On 20 June 2025, Mae Fah Luang University received a Plaque of Appreciation for the “Smart Waste Management System” during the Thailand Research Expo 2025 Award ceremony at the Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, Bangkok. The plaque was presented by Dr. Wiparat De-ong, Executive Director of the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), to Mr. Karnkul Bumroongchad, Head of the Research Administration Division, representing Mae Fah Luang University. These plaques acknowledge institutions that play key roles in translating research into practical applications.
The Thailand Research Expo 2025 was held by the National Research Council of Thailand, under the theme “Research and Innovation for Industrial Application and New Economic Development” from 16 – 20 June 2025. The event brought together over 167 institutions from across the country.
During the expo, MFU proudly showcased its flagship research project, the “Smart Waste Management System”, developed by Dr. Kemachart Kemavuthanon and his team from the School of Applied Digital Technology. This initiative began in 2017 through collaboration with the Chiang Rai Provincial Administrative Organisation. The system innovatively applies IoT, AI, and data forecasting technologies to manage hazardous waste in communities with precision and efficiency.
The project’s impactful outcomes, highlighted at the expo, include:
• Over 400 tons of hazardous waste reduced
• More than 8.2 tons of residual toxic substances eliminated
• More than 1,003.82 tons of CO₂e reduction in carbon footprint
• A Social Return on Investment (SROI) of up to 3.96 times
This project has been expanded to 143 local administrative organisations in Chiang Rai and eight other provinces nationwide, serving as a testament to how impactful research can drive meaningful transformation.
On the same occasion, MFU’s research team had the distinct honour of an audience with Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who presided over the opening ceremony of the Thailand Research Expo 2025. Mr. Karnkul Bumroongchad, Head of the Research Administration Division delivered a formal report to Her Royal Highness on behalf of the university.
The team presented a creative extension of the project titled “Art Toy from the Smart Waste Management System”, also led by Dr. Kemachart Kemavuthanon and his team. This innovative component aims to raise awareness and foster understanding of waste management through creative media. This initiative reflects the university’s commitment to community-focused research aligned with the principles of the circular economy and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). MFU’s research was honoured under the category “Research for Sustainable Development,” reflecting the university’s capacity to align its innovations with national sustainability goals.
Moreover, Mae Fah Luang University extends sincere gratitude to Mr. Anurak Chalampuch, Professional Environmental Officer, Chiang Rai Provincial Administrative Organisation; and Ms. Suparat Chum-un, Assistant Environmental Officer, Mae Sai Subdistrict Municipality. Their exceptional cooperation in providing field data and supporting the exhibition, significantly helped convey the tangible collaboration between the university and local communities.
This success at the Thailand Research Expo 2025 exemplifies Mae Fah Luang University’s role as a “University for Society.” MFU remains committed to translating research into practical benefits, scalable outcomes, and positive community impact, all under the vision of “Well-being and Sustainable Future”, which emphasises holistic and sustainable development in all dimensions.
