ส.อ.ท. เข้าร่วมงานประชุมนานาชาติด้านชีววิทยาสังเคราะห์ SynBlo Consortium 2024FTI Participates in the International Synthetic Biology Conference SynBio Consortium 2024

On Monday, November 11, 2024, Mr. Kriangkrai Theeranukul, President of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), along with Mr. Thanarak Pongpetrak, Vice President of FTI, Mr. Kittipong Limsuwanrojin, Executive Board Member of FTI, and Dr. Jengkrit Kanatarana, Deputy Director General of FTI, participated in the International Synthetic Biology Conference SynBio Consortium 2024 at the Eternity Ballroom, Pullman King Power Hotel, Bangkok.

The conference was organized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) in collaboration with the National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council (NSTDA), along with partner networks including the Science Promotion Commission (NSTDA), Thachavit Project under the Management Office for Human Resource Development and Higher Education Research and Innovation (OHEC), Fund Management Office for Enhancing the National Competitiveness (FMOCC), National Innovation Agency (NIA), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), Mahidol University, and the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR), with Mr. Supachai Jaisamut, Assistant Minister of the Ministry of MHESI, serving as the event's chairman.

Mr. Kriangkrai Theeranukul, President of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), provided insights from the private sector regarding the development of industries based on the application of synthetic biology. He stated that this technology is crucial for driving the Thai industry from traditional sectors to next-generation industries (First Gen to Next Gen Industries). FTI has continuously collaborated with the government and academic institutions to establish and develop the SynBio Consortium to advance the development of synthetic biology technology and apply it in industrial sectors, benefiting from biodiversity to create sustainability in economic, social, and environmental aspects, leading the country towards a low-carbon society.

Mr. Kittipong Limsuwanrojin, Executive Board Member of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), mentioned that the SynBio network or SynBio Consortium was established in 2022 with the vision "Synthetic biology creates new economic opportunities, driving Thailand towards sustainable development based on a bioeconomy, circular economy, and green economy (BCG)."

This conference brought together leading researchers, experts, and innovators from around the world to discuss the possibilities of synthetic biology, share experiences, promote collaboration, and exchange knowledge in the field of synthetic biology. The aim was to find solutions to global challenges, such as developing health innovations, sustainable agriculture, and clean energy. The conference included discussions on five key topics:
1. Challenges and regulations in gene editing in plants, exchanging relevant regulations regarding gene editing (Gene Editing: GEd) in various countries.
2. Translating research into industry, showcasing recommendations, challenges, and ways to promote SynBio research from the laboratory to the market.
3. Responsible research in synthetic biology, focusing on responsible research innovations that emphasize ethics and social responsibility.
4. The importance of technical standards in synthetic biology.
5. Infrastructure and the development of high-skilled labor for scaling up at the industrial level.

Furthermore, seminar participants presented valuable perspectives for future advancements in synthetic biology, making it an opportunity to exchange ideas with leading experts and foster collaborations across sectors to drive the utilization of synthetic biology in Thailand.