Bangkok, Thailand – On February 7, 2024, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) was honoured to host a distinguished delegation led by H.E. Mr. Jyri Järviaho, the Ambassador of Finland to Thailand, accompanied by the esteemed Team Finland. The delegation comprised Dr. Mika Tirronen, Counsellor of Education and Science at the Embassy of Finland in Singapore; Mr. Kai Tuorila, Counsellor of Trade and Investment at the Embassy of Finland in Bangkok; and Ms. Teeranuch Richiravanich, Administrator of Team Finland. In addition to the Finnish delegation, representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, led by Ms. Marinee Suwanmoli, Deputy Director-General of the European Department, were also present for this significant occasion.
The delegation received a warm welcome from Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suvit Saetia, President of KMUTT, alongside Dr. Kanyawim Kirtikara, Senior Vice President for Research and Innovation; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chaowalit Limmaneevichitr, Vice President for Student and Learner Development; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chawin Chantharasenawong, Vice President for Internationalization; and Dr. Keita Ono, Senior VP of Innovation and Business Ecosystem Development at KX Knowledge Xchange. Esteemed representatives from various faculties of KMUTT also attended the event.
The discussions between the two parties were highly productive, focusing on potential collaborations in the field of bioeconomy, including waste-to-energy initiatives, biomass conversion technologies, electrical vehicle batteries, and recycling methods. The Embassy of Finland’s representatives shared valuable insights, emphasizing the numerous collaboration opportunities available.
Following the discussions, the Finnish delegation, accompanied by representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, visited the SMART Lab at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, as part of the campus tour. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anak Khantachawana led the tour, providing an in-depth overview of the SMART Lab’s research endeavours in smart materials and healthcare technologies.
This visit holds particular significance as it not only showcases the successful outcomes of past collaborations but also paves the way for future partnerships and mutual growth. As Thailand and Finland commemorate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations, KMUTT is eager to collaborate closely with the Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to leverage its expertise for this special occasion.
