On 27 August 2024, H.E. Mr. Sira Swangsilpa, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the State of Qatar, led a distinguished delegation from Thai academic institutions, including from Kasetsart University (KU), Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi (RMUTT), and Sangtawan Community Enterprise, in a productive discussion with Dr. Omar Al-Ansari, President of Qatar University (QU), Dr. Ibrahim Al-Kaabi, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Aiman Erbad, Vice President for Research Affairs and Mr. Cesar Wazen, Director of International Affairs Office.
During the meeting, both sides exchanged views and explored opportunities for enhanced academic collaboration, with a focus on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) for the sustainable development. The discussion highlighted potential areas of cooperation, such as agricultural research and innovation, upcycling and value addition of waste materials, and the integration of Islamic principles into biotechnology research. Additionally, they deliberated on prospects for facilitating the exchange of expertise, researchers, and students between Thai universities and Qatar University.
This initiative underscores the Royal Thai Embassy’s steadfast commitment to promoting Thailand’s research and innovation efforts and strengthening academic cooperation between educational institutions in Thailand and Qatar. Such collaboration is a fundamental foundation for the bilateral relationship across various dimensions, including political, socio-economic development, and people to people connections.
The Thai delegation included Dr. Damrong Sriparam, Vice President for Carbon Neutrality Affairs of KU, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Singh Intrachooto, Professor of Building Innovation of KU, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Prakit Sukyai, Head of Cellulose for Future Materials and Technologies Unit of KU, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Chanakarn Ruangnarong, Vice Dean of Department of Textiles at RMUTT, Ms. Bunnapa Bualuang, Chairperson, Sangtawan Community Enterprise, and Ms. Pimchanok Bualuang, Assistant, Sangtawan Community Enterprise.