press release Chevron, NSTDA and Partners Present Bangkok Mini Maker Faire Year 2
Bangkok, January 24, 2017 - Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production, Ltd., the Ministry of Science and Technology’s National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) and other partners presented the ‘Bangkok Mini Maker Faire Year 2,’ bringing together more than 345 Thai and international ‘makers’ or creators to showcase 122 works and inventions. As the country’s biggest event of its kind, the aim is to continuously promote the culture of invention in Thailand, one of the primary foundations of the government’s ‘Thailand 4.0’ strategy. The annual event was held on January 21-22 in front of The Street Ratchada, with more than 5,000 attendees.
“The outcomes of the inaugural Bangkok Mini Maker Faire in 2015 were beyond expectations with more than 4,000 visitors, providing opportunities for makers across Thailand to meet one another, exchange ideas and showcase their works. Additionally, the faire has helped promote greater awareness of maker culture here and has placed Thailand firmly on the world maker map. In order to extend last year’s success, this year Chevron has joined forces with NSTDA and other partners to host the second Bangkok Mini Maker Faire. We hope the event will help strengthen the maker culture and community, enabling the country to prepare for the ‘Thailand 4.0’ era, a governmental strategy to transform Thailand to a country driven by technology, creativity and innovation,” says Artit Krichphiphat, Business Support general manager, Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production Ltd.
Bangkok Mini Maker Faire Year 2 features more than 60 booths showcasing innovations and inventions from makers across Thailand, along with many activities aimed at engaging younger generations and igniting their interest in the maker culture. These range from unique workshops focused on 3D printers and drone- making to a ‘Hebocon’ robot contest for dummies and electric parades.
“In response to the ‘Thailand 4.0’ strategy, the Ministry of Science and Technology has launched the ‘Startup Thailand’ policy, aiming to equip Thai startups with important skills such as how to add-value to products and services, and with entrepreneurial mindsets to initiate both ASEAN and global market expansion. The strength of Thai startups is key in driving the country’s economic growth. And a strong ‘maker culture’ foundation nurtured by events such as this, will contribute to the stable development of the startup sector. Thus, the Maker Faire plays an important role in driving the maker movement, and raising public awareness about the great economic potential and importance of makers.” explains Dr. Narong Sirilertworakul, president, National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA).
At the event, the winner of the ‘Enjoy Science: Young Makers Contest,’ held under the theme of ‘innovations for the elderly and disabled’ will also be announced. As part of Chevron Enjoy Science project, winners will receive prizes with the total worth of more than 1.5 million baht, including scholarships and study trips to Maker Faire United Kingdom and Nano Tech Japan 2017 science and technology faire. In organizing the contest, Chevron and NSTDA collaborated with the National Science Museum (NSM) and the Office of the Vocational Education Commission (OVEC).
“NSM is glad to be a part of the Young Makers Contest. Building societal awareness about the importance of science for national development is one of our primary missions. Supporting a strong maker culture in Thailand will stably enhance its national competitiveness. Currently, NSM is additionally promoting maker culture among the general public, especially young generations, through the showcase of maker works as well as the ‘Makerspace’ opening – a co-working space equipped with maker tools and equipment - at our affiliated museums and national science festivals with an aim to inspire innovation, especially innovation that can elevate quality of life and democratize opportunities in society for all,” says Kannikar Wongthongsiri, acting director, National Science Museum (NSM).
“To turn Thailand into an innovation-driven economy, we need to upgrade the quality of Thailand's vocational education that is important for the manufacturing sector, service sector and entrepreneurship. To instill a maker culture among vocational students is a workforce development strategy platform to align with the country’s increasing need for an innovation-led workforce, in place of a manual workforce. It is our pleasure to partner with Chevron Enjoy Science and we are looking forward to seeing it achieve its goal of contributing to the development of a high-quality workforce to drive the economy and sustainably develop our country in the long term,” explains Dr. Mongkolchai Somudorn, director of Bureau of Research and Development, OVEC.
“Promoting maker culture is part of Chevron’s commitment to unleash human energy. Bangkok Mini Maker Faire is one of activities under the ‘Chevron Enjoy Science’ program. Initiated in 2015, the five-year initiative aims to promote awareness and interest in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) among students across the general and vocational education systems. We believe that the enhancement of national competitiveness through innovations can be another drive toward the success of ‘Thailand 4.0’ strategy, and we are proud to be able to support this agenda,” Artit, Chevron’s Business Support general manager, concluded.
