HII and SCGC sign MOU to develop innovation and transfer knowledge on flood-drought crisis reduction in Thailand.
12/07/2023
On November 4, 2022, the Hydro Informatics Institute (HII) and SCG Chemicals Public Company Limited (SCGC) jointly signed an MOU aimed at developing innovation and transferring knowledge for water management, following the sustainable development and ESG concept. The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. Sutat Weesakul, HII Director, together with HII executives, and Dr. Suracha Udomsak, Chief Innovation Officer and Executive Vice President, SCG Chemicals and SCGC executives, and was witnessed by Dr. Royol Chitradon, Chairman of the Board of Directors of HII.
The MOU is intended to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, research, and development of technology, innovation, and information systems for water management to address the water crisis, including community water resource management. This will optimize the application of research and technology tailored to local conditions, promoting an “Innovation for Society” approach that enables communities to effectively access and utilize technology and innovation.
Dr. Suracha Udomsak, Chief Innovation Officer and Executive Vice President of SCGC, stated that SCG Chemicals operates sustainably and in accordance with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles, considering the environment, society, and governance. SCG acknowledges the significance of water as a crucial natural resource for livelihoods and economic development. Addressing the water crisis caused by climate change and improper water usage requires both short-term and long-term management measures.
The collaboration between SCGC and HII on innovation development and knowledge transfer for water management will drive and promote concrete cooperation, innovation for society, and problem-solving for the water crisis in all dimensions to achieve sustainable results. SCGC will share their expertise, knowledge, and experience in innovation development such as material selection, manufacturing, and innovation design from their i2P Center (Ideas to Products) to enhance technology and innovation for appropriate water management solutions to meet Thailand’s water situation and circumstances in the future.
The Chief Innovation Officer and Executive Vice President of SCGC also mentioned that SCGC will continue to share knowledge and experience from the “Community Water Management Project in Kaoyaidah, Rayong Province,” and provide guidance on the maintenance, conservation, and restoration of natural water sources. This collaboration will emphasize the entire water system, upstream-midstream-downstream, ensuring that communities have sufficient water for agriculture and consumption throughout the year. In addition, they will learn about water management practices in the area as “2-create-2-store Water Management Model” concept includes creating regulations, creating human resources, storing water, storing data to serve as a learning resource, and expanding success to other communities.”
Dr. Sutat Weesakul, Director of HII, stated that HII is an agency under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation responsible for collecting and analyzing water resource information. We also conduct research and develop technology to improve water management efficiency and create cooperative networks both domestically and internationally. Our goal is to promote knowledge, technology, and innovation to benefit communities, society, and the nation.
With this shared goal and vision, HII and SCGC aim to exchange knowledge, conduct research, and develop innovations in community water management and water resource information. By utilizing the expertise and experience of both parties, the collaboration will result in research and innovation that can be used for appropriate spatial water management, expanding the benefits to government agencies and communities, and serving as a model for public-private sector collaboration. The ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life in communities through effective water management, leading to sustainable benefits for the country.
