiatives. This forum also brought together government representatives and ASEC officials from the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) to examine the extensive impact of climate change, which influences every dimension of sustainable development. ACEF is distinguished by its focus on the circular economy, ASEAN integration, cooperation, stakeholder engagement, and broad participation from government entities.