On November 20, 2025, at Bangkok’s BITEC Exhibition and Convention Center, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI), through the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC) and the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), hosted a joint academic conference. The event was a collaboration with the Metallurgy and Materials Science Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Engineering, the Thai Corrosion and Materials Protection Association, CRRC Qingdao Sifang Co., Ltd., RX BITEC, and other partner organizations.
It brought together two major flagship platforms: the 15th Thailand Metallurgy and Materials Technology Conference (TMETC-15) and the Thailand Corrosion and Prevention Conference 2025 (TCPC2025). Under the theme “Academics–Industrial Linkage Towards Innovative Metallurgy & Emerging Applications,” the conference aimed to strengthen the bridge between academic research and industrial innovation in metallurgy, fostering practical applications for future industries.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Prof. Dr. Sukit Limpijumnong, President of NSTDA, who delivered the opening address. The event was also attended by executives from the organizing bodies and partner organizations, led by Associate Professor Toemsak Dr. Srikhirin, Director of MTEC, NSTDA, together with Prof. Dr. Yutthanun Boonyongmaneerat and Dr. Ekkarut Viyanit as Conference Chairs for both forums, Assistant Professor Suwanchai Pongsukjitwat, and representatives from the private sector, including Ms. Waraporn Thammacharee and Mr. Li Chuanying.
They jointly delivered welcome remarks, outlined the conference’s objectives, and shared their vision for advancing collaboration to elevate Thailand’s metallurgical industry to global standards. The event featured a variety of activities, including keynote lectures, technical paper sessions, technology showcases, and networking opportunities to promote both academic and industry cooperation.
A key highlight of the conference was the presentation of the Thailand Metallurgist Award 2025 and the Young Outstanding Thailand Metallurgist Award 2025. These awards were presented by Prof. Dr. Sukit Limpijumnong, president of NSTDA, to recognize professionals who have made outstanding contributions to metallurgical research and technology with a lasting impact on the country.
This year, Dr. Chanun Suwanpreecha, a researcher from the Smart Alloys and Manufacturing Research Team, Material Processing and Manufacturing Automation Research Group, MTEC, NSTDA, received the Young Outstanding Thailand Metallurgist Award 2025 in recognition of his dedication and sustained contributions over five years in the areas of metal forming, powder metallurgy, and advanced metallurgy.
Dr. Chanun’s accomplishments highlight MTEC’s main goal of transforming science and technology into practical applications. He has been tasked with leading the development and expansion of specialized laboratories in Metal Injection Molding (MIM) and Material Extrusion Additive Manufacturing (MEX). These facilities have played a pivotal role in transferring advanced manufacturing technologies to industry through close collaborations with leading private companies, including Taisei Kogyo (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Septillion Co., Ltd., and Siambrator Co., Ltd.
Concrete achievements from his industry-focused research include the development of high-fatigue-resistant titanium alloys, the creation of a materials database based on the MIM process to raise manufacturing standards, and the successful formulation of 316L stainless steel filament in collaboration with the Plastic Product Development Research Team. This innovation has been registered as a trade secret, underscoring his ability to transform research outcomes into intellectual property and high-value products.
Additionally, Dr. Chanun has published widely in international journals and plays a pivotal role in mentoring the next generation of professionals by guiding students and researchers. He also serves as an academic associate member of the Thai Powder Metallurgy Association (ThaiPMA), contributing to Thailand’s preparations to host the APMA 2027 International Conference.
