Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University joined the 2022 News Correspondents Day and gave a speech on KKU’s role that integrates research and innovation with the northeastern economic development.
March 5, 2022 at Charoen Thani Hotel, Khon Kaen – Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University led a group of KKU personnel to join the “2022 News Correspondents and National Mass Media Day 2022”. The event was honored to have Mr. Suchai Butrasara, a senator, presiding over the opening session. The next part was a speech by KKU President on the University instruction, programs, research, innovations and strategies that are connected to the economy of Khon Kaen and the Northeast.
“Today, the mission of Khon Kaen University that has been carried out continuously includes program instruction, research, and academic services. There are new programs that are related to the world 12s-Curve or Mega Trends. Some new programs that are to be opened soon are Culinary Science, Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, and many others in technology such as Decentralized Finance (DeFi), which involves Blockchain technology and Metaverse.”
“As far as the northeastern development is concerned, Khon Kaen University has had a chance to participate in a forum with the National Economic and Development Council and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the topic of China-Lao Railway Line and the future that is referred to as “New Isan”. There will be changes occurring in logistics from the fact that Isan Region is a bottle-neck economic zone, owing to the growth of the border trade. The China-Lao Railway, when operated, will take goods to as far as Europe. Khon Kaen University has organized a number of forums on this topic, and many more soon.”
“Isan Economic Zone has been destined to emphasize Bio Economy. Therefore, Khon Kaen University has carried out many research and innovation studies related to Bio Economy, for instance battery. KKU is running a 10-Megawatt battery factory, which can be used in electric motorcycles. We already received orders for 500 of these to be finished within 2 years. The latest progress is collaboration with private companies that plan to invest in batteries for electric trucks. These will enhance the regional economy.”
“At the same time, we are carrying out work on hemp and cannabis, in full-cycle projects. The first order already arrives from a company. We now grow the plants in an area of 50 rais, twice yearly. We hope to reap the flowers at about 18 tons a year and obtain about 10% CBD concentrated, which is roughly equal to 200 million baht. In the future, the projects will be extended to the 30 community enterprises that join with the University.”
“All of these are included in Khon Kaen University’s missions and strategies. KKU never forgets that we are part of the growth and the development of Khon Kaen Province and the Northeast. With our research and innovation, we will grow with the region.”
