On May 22, 2026, the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC) welcomed a delegation from NSFC and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Thailand, led by Mr. Ma Minggeng, Counselor for Science and Technology. The purpose of the visit was to discuss potential research collaborations with NSTDA and visit BIOTEC facilities.
The discussion covered potential collaboration in joint research and personnel exchange, particularly under the International Fellowship framework through which the NSFC provides support for foreign researchers to undertake exchange and research activities at research institutes and universities in China.
The program opened with welcoming remarks by Sukit Limpijumnong, President of National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), to initiate future research collaboration efforts. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that research outcomes are translated into practical applications and truly reach and benefit the general public. He cited initiatives such as Traffy Fondue as an example of how science, technology, and innovation can be effectively utilized to solve real-world problems and improve public services.
BIOTEC’s executives participating in the discussion included Asst. Prof. Dr. Chaowaree Adthalungrong, Executive Director BIOTEC, Dr. Kobkul Laoteng, Deputy Executive Director, R&D, Dr. Sithichoke Tangphatsornruang, Deputy Executive Director, R&D, Dr. Wirulda Pootakham, Acting Deputy Executive Director, R&D Support, and Dr. Chalinee Kongsawat, Acting Deputy Executive Director, Management, together with researchers from the relevant research teams.
The facilities visited begin with the collaborative infrastructure with China, specifically the Thailand Bioresource Research Center (TBRC), alongside active research projects by BIOTEC’s researchers, to promote bioresource utilization.
The session continued with the ongoing FlavorSERP: Innovation Platform for Flavor Research and Development, focusing on decoding and analyzing the molecular structures of flavors and fragrances in agricultural raw materials.
Then, the highlight showcased by BIOTEC begin with ‘farm to field – Elite Rice variety’ development showed the climate-resilient jasmine rice, the low carbon rice and precision agriculture research that led to crop biotechnology and management. Followed by, the ‘Sustainable cassava value chain’ showcased cultivation technologies ranging from upstream processes, such as cassava breeding through tissue culture techniques, the utilization of biofertilizers, and cassava disease detection, to downstream activities including agricultural waste management and agricultural product processing.
The delegates also learned about animal vaccine and biologics research at BIOTEC, highlighted African Swine Fever (ASF) vaccine development.
The meeting between BIOTEC and NSFC marks an important milestone in strengthening scientific and technological relations between Thailand and the People’s Republic of China, with the shared goal of driving innovation and addressing regional challenges sustainably in the future.