The University of Phayao is pleased to Welcome Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi from MHESI. She is visiting to present the ‘MHESI For EV’ Policy and a Pilot Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Providing 100% Electric Vehicle (EV) Car Services.
On Monday, March 18th, 2024, the University of Phayao welcomed Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), along with a distinguished group of officials including Special Professor Atthaphon Yaisawang, President of the University of Phayao Council, and Associate Professor Dr. Supakorn Pongbangpho, President of the University of Phayao. The purpose of Ms. Isarabhakdi’s visit was to present policies aimed at driving and expanding results for the electric vehicle (EV) industry, aligning with the Ministry of Electric Vehicle policy objectives. During the visit, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed to formalize cooperation in advancing the MHESI For EV policy, involving 23 agencies. Among the attendees were Ms. Pechdau Tohmeena, M.D., Advisor to the Minister of MHESI, Ms. Suchada Thaensap, Secretary to the Minister of MHESI, Mr. Permsuk Sutchaphiwat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, and Professor Dr. Sirirerk Songsiwilai, Chairman of the National Commission on Science, Research and Innovation Promotion, along with executives from various agencies under MHESI and network partners. The signing ceremony and associated events took place in the Mueang Phayao conference room, located in the ICT Building at the University of Phayao.
Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), emphasized the government’s commitment to promoting the electric vehicle industry and establishing itself as the leading hub in the Asia Pacific region. The goal is to achieve 30% emissions-free vehicle production within five years. To further this initiative, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed to drive the MHESI For EV policy forward. The University of Phayao, in response to the EV-Transformation plan spearheaded by the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), the National Commission on Science, Research and Innovation Promotion, and the Office of National Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO), is taking concrete steps alongside partner agencies. These steps include modifying buses from the NGV system to an electric vehicle (EV) system, making it the pioneering agency in Phayao Province to introduce electric car innovation with 100% service provision.
After successful test runs within the University of Phayao, plans are underway to deploy EV buses during the first semester of the academic year 2024, with a fleet of 30 buses. This initiative is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 3,000 tons annually. Each standard-sized bus can accommodate 22 passengers and is equipped with air conditioning, a comprehensive security system including CCTV both inside and outside the vehicle, and automatic door systems for convenient entry and exit. Charging stations for mobile phones are provided for passenger convenience, and special accommodations are made for disabled individuals using wheelchairs, ensuring equal access to services for all.
After the signing ceremony of the memorandum of understanding on policy cooperation for the Electric Vehicle Industry, known as MHESI For EV, the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) inspected the operation of MHESI For EV at the University of Phayao. The university has transitioned to using exclusively electric vehicles. The Minister, accompanied by administrators from the Royal Thai Navy and executives of affiliated agencies, rode electric vehicles to tour the landscape of the University of Phayao.
Special Professor Atthaphon Yaisawang, President of the University of Phayao Council, delivered a welcoming speech to the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, and their accompanying group during their visit to oversee the operations of the University of Phayao in Phayao Province. This visit coincides with the university’s commitment to “Wisdom for Community Empowerment,” which entails providing comprehensive education across various disciplines, including health sciences, science and technology, humanities, and social sciences. As the university enters its 14th year as a spatial institution, it boasts facilities such as the Phayao University Hospital and a dental hospital, which offer modern medical and public health services aimed at enhancing the quality of life for local communities and society at large. The Minister’s visit underscores the government’s support for the university’s endeavors and its network partners. Through the utilization of knowledge to address challenges and generate positive impacts across diverse domains, the university aims to tackle multifaceted community issues, foster economic development, generate income, and alleviate household expenses. Furthermore, it seeks to enhance the agricultural capabilities of Phayao Province, contributing to its overall growth and prosperity.
Associate Professor Dr. Supakorn Pongbangpho, President of Phayao University, introduced the administrators and provided an overview of the University of Phayao. The administrators then presented the outcomes of their operations in alignment with the Ministry of Higher Education Science, Research, and Innovation policy. These included:
- Professor Dr. Samur Thanoi, Vice President for Research and Innovation, reported on the operations of the University of Phayao and the “1 Faculty 1 Innovation Community” project.
- Assistant Professor Dr. Santhiwat Pitakpol, Director of the Innovation and Technology Transfer Institute at the University of Phayao, delivered a report on driving innovation in the safe agricultural triangle area towards high-value processed agriculture. The focus was on High-Value Extract-Functional Food-Cosmetics Innovation in the two upper Northern provinces.
- Associate Professor Dr. Nattapong Damrongwiriyanupap, Dean of the School of Engineering at the University of Phayao, presented a report on the implementation of the MHESI For EV policy. This included details on the university’s efforts and progress in this area.
