Advancing “National Hydroinformatics Data Center – Northern Frontline MHESRI” in Upper Northern Region, Establishing “MHESRI For Water: The National Water Management Think Tank,” and Expanding to Other Regions
20/09/2024
On September 13, 2024, the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESRI), in collaboration with the Hydro-Informatics Institute (HII), Chiang Mai University (CMU), and network partners from eight upper northern provinces, organized a press conference and seminar titled “MHESRI For Water: The National Water Management Think Tank – Advancing the National Hydroinformatics Data Center – Northern Frontline MHESRI” at the press conference room, 1st Floor, King Mongkut Building, Office of the Permanent Secretary, MHESRI. The event was attended by over 70 representatives from government agencies and the public sector.
Mr. Permsuk Sutchaphiwat stated that MHESRI’s policy to drive “Thachavit” or Thailand Academy of Sciences : TAS aims to create a think tank capable of providing solutions for national development and addressing water issues, which are key concerns for HII. The National Hydroinformatics Data Center has been advanced to establish “Provincial Water Resource Management Centers” in the upper northern region. The involvement of local experts, such as those from CMU, enhances efficiency and integrates local wisdom, creating a comprehensive knowledge base to support Provincial Water Resource Management Centers and participatory community water management. This leads to continuous national development in various fields. Therefore, the formation of a network of scientific and technological think tanks for national development is becoming more tangible. Moving forward, MHESRI will use this successful model as a foundation to establish it as a core policy for collaboration between HII and universities nationwide, creating a complete think tank network in every region of the country. This initiative, known as “MHESRI For Water: The National Water Management Think Tank,” will effectively manage water resources in both normal and crisis situations and keep pace with global climate changes.
Moreover, it is believed that the “National Hydroinformatics Data Center – Northern Frontline MHESRI” will be a sustainable water management policy and a strength of MHESRI agencies. The initiative will collaborate with various organizations to drive “MHESRI For Water” forward by developing human resources, academic curricula, and contributing to the sustainable development of the nation’s water resources.