The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), led by Chairman Mr. Kriengkrai Thiennukul, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Mahidol University, represented by Prof. Piyamitr Sritara, MD, FRCP, President of Mahidol University, to launch the “Smart Agriculture Industry (SAI) Prototype Innovation Project for Learning and Cultivating Smart Agriculture Approaches”.
According to Mr. Kriengkrai, the FTI recognises the critical importance of advancing Thailand’s agricultural sector. With the country's rich biodiversity and abundance of natural resources, there is vast potential to generate economic value through innovation. The SAI project aims to enhance every step of the agricultural supply chain—from cultivation and logistics to processing and marketing—through the application of modern technology.
Under this initiative, the FTI will manage a sandbox area within Sireeruckhachati Nature Learning Park at Mahidol University’s Salaya campus. This site will serve as a hub for testing and demonstrating value-added agricultural processes based on consumer demand and cutting-edge agricultural technology. The project will facilitate knowledge transfer to farmers across five regions, 18 provincial groups, and 76 provincial industrial councils under the "One Province, One Industry" concept.
“This model fosters collaboration among farmers, the industrial sector, government agencies, research institutions, and other stakeholders in the local production ecosystem,” Mr. Kriengkrai noted. “It also supports the restructuring of agricultural products with high-added value, aligned with the BCG (Bio-Circular-Green) economy model, and the development of efficient, sustainable agricultural business models.”
Prof. Piyamitr added that the programme serves as a prototype learning centre and incubator for smart agriculture. The sandbox at Sireeruckhachati Nature Learning Park will help test and refine comprehensive value-adding processes for agricultural products.
“This long-term collaboration highlights the integration of research, academic resources, innovation, and a sustainable development ecosystem,” he said. “Mahidol University is committed to supporting entrepreneurial networks through its research and innovation infrastructure, with the goal of developing commercial applications.”
He concluded that the signing ceremony marks a significant step in fostering research and innovation partnerships between the university and FTI’s entrepreneurial network, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs through knowledge sharing and collaboration.
Featured FTI highlights at the event included:
- Smart Agriculture Industry (SAI)
- Innovation Institute for Industry
- Innovation ONE
- FTI Academy
- FTI Service
Mahidol University showcased contributions from:
- Kanchanaburi Campus
- Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital
- Faculty of Science
- Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute
- Faculty of Engineering
- Institute of Nutrition
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Institute for Technology and Innovation Management
Project of Institute Establishment for Sireeruckhachati Nature Learning Park
