Project Activity

On 15 December 2022, the “Capacity Building on Circular Economy, Resource and Energy Efficiency for Productivity and Sustainability of Cassava Chain to High-Value Products: Cassava Root, Native Starch, and Biogas in Mekong Countries” (CCC) project was successfully wrapped up through a closing ceremony, which took place at King Power Pullman Bangkok, Thailand. The ceremony was presided over by H.E. Prof. Sirirurg Songsrivilai, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and innovation. Distinguished guests, delegates, and attendees include Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn, Executive Director of Mekong Institute (MI), Prof. Dr. Chukit Limpichamnong, the Director of the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suvit Tia, President of the King Mongkut University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), representatives of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Thailand, and participants from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Thailand.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Warinthorn Songkasiri, Principal Investigator of the CCC project, disclosed that the CCC project target was exceeded with over 100 participants from all cassava sectors joining and successfully passing the training program. The establishment of the ASEAN Cassava Centre will help Thailand facilitate technology transfer to partner countries and pave the way forward for the foundation of the physical National Cassava in CLMV. The team will also continue to further strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of the cassava industry both in Thailand and the Mekong region. Our current two projects focus on studying resource use and the carbon footprint of cassava starch factories in Thailand and implementing a CIGUS model to drive high-impact research for the cassava industry.