Bangkok, December 1, 2025 – At the BITEC Exhibition and Convention Center, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI), represented by the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC) under the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), in partnership with the Polymer Society of Thailand and the International Rubber Conference Organization (IRCO), officially inaugurated the International Rubber Conference 2025 (IRC 2025).
This marks Thailand’s debut as the host of this prestigious international event. The conference, held from December 1 to 3, 2025, is themed “Rubber Revolution: Balancing Nature and Innovation for a Sustainable Future.” It serves as a premier international platform, offering opportunities for experts, researchers, and entrepreneurs from the global rubber industry to exchange knowledge and expertise. Furthermore, the event promotes the dissemination of cutting-edge academic research in science, technology, and engineering pertinent to rubber and its applications.
The opening ceremony commenced with introductory remarks by Associate Professor Dr. Taweechai Amornsakchai, President of the Polymer Society of Thailand, and Assistant Professor Dr. Krisda Suchiva, Chair of the IRC 2025 Organizing Committee. Both speakers emphasized Thailand’s potential as a regional hub for rubber research and academic advancement.
This was followed by an insightful speech by Mr. Ditthadech Wattanaporn, Deputy Governor of the Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAOT), representing the host nation and primary sponsor. Additionally, Mr. Peram Prasada Rao, CEO and founder of TechnoBiz, delivered remarks highlighting efforts to elevate the Thai rubber industry to a global competitive level.
During the event, Associate Professor Dr. Toemsak Srikhirin, the Executive Director of MTEC, emphasized the importance of materials science research and innovation in enhancing the value of Thai natural rubber. He highlighted that the conference serves as a vital platform for translating lab research into practical industrial applications, thereby supporting both economic growth and environmental sustainability.
The opening ceremony concluded with Mr. Michael Clayton, Chairman of IRCO, welcoming the participants and presiding over the presentation of the IRCO Medal to Professor Ulrich Giese. This esteemed award honors his outstanding contributions to the global rubber community. Additionally, plaques of appreciation were presented to the Platinum sponsors—the Rubber Authority of Thailand and the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC). These awards symbolize the strong collaboration between the public sector, academia, and industry on the international stage.
IRC 2025 proudly hosted over 60 renowned speakers from more than 15 countries. The lineup included plenary speakers from Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, China, and India, as well as keynote speakers representing Germany, China, South Korea, the United States, Poland, India, Thailand, and Japan. Additionally, a diverse group of invited speakers from across Europe and Asia—including the Netherlands, Türkiye, Switzerland, France, South Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand—shared their expertise. The conference also featured Natural Rubber (NR) symposium speakers from Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan, who led in-depth exchanges regarding natural rubber and emerging technologies.
Throughout the three days of the conference, participants had access to more than 200 academic research presentations, delivered through both oral and poster sessions. These were held alongside exhibitions showcasing rubber innovations and products from leading organizations. Furthermore, the program included industrial factory visits and tours of natural rubber plantations, providing participants with in-depth insights into production processes, cutting-edge technology, and the future trajectory of the rubber industry. This event offered a valuable opportunity to build enduring academic and business networks among attendees from around the world.