<Tentative Program>

Special Symposium on the Aluminum Industry

Co-organized with the University of Toyama
12 November 2026

The aluminum industry plays an increasingly important role in supporting sustainable manufacturing, lightweight transportation, renewable energy, infrastructure, and the circular economy. However, the industry continues to face challenges related to energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, raw-material dependency, recycling efficiency, product quality, and the integration of recycled aluminum into high-value manufacturing applications.

This special symposium will provide a platform for researchers, industry representatives, universities, professional associations, and relevant stakeholders from Thailand and Japan to exchange knowledge on aluminum recycling, sustainable processing technologies, resource efficiency, and emerging research and innovation. Co-organized with the University of Toyama, the session will also promote industry-university collaboration and identify potential areas for joint research, technology development, personnel exchange, and long-term cooperation to strengthen Thailand’s aluminum manufacturing ecosystem.

Objectives

  1. To exchange knowledge on current trends, technologies, and research developments in sustainable aluminum manufacturing and recycling.
  2. To discuss the current status, key challenges, and future opportunities of Thailand’s aluminum industry.
  3. To explore research and innovation approaches that improve resource efficiency, recycled-material utilization, product quality, and environmental performance.
  4. To promote collaboration among Thai and Japanese universities, research institutes, industries, and relevant associations.
  5. To identify potential areas for future joint research, technology transfer, capacity building, and industry-academia partnerships.
Time Talk Titles Speaker 
09:00 – 09:10 Opening Session

Welcome Remarks by Assoc. Prof. Toemsak Srikhirin, Executive Director of National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), NSTDA
09:10 – 09:30 Thailand’s Aluminum Industry Prof. Dr. Chaowalit Limmaneevichitr. Vice President of King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi
09:30 – 09:50 Aluminum Dross Research in Japan Assoc. Prof. Takehito Hiraki, University of Toyama
09:50 – 10:10 Aluminum Recycle Industry in Japan Dr. Makoto Harita, President of Harita, Harita, Japan
10:10 – 10:20 Refreshment
10:20 – 10:40 Aluminum Semisolid Casting Technology To be announced
10:40 – 11:00 Sustainability in Aluminum Processing Asst. Prof. Tatsuya Funazuka, University of Toyama
11:00 – 11:45 Panel Discussion

“The Next Move for Thailand-Japan Collaboration to Foster Aluminum Industry and Research Community”

Panelists:

  • Prof. Kuniaki Dohda, University of Toyama
  • Assoc. Prof. Takehito Hiraki, University of Toyama
  • Dr. Makoto Harita, President Harita, Harita
  • Mr. Athiphat Kuvinichkul, President of Aluminum Group, The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI)
  • Dr. Ekkarut Viyanit, Deputy Executive Director of National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), NSTDA

Moderator: Representative from National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), NSTDA
11:45 – 11:55 Open Discussion and Q&A

Summary of key recommendations and potential areas for future collaboration
11:55 – 12:00 Closing Remarks by Prof. Kuniaki Dohda, Special Advisor to the President of University of Toyama, Japan

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