Thailand and Chevron team up to host inventors’ fair

 

With creativity and innovation the watchwords for the new Thai economy, Chevron and the Ministry of Science and Technology teamed up to host the two-day Maker Faire Bangkok last week that showcased inventions and new technologies of all kinds developed by Thai tinkerers and entrepreneurs.

“The objective of the faire is to build public awareness and new skills for the young generation so it can be ready for Thailand 4.0,” said Nuntawut Pimpaeng, senior consultant, awareness and partnership, at Chevron’s Enjoy Science Project.

Thailand 4.0 is the 20-year national strategy designed to propel Thailand to a higher level of development and competitiveness through research and development, innovation, advanced technologies, and green technologies. Encouraging and supporting critical thinking and creativity are essential to this national transformation.

More than 70 stalls were set up at the Maker Faire Bangkok 2019 displaying inventions, new products and original ideas covering a broad spectrum of fields including electronic and embedded systems, musical instruments, food, woodwork, and arts and crafts.

Drones, robots, 3D printers and applications using the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence developed by Thai innovators were among the featured items.

The National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), which is under the Ministry of Science and Technology oversaw the selection process for which inventors and “makers” would participate in the event. It was held at The Street, a popular shopping area and marketplace near the Cyber World Tower, in the Ratchada district of the capital city.

“During the past few years, the maker culture takes on a significant role in supporting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education which encourages active learning through hands-on experiments and knowledge transfer in different fields,” said NSTDA President Narong Sirilertworakul.

Telecoms company Advanced Info Service partnered with Chevron and other companies to sponsor the ‘Enjoy Science: Young Makers Contest,’ that focused on the theme of “Green World Innovation.” The competition was divided into two categories: vocational students, and primary to university students.

Young inventors were asked to create ideas and inventions beneficial to the environment that can reduce pollution and improve the quality of life of Thais in ways that are sustainable.

“The development of technologies and innovations plays a significant role in preparing Thais for life in the 21st century,” Narong said.