NSTDA signs MoU with PTTEP to drive EECi development and innovation towards Thailand 4.0
PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited (PTTEP), in collaboration with National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaboratively support the development of the Eastern Economic Corridor of Innovation (EECi) including joint research and innovation that respond to Industry 4.0. The agreement was signed by Mr. Phongsthorn Thavisin, President and Chief Executive Officer of PTTEP and Dr. Narong Sirilertworakul, President of NSTDA.
Under the MoU to support the development of Eastern Economic Corridor of Innovation (EECi), PTTEP and NSTDA will jointly conduct research and development activities with respect to knowledge, personnel development and infrastructure to promote technological research and development in support of business in the future.
Dr. Narong Sirilertworakul, President of National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), stated that NSTDA, Research Institute, as EECi Manager, has been collaboratively working with many partners, which results in considerable progress. This collaboration with PTTEP is a combination of benefits to foster good partnership, which is the key focus of NSTDA, as well as the benefits of NSTDA on technological development for Industry 4.0, development of industrial robotics for industry and automation and enhancement of research, development and innovations in various fields of the two parties and other sectors of the country. Moreover, this collaboration will support information and knowledge, as well as personnel and appropriate resources for strategic planning and development of EECi, development of manpower and scientific, technological and innovative infrastructure of the country in EECi. Also, the parties will conduct research and innovative activities together as well as other relevant services to promote research and innovative activities in EECi areas.
EECi construction has progressed as planned and is expected to complete in 2021 with preparation for accommodating modern agricultural industry and biorefinery industry. The model biorefinery plant will be the first plant in ASEAN which will play a key role in developing Thailand’s biotechnology to become the regional leader and the bio-based hub of ASEAN. Then, the model biorefinery plant will be expanded to other countries. It will support circular economy and relieve environmental problems. In addition, policies on creating experts in new technological fields will be issued to accommodate new industrial investments in Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).
Mr. Phongsthorn Thavisin, President and Chief Executive Officer of PTTEP, said PTTEP believes that advanced technologies and partnership are key drivers for sustainable business growth. Our vision ‘Energy Partner of Choice’ highlights the importance of collaboration to create long-term value. Under this partnership with NSTDA, we share the goal of developing research and technology with practical applications and helping Thailand to have its own innovation and globally competitive capabilities.
Moreover, PTTEP will also be the first in the private sector to establish PTTEP Technology and Innovation Centre (PTIC) at EECi to support petroleum exploration and production activities and act as a hub for developing innovations that serve the company’s new businesses including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics. The construction of the centre is expected to be completed in 2021.
