press release Maker Faire Bangkok 2020
Chevron Thailand, together with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation’s National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) and Thailand Maker Community, recently organized Maker Faire Bangkok 2020: The Future We Make, Southeast Asia’s largest exhibition of inventions and innovations. The fair assembled veteran local and international makers, bringing together over 60 booths of the best works and inspiring workshops to kindle interest in science and technology among more than 10,000 visitors of the 2-day event. Maker Faire Bangkok, in its 5th year, expanded on the growing success of the annual event that promises to help shape Thailand into a Makers Nation. The vision is that of Thailand being driven by budding technological prowess, creativity and innovation, in alignment with the Thailand 4.0 vision. Maker Faire Bangkok 2020 was held at the Street Ratchada during January 18-19, 2020.
Highlighted inventions included a mini AI car race, HEBOCON robot battle, DIY Jedi lightsaber, transforming robots, VR games, electronic waste-powered car and underwater drones. Featured workshops ranged from DIY Jedi lightsaber to KidBright PM 2.5 detector and tote bag painting courses. Moreover, the much-awaited Electric Parade returned to light up the party at night.
Dr. Suvit Maesincee, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, said “The ministry aims to equip young Thais with STEM skills necessary for living and working in the 21st century. To achieve our goal, the ministry sets out to foster Smart Citizens by instilling STEM literacy and knowledge in the next generation of Thais as well as to propel Thailand towards becoming an Innovation Nation, spurring economic growth and opportunity to enhance the quality of life for all Thais. On behalf of the ministry, I am delighted to see Enjoy Science as a public private partnership create meaningful impact to Thai youths, in alignment with the government’s policy.
Pairoj Kaweeyanun, Chevron Thailand president, said, “Chevron Thailand believes that ‘the power of human energy’ will sustainably power economic and social progress and through our continued support to improve Thailand’s education, particularly formal and informal STEM education, we are strengthening the country’s foundation. Supporting the maker culture in Thailand in the forms of Maker Faire Bangkok and Enjoy Science Young Makers Contest is part of the Chevron Enjoy Science project, that sets out to inspire young people to become interested in the maker culture. Following the last four Maker Faires, the growing number of youngsters and members of the public interested in the maker culture is widely noted. The growing popularity of the maker movement has introduced the maker culture to an increasingly wider audience, with real-life makers mentoring and inspiring the public to create and innovate. In addition, the fair fully supports the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation’s STEM policy by encouraging students to pursue STEM education and careers in the future.”
The winners of the Enjoy Science: Young Makers Contest Year 4 in the general and vocational categories under the theme of Social Innovations have also been announced, with the fish farming equipment from Plapakwittaya School and the solar-powered frog nursery from Chaiya Industrial and Community Education College claiming top prizes. Both teams will attend a world-class Maker Faire in May to meet other makers across the world to continue their makers’ journey in the future.
