MTEC

MTEC, NSTDA Visits Elderly Care and Stroke Rehabilitation Center to Explore User-Centered Innovation for an Aging Society

Mettaya Sudchai — Sun, 10 May 2026 13:56:11 +0000

Ratchaburi Province, Thailand, 7 May 2026 — The National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), visited Chanaruk Nursing Home, an elderly care and stroke rehabilitation center in Ratchaburi Province, to explore real-world needs and identify potential research opportunities for developing innovations that support Thailand’s aging society.

The MTEC delegation comprised researchers from Well-living Design Research Team, together with Novel Rubber Products Research Team and Research and Innovation Strategy Division. The team joined a discussion with the Executive team of Chanaruk Nursing Home and observed its care and rehabilitation services for elderly residents and patients recovering from stroke.

The visit aimed to gain first-hand insights into elderly care and rehabilitation practices in a real service environment. It also provided an opportunity to exchange ideas on how MTEC’s expertise in materials science, design technology, rubber products, well-being innovation, and care-support systems could be further developed to meet the practical needs of healthcare personnel, caregivers, and service users.

Chanaruk Nursing Home provides care for various groups of elderly residents and patients, including stroke rehabilitation patients, long-term elderly residents who are still able to perform daily activities, and bedridden patients. The center carries out continuous assessment and monitoring of residents’ conditions, including range-of-motion assessment, preliminary cognitive assessment, occupational therapy, and physical therapy, with the goal of helping service users regain or maintain their ability to perform daily activities as much as possible.

During the discussion, several potential areas for research and innovation collaboration were identified. These included Universal Design, medication alert and management systems, materials and equipment for pressure sore prevention, rubber floor mats to reduce the risk of slips and falls, thickened food products for elderly people or patients with swallowing difficulties, muscle rehabilitation equipment, sensors, and health data monitoring systems.

Chanaruk Nursing Home also expressed its readiness to serve as a real-use testing site for relevant innovations. This presents an important opportunity to connect MTEC’s research capabilities with the direct needs of users and to support the development of practical technologies for elderly care and rehabilitation services.

The visit reflects MTEC, NSTDA’s commitment to promoting user-centered research by bringing real-world challenges into the research and innovation process. Through this approach, MTEC aims to develop technologies and collaborative solutions that respond to the needs of an aging society and contribute to improving people’s quality of life in a tangible and sustainable manner.

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MTEC, NSTDA, collaborates with National Center for Materials Service Safety (NCMS), University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB), P.R. China, to advance cooperation in technology and innovation development for engineering structure safety & aging infrastructure

Mettaya Sudchai — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 05:13:48 +0000

(April 20, 2026), at Beijing, People’s Republic of China, the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) and National Center for Materials Service Safety (NCMS), University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB), P.R. China, held a signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on academic and research cooperation. The signing was led by Associate Professor Toemsak Srikhirin, Executive Director of MTEC, the representative of NSTDA’s President, and Professor Xiaolu Pang, Director of NCMS, USTB. The event was honored by the presence of Dr. Xiuqin Xia, Chancellor of NCMS, USTB. Also, attendees from both sides were Dr. Ekkarut Vuyanit, Deputy Executive Director of MTEC, Professor Ying Jin, Deputy Director of NCMS, USTB, as well as the executive teams and researchers from both organizations. This collaboration aims to enhance the safety of engineering infrastructure and materials, while strengthening industrial competitiveness in Thailand.

Associate Professor Toemsak Srikhirin stated, ” the MoU marks an important milestone in strengthening strategic collaboration between Thailand and China. Building upon previous engagements — including institutional visits and participation in international conferences — this partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing research and innovation, particularly in particularly in materials service safety and structural integrity for critical industries. He also emphasized NSTDA’s role in promoting sustainability through the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy model, supporting energy transition and sustainable infrastructure development. The collaboration is expected to lead to joint research, innovation, and long-term sustainable development benefiting both countries.”

Prof. Xiaolu Pang highlighted the long-standing cooperation between Thailand and China under the “Belt and Road Initiative,” particularly in science, research, and innovation. He noted that the MoU marks a concrete step in expanding collaboration with ASEAN partners. The partnership will serve as a platform to advance joint research, promote academic and expert exchange programs, and support innovation in materials safety, infrastructure systems, and related industrial sectors, thereby enhancing academic and technological capabilities of both institutions.

Under this institutional collaboration, NSTDA will engage its key research centers, including MTEC and ENTEC, to jointly implement activities with NCMS. The collaboration will focus on knowledge exchange, joint research, and the development of technologies and solutions related to infrastructure safety, particularly for emerging energy systems and aging infrastructure. It also aims to facilitate researcher exchange and short-term research programs, as well as to promote the application of jointly developed technologies to address national and industrial needs in a sustainable manner.

Following the MoU signing ceremony, Professor Jin Ying also led the delegation on a technical tour of NCMS facilities, including the Corrosion Assessment and Prediction Laboratory (CAPLab) and four testing stations: Multiphase Flow Environment Test Facility for Engineering Structures, Atmospheric Environment Test Facility for Engineering Structures, High-Temperature and High-Pressure (HTHP) Vapor Environment Test Facility, and Extreme / Multi-Factor Coupled Environment Test Facility. The visit provided an opportunity for both sides to exchange technical insights and explore potential areas for future collaboration.

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MTEC, NSTDA Welcomes Delegation from the University of Toyama, Japan, to Strengthen R&D Collaboration

Mettaya Sudchai — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:44:27 +0000

On Wednesday, 8 April 2026, the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), welcomed a delegation from the University of Toyama, Japan, to discuss opportunities for strengthening research and development collaboration. The MTEC team was led by Dr. Ekkarut Viyanit, Deputy Executive Director, and Dr. Sasawat Mahabunphachai, Senior Director of the Infrastructure Development Division. The visiting delegation was led by Prof. Kuniaki Dohda, President’s Special Advisor, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Sukunthakan Ngernbamrung. The meeting was held at Meeting Room M506, MTEC Building, Thailand Science Park.

The visit aimed to enhance institutional ties and promote closer collaboration in research and innovation. During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on strategic areas of mutual interest, with particular emphasis on the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NSTDA, through MTEC, and the University of Toyama. The discussion also explored potential joint research initiatives, particularly in the field of materials research, with a focus on supporting the development of Thailand’s aluminum industry.

This visit marks another significant step in advancing the R&D partnership between MTEC and the University of Toyama. The proposed collaboration is expected to contribute to the development of innovative materials technologies, strengthen industrial competitiveness, and support sustainable development in the years to come.

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MTEC Explores Strategic Technological Partnerships with Spain’s MARSA and CTM

Narueporn Vaneesorn — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 02:32:39 +0000

MTEC, NSTD, March 27, 2026 — Researchers at the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), a member of the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), hosted a diplomatic and technical exchange. The delegation from Spain was led by Mr. Javier Fernández Cortés, who serves as the General Secretary of the Association of Marble and Stone Entrepreneurs of the Region of Murcia (MARSA) and the Managing Director of the Raw Materials Technological Centre (CTM).

The meeting was presided over by Dr. Anucha Wannagon, Director of the Ceramics and Construction Materials Research Group (CCM), and Dr. Pitak Laoratanakul, Head of the Sustainable Cement and Composite Materials Research Team (SCMT), accompanied by a specialized research cohort. The MTEC research faculty facilitated an extensive dialogue focused on the integration of technologies into industrial management, specifically emphasizing hyperspectral technology, digital twins, artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize mineral exploration and enhance plant operational efficiency through

big data analytics. The consultation addressed sustainability frameworks, e.g., evaluating the implementation of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs). These tools are intended to apply circular economy principles to the utilization of stone industry waste, aiming for sustainable and zero-emission operations and mine rehabilitation. The discussion also covered opportunities for international collaborative projects, technical seminars, and researcher exchange programs.

The MTEC researchers also conducted a comprehensive tour of the X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT) laboratory and associated analytical facilities dedicated to mineral testing. This meeting underscored a pivotal advancement in bolstering research and development synergies between Thailand and Spain. Furthermore, the dialogue serves to elevate Thailand’s technological stature and innovation capabilities within the globall arena.

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MTEC, NSTDA Welcomes Delegation from Yamagata University, Japan, to Strengthen R&D Collaboration

Mettaya Sudchai — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 12:32:52 +0000

On Friday, 27 March 2026, the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), welcomed a delegation from Yamagata University, Japan, led by Prof. Hiroshi Ito, Vice President of Yamagata University, and Mr. Takashi Fukuda, President of Mundo Co., Ltd., for an official visit and collaborative discussions at MTEC, Thailand Science Park.

The visit aims to establish institutional ties and provide the framework for future collaboration between the two organizations. Dr. Ekkarut Viyanit, Deputy Executive Director, led the MTEC delegation, which included Dr. Bunpot Mai-ngam, Research Team Leader, along with Dr. Wuttipong Rungseesantivanon, Dr. Rittirong Pruthtikul, and Dr. Natcha Prakymoramas from the Plastic Product Development Research Team, Material Processing and Manufacturing Automation Research Group, as well as representatives from the Strategic Alliance and Partnership Development Section, Research and Innovation Strategy Division.

During the meeting, both sides discussed key areas of collaboration, including the extension of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NSTDA (acting through MTEC) and Yamagata University, as well as potential joint research activities aimed at delivering tangible outcomes in science, technology, and innovation.

Following the discussions, the delegation visited the Plastics Technology Laboratory at the MTEC Pilot Plant building, which conducts a wide range of research and development activities, including material selection and development, plastic product design and development, forming process development, and product testing and analysis. Dr. Bongkot Hararak, a researcher from the Plastic Product Development Research Team, provided an in-depth overview of the laboratory’s capabilities, which attracted the delegation’s attention. The visit also allowed for the exchange of ideas on plastic product design and development, as well as prospective collaboration with private sector partners to help the translation of research findings into industrial applications.

This visit marks an important step in strengthening MTEC and Yamagata University’s R&D partnership, paving the way for innovations that address evolving industry and societal needs.

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MTEC, NSTDA Welcomes Japanese Experts to Strengthen Collaboration in Prosthetics and Assistive Technology

Mettaya Sudchai — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 12:29:03 +0000

On 26 March 2026, the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), welcomed a delegation of Japanese experts in Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Assistive Technology for a study visit and collaborative discussion.

The delegation comprised Prof. Kazuhiro Sakai (University of Human Arts and Sciences), Ms. Kyoko Kamada (Kobe College of Medical Welfare), Mr. Hironori Suda (Niigata University of Health and Welfare), and Mr. Koji Nakamura (National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities). The visit was coordinated by Ms. Bongkoch Praewpipat, a Ph.D. exchange student from MTEC’s Innovative Orthotic Design and Manufacturing Research Team.

The MTEC research team was led by Dr. Pasu Sirisalee, Director of the Biofunctional Materials and Devices Research Group, along with researchers from the Innovative Orthotic Design and Manufacturing Research Team and representatives from the Strategic Alliance and Partnership Development Section.

During the visit, the delegation toured MTEC’s laboratories and engaged in discussions on research and technology development. Key topics included global trends in medical technology, particularly the growing role of AI-driven medical devices, and the opportunities for Thailand to further develop innovation in response to its aging society.

The discussions also highlighted the increasing demand for prosthetic and assistive devices in Thailand and neighboring countries, where access to high-quality and affordable solutions remains limited. Key challenges include variations in limb anatomy, the need for well-fitted designs, durable materials, and limited accessibility to replacement devices in certain regions.

Both sides explored potential future collaborations, including the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), joint research activities, laboratory testing, capacity building, and knowledge exchange. This visit marks an important step toward strengthening international partnerships and advancing assistive technologies to better serve the needs of the region in a sustainable manner.

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Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and MTEC United Public–Private–People Sectors to Drive “Stop Food Waste SDG 12.3” Campaign, with Central Pattana Leading Over 300 Restaurants at CentralWorld

Narueporn Vaneesorn — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 02:45:36 +0000

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment emphasized that reducing food waste is a structural challenge, underscoring the importance of collaboration among the public, private, and people sectors. The Ministry announced its commitment to mobilizing all sectors to drive tangible reductions in food waste through the “Stop Food Waste SDG 12.3” initiative. Under the policy declaring 2025 as the Year of Sustainable Consumption, the campaign aims to ensure that food waste reduction becomes a new cultural norm for Thai society, rather than a short-term effort.

March 30, 2026, at Eden Zone, 3^rd Floor, CentralWorld

Central Pattana Public Company Limited has formally launched its involvement in the “Stop Food Waste SDG 12.3” initiative by incorporating over 300 restaurants within CentralWorld into the program. Participating venues will receive the “Stop Food Waste” campaign sticker, a designation signifying their dedication to responsible food waste management and aiming at promoting “mindful consumption” to a wider public.

The initiative is coordinated by the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP), in collaboration with the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), NSTDA. MTEC serves as a principal knowledge and technology partner, spearheading innovations in food waste management, notably the LookieWaste application, which integrates policy enforcement with practical measures to systematically mitigate food waste.

The event was presided over by Mr. Prasert Sirinapaporn, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Notable attendees included Mr. Bannaruk Sermthong, Secretary-General of ONEP, senior officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Associate Professor Toemsak Srikhirin, Director of MTEC, NSTDA, alongside representatives from key partner organizations.

Mr. Prasert Sirinapaporn, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, asserted, “Reducing food waste is not merely an end-of-pipe measure, but necessitates transforming production and consumption systems from their inception. If all sectors collaborate with genuine commitment, Thailand can expedite the reduction of food waste and leverage this challenge to advance the Sustainable Development Goals globally.”

Implementing the “Stop Food Waste” initiative within shopping malls—vital economic hubs with high consumption volumes—establishes a pivotal model for mitigating food waste in the service sector. It functions as a foundational framework for developing effective food waste management practices and catalyzes the behavioral change necessary to achieve tangible reductions. Furthermore, this approach is designed to be replicated and extended across other sectors, cultivating broader, sustained waste-reduction efforts nationwide.

In this capacity, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment calls upon all sectors to actively participate in reducing food waste, beginning with responsible consumption—reducing excess and minimizing waste. Collectively, these concerted efforts can function as a transformative force in securing a sustainable future, significantly reducing food waste, and propelling Thai society toward sustainable production and consumption patterns.

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MTEC, NSTDA Shares Knowledge on Materials and Health Technology at Health & Nutrition Asia 2026

Narueporn Vaneesorn — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 06:17:32 +0000

On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), under NSTDA, was represented by Dr. Yotsakorn Pratumwal, a Senior Engineer and Research Team Leader for the CAE Research Team (Computer-Aided Engineering Research Team). Dr. Pratumwal delivered a presentation titled “Implementation of RAS Technology for Aquaculture Industry in Thailand” during the convening as “Sustainable Shrimp Production Through Efficient and Circular Practices” at the Health & Nutrition Asia 2026 conference. This premier exhibition and conference for animal health and nutrition businesses in Asia took place from March 10–12, 2026, at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC) in Bangkok. Further details are available at https://healthandnutrition.viv.net/visit/conference-program

The research and development concerning the Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) technology at the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) has been conducted by a multidisciplinary research team comprising experts from BIOTEC, NECTEC, and MTEC. This initiative aims to facilitate the broader adoption of RAS technology within Thailand’s aquaculture industry, which is estimated to be valued at over 100 billion baht annually. The technology is designed to mitigate the inherent limitations associated with traditional cultivation methods utilized in earthen ponds or cages, including excessive water consumption, water pollution, an increase risk of aquatic diseases, and welfare concerns stemming from environmental fluctuations—such as flooding, drought, or the deterioration of water quality in open-water cage systems—as well as the requirement for extensive farming areas.

Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) technology functions as a closed-loop farming system wherein wastewater is treated, oxygenated, and subsequently recycled. This method minimizes the requirement for frequent water exchanges, facilitates high-density aquaculture in limited spaces, and enables superior control and monitoring of critical parameters compared to traditional systems. Consequently, it significantly mitigates the risk of aquatic diseases. However, RAS has been employed primarily at a small scale —typically for high-value species such as salmon and trout—owing to higher initial capital expenditures and the necessity for intensive monitoring and rigorous management, which can limit its accessibility.

NSTDA has engineered RAS systems tailored for shrimp and seabass, which represent some of Thailand’s most significant economic aquatic species. The systems are designed to be more cost-effective than existing alternatives, thereby facilitating a more rapid return on investment and streamlined system control. This innovation integrates advanced engineering design and computational technologies with automated control systems and the Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance operational efficiency. Furthermore, future enhancements are currently being developed, utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and image processing technologies to optimize oversight and management of aquaculture operations.

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MTEC Partners with Betagro to Promote “End of Waste” Innovation for the Transformation of Food Industry By-Products into Construction Materials

Narueporn Vaneesorn — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 06:15:07 +0000

On March 9, 2026, a joint research team from MTEC and NANOTEC, both under NSTDA, convened at the MTEC Building in Thailand Science Park. The delegation, led by Dr. Anucha Wannagon, Director of the Ceramics and Construction Materials Research Group, and Dr. Pongtanawat Khemthong, met with Mr. Tewa Upatharpreecha, Director of Agricultural and Food Research and Development at Betagro Public Company Limited, to strategize regarding both current and future collaborative efforts.

The meeting focused on advancing the ‘End-of-Waste’ initiative by converting food industry by-products into high-value resources via circular economy principles. Key areas of focus included the upcycling of food production waste, sugar industry lime sludge, synthetic gypsum, fish bones, and shell waste into sustainable construction materials and carbon-adsorbing media.

Furthermore, the collaboration incorporates greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction assessments to ensure that industrial waste management aligns with net-zero targets. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to a green economy, which remains a top priority for both the public and private sectors in achieving long-term environmental sustainability.

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MTEC, NSTDA Hosted an Online Seminar on Success Cases of Reusable and Refillable Packaging Systems from Thailand and ASEAN countries

Mettaya Sudchai — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 04:46:28 +0000

On 19 February 2026, the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), under the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), with support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), organized an online seminar titled “Success Cases of Reusable and Refillable Packaging Systems from Thailand and ASEAN countries .”

The seminar aimed to promote knowledge exchange and showcase practical initiatives on reusable and refillable packaging systems across ASEAN countries while strengthening capacity development for reuse systems in Thailand. The event highlighted upstream solutions that demonstrate the environmental and economic benefits of reusable and returnable packaging models.

The seminar was officially opened by Ms. Hiroko Matsuo, Programme Management Officer from UNEP, followed by welcoming remarks from Dr.Asira Fuongfuchat, Deputy Executive Director of MTEC. Key presentations included Mr. Rahyang Nusantara from Dietplastik Indonesia, who discussed reuse systems as upstream solutions, and Mr. Shingo Yoshizumi, CEO of Kaman Corporation, Japan, who shared experiences on a reusable takeaway container-sharing service.

The event also included panel discussions on refill systems for personal and home care products, as well as returnable packaging for food and beverage services. Experts from Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Australia, and Vietnam have shared their views as well as their experiences with implementing reuse systems across the region.

In addition, Thai case studies were presented by EcoCrew, Delifill, and the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF), highlighting practical reuse and refill initiatives in Thailand. The seminar also included a presentation by Ms. Jaya Raizada from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation on advancing global reuse systems.

The seminar attracted 162 participants from 101 organizations across 11 countries, providing an important platform for knowledge exchange, regional collaboration, and the promotion of circular economy solutions to reduce plastic pollution in ASEAN countries.

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