On January 13, 2026, at Meeting Room M506, MTEC Building, the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), represented by the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), in conjunction with the Guangxi Research Academy of Environmental Sciences (GRAES) under the Department of Ecology and Environment of Guangxi, People’s Republic of China, convened a signing ceremony for a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on knowledge development and joint research.
The agreement was formally signed by Associate Professor Dr. Toemsak Srikhirin, Director of MTEC, and Dr. Sun Yangzhao, Director of GRAES. The ceremony was attended by Ms. Chen Danyu, Director of the Division of Climate Change and Regional Cooperation; Dr. Pawadee Methacanon, Director of the Advanced Polymer Technology Research Group; and Dr. Witchuda Daud, Researcher at the Advanced Polymer Technology Research Group, along with executives and researchers from both organizations.
The objective of this collaboration is to advance research on technologies for mitigating environmental pollutant contamination, facilitate the exchange of research personnel to strengthen joint research capacity, and support Thailand’s transition toward a circular economy and sustainable development.
Associate Professor Dr. Toemsak Srikhirin remarked that today’s signing represents a significant milestone in the partnership. It underscored a shared commitment to enhancing collaboration and knowledge exchange. This alliance aims to refine analytical methods for detecting hazardous environmental pollutants. Additionally, it will serve as a catalyst for future joint projects across various disciplines, encouraging the development of innovative techniques and technologies for managing hazardous pollutants, expanding researcher networks, and strengthening environmental cooperation between ASEAN and China.
Ms. Chen Danyu remarked, “Thailand and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region have maintained enduring historical ties spanning geography, society, and the economy. This relationship has resulted in consistent collaborative projects and initiatives. Currently, the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is implementing policies to remediate environmental pollution in soil, water, and air, with the goal of promoting the development of green cities.
Today’s Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony marks another critical milestone, reflecting the commitment of both organizations to enhancing collaboration in knowledge exchange, research, and technology development to mitigate the impact of environmental pollutants. It also underscores efforts to build capacity among research personnel through exchanges and training, as well as the establishment of a robust and sustainable cooperative network.
During this meeting, the MTEC research team, representatives from the Department of Ecology and Environment, and environmental enterprises from the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China, engaged in discussions and exchanged views on potential collaboration in ecological technologies. The objective of this dialogue was to identify opportunities that may facilitate concrete cooperative activities in the future.
