August 2, 2022, at Thailand Research Expo 2022, Professor Pewpan Maleewong, Assistant President for Research and Graduate Studies, representative of the President of Khon Kaen University, Signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on cooperation in promoting children and adolescents gifted in science and technology.
This MOU is a collaboration between NSTDA and ten national universities, including Thammasat University. Chiang Mai University, Naresuan University, Walailak University, Prince of Songkla University, Burapha University, the Silpakorn University, Khon Kaen University, the Suranaree University of Technology, and Ubon Ratchathani University, with Dr. Wiparat Dee-Ong, Director of the National Research Council of Thailand and Dr. Chadamas Thuvasethakul, Vice Presidents of the National Science and Technology Development Agency presided over the signing.
The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) sees the importance of promoting and supporting the development of personnel in research and innovation, especially school students, students, and youths, who are growing up to become key manpower of the country in the future. Therefore, MHESI has allocated a budget over the past years and entered contracts for funding with NSTDA and the 10 network universities in all regions under the “Development Plans for New Inventors and Researchers” work plan. There are 2 projects under this plan:
- The Young Scientist Competition (YSC) Project encourages secondary school students to demonstrate their capacity and skills that are innovative and creative in the fields of sciences and technologies.
- The National Software Contest (NSC) Project aims to develop computer program writing among all levels of young people, from elementary and secondary pupils to high school, college, and university students, to build programmers with advanced skills and competency in the software industry.
The contests enhance experiences and train participants in laboratory skills so that they can grow up to take part in international venues. Furthermore, the projects will inspire children and youths to become human resources in the future professions of research, engineering, or innovation.