PMU-B hosts “Brainpower Congress 2023: Frontier Research to Future Industries—i conNEXT with U,”advancing leading-edge research toward tomorrow’s industries
- สำนักงานคณะประสานงานคลัสเตอร์ บพค.
- Dec 18, 2023
- 5 min read
MU-B organized the academic conference “PMU-B Brainpower Congress 2023: Frontier Research to Future Industries by I conNEXT with U” under the theme “Collaboratively Creating and Driving Frontier Research Toward Future Industries.”
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The Program Management Unit for Human Resources and Institutional Development, Research and Innovation (PMU-B), under the Office of the National Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO), an agency supervised by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), organized the academic conference:
“PMU-B Brainpower Congress 2023: Frontier Research to Future Industries by I conNEXT with U”under the theme: “Co-creating and Advancing Frontier Research Toward Future Industries”
Held from December 18–20, 2023 at the Dusit Thani Hua Hin Hotel, Phetchaburi Province, the congress aimed to enhance and strengthen brainpower development and foster a frontier research network through collaboration among researchers, academics, experts, and stakeholders from over 80 organizations, totaling more than 700 participants.
The event served as a platform for knowledge exchange, showcasing progress in science, technology, and innovation as key drivers of Thailand’s national Science, Research, and Innovation System (SRI). The program featured a diverse range of activities, including:
Academic panels and roundtable discussions
Keynote speeches
Multidisciplinary expert lectures
Research presentations in both oral and poster formats
All designed to promote continuous learning, collaboration, and research advancement across sectors.
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Professor Dr. Sompong Klainongsuang, Director of the Program Management Unit for Human Resources and Institutional Development, Research and Innovation (PMU-B), stated:
“The PMU-B Brainpower Congress 2023: Frontier Research to Future Industries is held under the concept ‘I conNEXT with U.’ The phrase reflects three core ideas: ‘I’ stands for Industries, ‘conNEXT’ represents connection and collaboration toward progress, and ‘with U’ refers to researchers and partners. Together, it means a united journey between industries and researchers toward future growth and innovation.
The congress has five main objectives:
To provide a platform for PMU-B grantees (FY2021–2023) to present their research progress and achievements.
To facilitate knowledge exchange on the application of research in various domains—such as human capital development, frontier science, infrastructure, and social sciences, humanities, and the arts—toward sustainable development.
To communicate national research priorities and encourage impactful frontier research that benefits society and industry, supporting the long-term development of a sustainable brainpower system.
To strengthen academic and stakeholder engagement, fostering cooperation among government agencies, universities, educational institutions, and the private sector.
To promote mechanisms for research support, capacity building, and knowledge transfer that connect research producers and users, leveraging national and international research networks. “PMU-B recognizes this as an opportunity to elevate and strengthen the brainpower development ecosystem by empowering researchers, experts, and stakeholders from across sectors to become* high-caliber, impact-oriented contributors** to Thailand’s national research and innovation system.”
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Associate Professor Dr. Pasit Lorthheerapong, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) and Chair of the Opening Ceremony, delivered his remarks at the event: “PMU-B, as a funding management unit under MHESI, plays a crucial role in driving key national policies—specifically the goals of ‘Quality Learning, Well-being, and Earning’ and ‘Impactful Research and Innovation that Meets National Needs.’ Its mission is to support the development of high-potential human capital in parallel with the advancement of science, research, technology, and innovation. PMU-B promotes high-skill workforce development in science, research, and innovation through diverse mechanisms and platforms—particularly in the areas of technology and innovation, Brainpower development, and the cultivation of specialized expertise to meet future labor market needs. The unit also supports the development of research infrastructure to serve future industries and services, aligning with the nation’s transition into the digital era.
In addition, PMU-B supports research in the humanities, social sciences, and the arts, especially in the context of advancing the creative content industry rooted in cultural potential—through the 3Fs: Film, Festival, and Fashion. This initiative helps drive the nation’s creative economy and aligns with the government's Soft Power policy, aiming to generate knowledge and social mechanisms that shape human values and lifestyles in a technology-integrated, digital environment. Ultimately, these efforts contribute to boosting Thailand’s global competitiveness, fostering sustainable social and environmental development, and preparing the country to thrive in the future while achieving international recognition.”
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On this occasion, Associate Professor Dr. Weerapong Pairsuwan, Chair of the Advisory Committee to the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) for Science, and Chair of the Executive Board of PMU-B, delivered a special keynote address to esteemed experts, researchers, and participants on the topic: “The Future and Challenges of Advancing Frontier Research to the Global Stage”
He emphasized that MHESI is committed to propelling the country forward through science and technology to the greatest extent possible. A key strategy involves building human capital equipped with the right mindset and attitudes to contribute to national development—especially those at the frontier of knowledge and expertise, known as “Brainpower.” However, he noted that Thailand still faces a shortage of such high-caliber talent, and therefore must urgently focus on identifying, nurturing, and empowering this group to lead.
Dr. Weerapong also stressed the need to create, support, and scale up frontier research. Thailand holds significant advantages over neighboring countries—such as diverse natural resources, vast territory, and a solid foundation of research infrastructure—which can serve as leverage points to move national research toward critical inflection points for transformative impact.
Importantly, he encouraged a shift from research that remains on the academic shelf (“research for publication”) to research that reaches the marketplace (“research for impact”). By doing so, Thailand can turn scientific knowledge into real economic value and generate substantial contributions to the national economy through innovation-driven growth.
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At the PMU-B Brainpower Congress 2023, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed under the framework of “Driving Thailand toward Carbon Neutrality”, between the Program Management Unit for Human Resources and Institutional Development, Research and Innovation (PMU-B) and the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (Public Organization). This collaboration aims to advance research efforts that support the national policy goals of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2065.
The congress also featured a panel discussion titled:“Learning Ecosystem for Frontier Research to Future Industries”,with distinguished speakers including:
Dr. Jirawat Tangpanitanon, CEO, Quantum Technology Foundation (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Wiphu Rujopakarn, National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT)
Asst. Prof. Dr. Kamol Jirapong, Dean, Faculty of Digital Media, Sripatum UniversityModerated by: Asst. Prof. Dr. Pripop Pitsuwan, Deputy Director of PMU-B
Another session titled:“Enhancing Soft Skills of High-Skilled Researchers under PMU-B to Promote Research Collaboration with Public and Private Sectors Domestically and Internationally”featured speakers such as:
Prof. Dr. Sompong Klainongsuang, Director of PMU-B
Dr. Wisit Taweesangsuporn, CEO, SKAI MED (Thailand)
Dr. Rakschai Ruengsomboon, CEO, Frutta Biomed Co., Ltd.Moderated by: Mr. Pongskul Hiranyapruk (Nooey), a prominent media personality and technology host.
In addition, the event included the official launch of the National Postdoctoral/Postgraduate Training System of Thailand, designed to strengthen and develop high-skilled human capital.
The event showcased over 313 research poster presentations, along with special performances under the theme:“The Power of Film Academy – Supporting Brainpower Development in Soft Power through Film”, which included:
A production showcase of the film “Naka” and the Kaen International Film Festival
Live Thai classical dance accompanied by original soundtrack music
A Stuntman performance
A musical performance by the band from the film “Undertaker (Sap-Pha-Re)”
The exhibition area also featured over 15 research showcases by PMU-B-funded research networks from FY2021–2023, including:Coding/AI Technology, AI/Robotics for All, Metaverse for Film, Thailand Creative Industry, Code Combat, CMU STeP, ASEAN Talent Mobility, and more.
These exhibitions successfully increased public awareness of research progress and innovation made possible through PMU-B’s funding and support, connecting researchers with broader communities across Thailand.
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