On 9 July 2024, at 10:00 a.m., in Meeting Room No. 9, 2nd floor of the Kasetsart Golden Jubilee Administration and Information Center Building, Kasetsart University Bangkhen Campus, Dr. Chongrak Wachrinrat, President of Kasetsart University, along with administrators and lecturers, including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kampanat Pensupar, Vice President for International Affairs; Associate Professor Dr. Apisit Songsasen, Dean, Faculty of Science; Assistant Professor Dr. Pathamaporn Sripadungtham, Vice Dean for International Affairs, Faculty of Engineering; Associate Professor Dr. Ratcha Chaichana, Vice Dean for International Affairs, Faculty of Environment; Professor Matthew P. Downs, Faculty of Economics; and personnel from the International Affairs Division, welcomed a delegation from the Embassy of Sweden in Bangkok. The delegation was led by Chargé d'Affaires Anna Jakenberg Brinck, and included Ms. Chotikorn Jeanguenin from the Embassy of Sweden in Bangkok, Mr. Kacper Pierzynowski, Trade Commissioner of Sweden to Thailand, and Mr. Fredrik Bergkvist, Director of Industrial Cooperation, Saab Group.

The main purpose of the meeting was to discuss potential areas for cooperation to promote commercial, industrial, and business innovation, facilitate the exchange of knowledge and research, and drive sustainable economic growth between Thailand and Sweden. A key focus was the establishment of the “Thai-Swedish Innovation Center” in Thailand, aimed at promoting innovations for commercial, industrial, and business sectors, facilitating the exchange of knowledge, and driving sustainable economic growth between the two countries.

Dr. Chongrak Wachrinrat provided an overview of Kasetsart University. Both sides expressed their enthusiasm for initiating collaboration and discussed the possibility of establishing joint academic activities between Kasetsart University, the Swedish Embassy in Thailand, and universities and business partners in Sweden.

Ms. Anna Jakenberg Brinck emphasized the Embassy's objectives in establishing the “Thai-Swedish Innovation Center” to promote Thai economic growth, address global challenges, and explore areas of cooperation with Kasetsart University as an ideal partner for this initiative. The Swedish company Saab, known for producing Saab Gripen fighter jets for the Royal Thai Air Force since 2010, also highlighted ongoing cooperation and interest in expanding into other areas with Kasetsart University.

Dr. Chongrak Wachrinrat expressed his pleasure in welcoming the delegation and emphasized the importance of promoting and supporting cooperation in academic fields, research, and various activities between Kasetsart University and Swedish universities. Potential collaborations discussed included joint research, student exchange programs, joint degree programs, short courses, and training courses. The meeting also covered topics such as:

• KU's strategic and foremost research areas.

• Research areas within Engineering and Science, including Smart Manufacturing, Additive Manufacturing, AI, Communication, Agriculture, Forestry, Cyber Security, and Green Energy.

• KU's expertise in agriculture, forestry, the environment, humanities, and social sciences.

• The focus of the university's foundational research and its support for applied research fields.

• KU's approach to capturing and capitalizing on discoveries and innovations.

The meeting also touched on mutual interests in medical science, the environment, AI, biofuels, aerospace engineering, and various exchange courses. Both sides expressed their willingness to promote and support the establishment of the innovation center to foster research and development beneficial to both countries and strengthen their relations. Relevant committees and agencies have been assigned to study guidelines and take further actions, including creating agreements and collaborative networks for knowledge exchange.

During the meeting, KU administrators and lecturers provided detailed information about their respective departments to help the Swedish delegation identify specific fields for collaboration. Many faculties at Kasetsart University offer international courses and student exchange programs, providing a strong foundation for future cooperation. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the meeting and looked forward to further academic cooperation. The meeting concluded with the presentation of souvenirs to the delegates, followed by a group photo session.