“THAILAND Innovation Hub of ASEAN” at BIO International Convention 2019

 

On June 4, 2019, Chargé d’Affaires Boosara Kanchanalai joined a delegation from Thailand in opening the “THAILAND Innovation Hub of ASEAN” Pavilion at BIO International Convention (BIO 2019) in Philadelphia. Minister of Agricultural Affairs, Mrs. Krissana Sukhumparnich, as well as Minister-Counselor Sedthapandh Krajangwongs of Science and Technology also joined the event.

Bringing Thailand to BIO is a joint collaboration between Thailand Center of Excellence for Life Sciences (TCELS) and Thailand Board of Investment (BOI). Thailand has participated in BIO since 2005 and continues to be the only pavilion from the ASEAN region. The Thai delegation to BIO has grown in numbers over the years, this year being the largest with 65 delegates, comprising executives and researchers from Thailand’s distinct academic institutions, research organizations and entrepreneurs in the life science industry in Thailand. Thailand’s Pavilion showcased the country’s comprehensive life science and biotechnology value chains. The delegation met and networked with BIO participants to promote partnering opportunities with Thailand both for researches and businesses.

Chargé d’Affaires Boosara took this opportunity to engage with heads of the delegation, Mr. Chokdee Kaewsang, Deputy Secretary General of BOI, and Dr. Nares Damrongchai, TCELS CEO, as well as with executives from Suranaree University of Technology, Mahidol University, and Chiang Mai University. They discussed how to forge and further leverage research and business partnerships for “Thailand 4.0” targeted industries, particularly bio economy and medical and wellness industries.

BIO International Convention is the largest global event for the biotechnology industry, held annually in the U.S. The event continues to be a great platform for industry members to partner, exchange, update, and network. Exhibitors, speakers, and BIO participants include key policymakers, scientists, and CEOs from around the globe. BIO 2019 attracts more than 16,000 attendees from 67 countries. Thailand is excited to continue its participation at BIO 2020, to be held on June 8-11 at San Diego next year.