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.
