press release Chevron and NSTDA to Launch "Maker Faire Bangkok 2018"

Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production, Ltd., together with the Ministry of Science and Technology’s National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) and Thailand Maker Community, today announced the launch of “Maker Faire Bangkok 2018,” Southeast Asia’s largest exhibition of inventions and innovations by local and international makers in Thailand, on January 20 and 21 in front of The Street Ratchada.  The showcase provides a platform for makers to express their creativity and share their knowledge and experiences with the younger generation and the general public. The event aims to expand awareness of the maker culture in Thailand and accelerate the country’s push to become an economy driven by technology and innovations under the government’s Thailand 4.0 policy. Hundreds of interesting creations by Thai and international makers will be featured in the event alongside a wide range of workshops. The event is open to the public and the admission is free.

 

Kullprapa Navanugraha, Vice President, the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), said “One of the Ministry of Science and Technology’s most important missions in moving the country forward under the Thailand 4.0 policy is to create an innovation-driven society and to equip the country’s human resources with 21^st century skills that allow the workforce to successfully adapt to rapid changes in technologies. To achieve the goal, it is necessary to foster the maker culture in Thailand. NSTDA has partnered with Chevron Thailand in continually holding a wide range of activities that seek to raise awareness and kindle public interest in the maker culture, especially among the younger generation. Activities held to date include the first and second editions of Bangkok Mini Maker Faire, which earned increasingly positive feedback. This year, we took the next step by hosting Maker Faire Bangkok, Southeast Asia’s largest Maker Faire. The event will be joined by international makers from the region who will exhibit their cutting-edge creations and exchange their knowledge with fairgoers and local makers. We expect that this activity will help promote Thailand’s status as the hub of makers in the region and sustainably cultivate an economy driven by technology and innovations.”

 

Hatairat Articharte, policy, government and public affairs manager, Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production, Ltd., said “Supporting the maker culture in Thailand is part of the Chevron Enjoy Science project, which is implemented by Chevron Thailand in collaboration with the public and private sectors under the public-private partnership policy. The project aims to support the development of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, both formal and non-formal, across the country and is committed to strengthening the foundation of the maker culture in Thailand through knowledge sharing and exchanges both between makers and between makers and the general public. This is one of the most prominent features of the maker culture. Bangkok Mini Maker Faire Year 1 and 2 were widely well-received by participants. In its second year, the fair drew more than 5,000 attendees and 98% of them expressed satisfaction and the desire to join the event again. We have therefore partnered with NSTDA to expand on the success of the event and this year it has evolved into Maker Faire Bangkok. This larger-scale event aims to kindle inspiration and interest in the maker culture among a wider group of youngsters and the general public, as well as to promote Thailand as Southeast Asia’s innovation hub through knowledge sharing between makers in the region.”

 

Prasertsart Dej-udom, a professional maker, computer and electronic engineer and Founder of Thai makers’ online community Ayarafun, talked about the growing popularity of the maker culture, saying “Today, developed countries pay special attention to the maker culture, yet the public awareness of this culture remains limited in Thailand. This is due to a lack of knowledge and understanding of the maker culture. In fact, everyone, be children or adults, can be makers if they use their imagination and creativity to come up with inventions. Maker Faire Bangkok doesn’t only provide opportunities for Thai makers to meet up, exhibit their creations and share their knowledge, but it also sparks interest and inspires the younger generations and the general public to learn more about the maker culture.”

 

Anon Thongtem, a professional maker and Technical Manager at PINN Creative Space, added “The heart of maker culture is all trial and error until the final product that uniquely expresses the maker’s creativity is produced. There is a perception that makers use high-level technology to create their inventions. This is not the case. Those who love arts and crafts can also be makers. In Maker Faire Bangkok, visitors can find various types of creative innovations, from robots and computer technology to creations that combine art and technology as well as crafts made using only a sewing machine. I hope this event will inspire a number of people to explore new ideas and create inventions.”

 

Maker Faire Bangkok 2018 will be held between January 20 and 21 in front of The Street Ratchada. Participants will experience a wide range of innovations and inventions from both local and international makers. Highlights include the return of interactive art using more new techniques, smart robots from Japan and interesting inventions made for entertainment, such as a unique breed of musical instruments. The event features workshops and talks to exchange knowledge as well as activities designed to spark interest in the maker culture and inspire creativity among attendees of all ages. There will also be a showcase of inventions by “Enjoy Science: Young Makers Contest Year 2”  finalists in both the general and vocational education categories on the topic of “Innovation for Safer Communities.” The winner will be announced during the fair and the prizes will be presented.

 

*Remark: For more details and conditions of workshops, please visit www.bangkokmakerfaire.com