On 17 and 18 February 2020, the PSU Research and Development Office, Science Park, and the Research Network in the Southern Region organized the event "PSU Research Expo and Innovation Showcase 2022". The opening ceremony was presided by Adjunct Associate Professor Dr. Duangrit Benjathikul Chairungruang, Secretary to the Minister and spokesperson for the Ministry, representative of the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. A welcome speech was delivered by Ms. Suriyapun Na Songkhla, Deputy Governor of Songkhla Province, followed by a reporting speech by Asst. Prof. Dr. Niwat Keawpradup, President of PSU. Relevant agency representatives, honorable guests, and news agencies attended the event at the Science Park, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla. The event was also broadcasted via the Facebook page PSUCONNEXT, and by the PSU Research EXPO and Innovation Showcase.
The Ministry spokesperson explained that the aim of PSU Research Expo and Innovation Showcase 2022 is to strengthen research and innovation of universities in the South during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to further the goal of developing the country under the policies and strategies of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation in all four areas of research advancement that will lead to manpower development. It was also pointed out that the involvement of the industry in research development has the potential to further increase the country's competitiveness.
The PSU President pointed out that the event "PSU Research Expo and Innovation Showcase 2022" was organized to create a better understanding on research funding, directions, and the use of research results. An additional aim was the standardization of research and knowledge transfer leading to business operations, including creating a research network group. The event served as a forum for exchanging opinions through many activities, such as special panel discussion, the Innovation Contest, a small exhibition about research and innovations during the covid-19 epidemic, another exhibition on research and innovations for further development and application, and a research exhibition on social sciences, humanities and fine arts (by the Thailand Academy of Social Science, Humanities and Art; TASSHA).
“We hope that this event will benefit the participants by providing them practical knowledge to expand further research, develop strategies, and coordinate cooperation in order to create the correct body of knowledge and answers to challenges of developing the communities, industry, and the nation effectively" Asst. Prof. Dr. Niwat said.
