“SynBio Forum 2025” รวมพลังไทย–นานาชาติ ขับเคลื่อนชีววิทยาสังเคราะห์สู่เศรษฐกิจอนาคต“SynBio Forum 2025” Unites Thailand and International Communities to Drive Synthetic Biology towards the Economy of the Future

On November 11, 2025, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) through the Agricultural Industry Institute, in collaboration with the National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO), organized the SynBio Forum 2025: Greater Impact through Collaboration, uniting forces to advance towards a new step in the bio-economy. This significant platform showcases cooperation from the policy sector, research institutions, private entities, and youth to push synthetic biology to become a technology of the future.

The SynBio Forum 2025 was held alongside the "Engineering Biology Symposium," which represents a collaboration between the United Kingdom and the ASEAN region to provide a platform for exchanging views on applying biological engineering to address food security, climate change, and global sustainability. This reflects the theme of the event, "Greater Impact through Collaboration," aimed at creating powerful outcomes from international cooperation.

The event was honored by the presence of Mr. Surasak Phanthacharoenwongkul, the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI), who expressed congratulations on the official signing of the collaboration agreement of the Thailand SynBio Consortium, serving as a mechanism to link universities, research institutes, government, and the private sector under the vision that "Synthetic biology creates new economic opportunities, driving Thailand towards sustainable development based on a bio-economy, circular economy, and green economy (BCG)." Mr. Surasak emphasized three important policies of the MHESI, which are driving the economy through innovation, developing high-quality human resources, and promoting green growth, aligning with Thailand's SynBio development goals.

Mr. Kriangkrai Thiananukul, Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), stated that SynBio represents a "new frontier" of industrial innovation, making biology a critical mechanism of the new economy. The signing of the collaboration agreement of the Thailand SynBio Consortium at this time demonstrates the strength of the “One Thailand Team” that will work together to drive the future of Thailand's bio-innovation, bringing in-depth research to true industrial application.

Meanwhile, Dr. Siriporn Pithayasophon, Deputy Secretary-General of the National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO), spoke about the important role of the agency as a central mechanism to connect various sectors in driving Thailand to become the SynBio hub of the region. She also mentioned the cooperation between NXPO and UNESCO in developing an Engineering Biology curriculum framework to lay the foundation for international standards.

Additionally, the event was graced by Mr. Kittipong Limsuwannaroj, Executive Committee Member of FTI, who discussed the progress of the consortium and the initiation of the gene editing project in Thai cassava, which is not considered genetic modification (non GMOs), as it involves collaboration among researchers, the government, and industry both domestically and abroad, serving as a model for modifying other varieties needed by the industry.

During the opening ceremony, Associate Professor Dr. Poonlert Kosiyaporn, Deputy Director of the Office of the National Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council (NSRI), spoke about the role of the Science, Research, and Innovation Promotion Fund (SRF) that will support the activities of the Thailand SynBio Consortium. Associate Professor Dr. Kanda Boonsothorosathit, Director of the Unit for the Management of Competitiveness Enhancement Funding (CDA), emphasized the importance of synthetic biology that requires continuous support to drive towards developing the BCG economy. Dr. Jitti Mangkasiri, Deputy Director of the Unit for the Management of Human Capital Development Funding and Higher Education, Research and Innovation Development Funding (HIC), expressed commitment to supporting cutting-edge research, developing human resources, and infrastructure to drive synthetic biology in Thailand.

Throughout the SynBio Forum 2025, panel discussions and significant activities were organized all day to connect research, policies, and industries in synthetic biology in Thailand with global collaborations. There was a special session held jointly with the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee to present businesses and technologies in synthetic biology from various countries, showcasing the potential of Innovation-Driven Enterprises in driving the bio-economy to promote research-industry linkages and create business collaboration opportunities between Thai investors and international partners.

Another highlight of this year’s event was the Thailand SynBio Challenge 2025: Designing the Protein for Tomorrow competition, which opened a platform for students and young researchers from across the country to present synthetic biology concepts to design the proteins of the future that meet industry needs and sustainability goals. Over 29 teams submitted their ideas, with 9 teams selected from Kasetsart University, Mahidol University, Kantharalak School, Phayao University, The Newton Sixth Form School, Chulalongkorn University, Thammasat University, Suankularb Wittayalai Rangsit, and King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi. The three winning teams will receive prizes for a study tour at the Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology (SIAT) to exchange knowledge and build networks with international researchers.

The SynBio Forum 2025 represents a collaboration of the government, private sector, and academic institutions, along with partners from various countries, to elevate Thailand to become the hub of synthetic biology innovation in the ASEAN region.

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Released by the Corporate Communications Department 
Federation of Thai Industries
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