Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) was awarded the Silver Award at the Thailand Research Expo 2024 for its project on oyster farming innovation aimed at sustainably developing coastal communities in Trang province. The project was led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Supatcha Chooseangjaew, a faculty member at the Faculty of Science and Fisheries Technology, RUTS Trang Campus.
The award was presented by Mr. Permsuk Satchapiwat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI). The Silver Award came with a 70,000 Baht cash prize and a certificate to encourage researchers, team members, and educational institutions to continue advancing their research. The award was received by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Laksamee Vittaya, Deputy Director of the Institute for Research and Development, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Supatcha Chooseangjaew.
The oyster farming innovation supports the cultivation of oysters from 0.5 to 2 cm in size using a floating raft system in earthen ponds for 1 to 2 months. The oysters were then transferred into plastic baskets, allowing for increased density and ease of management during the farming process, including cleaning and size sorting. A sorting machine ensures consistent oyster sizes. Currently, seven groups are utilizing this innovation, with plans to expand to two additional groups in Trang province. This innovation enables farmers to use their farming areas more efficiently, resulting in 3-5 times the production and reducing labor costs and time spent on size sorting. Consequently, farmers’ incomes have increased, with a 15% rise in community income, improved quality of life, and more free time to pursue other occupations. Additionally, oyster farmers can serve as innovators and share their knowledge with other oyster farmers and interested parties. At the Thailand Research Expo 2024, the project featured a three-tiered oyster condominium, an oyster sorting machine, and various oyster products, drawing significant interest from attendees.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Apirak Songrak, Vice President of RUTS, noted that at this event, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Laksamee Vittaya, Deputy Director of the Institute for Research and Development, along with Asst. Prof. Dr. Supatcha Chooseangjaew and Miss Kattinath Sakulsawadphan, a lecturer from the Faculty of Science and Fisheries Technology, representing the university’s research team. They presented the research titled “Innovations in Oyster Farming for Sustainable Community Development in Trang Province”. This project was part of the research and innovation for sustainable societal development group (Booth DL5) at the expo.
The Thailand Research Expo 2024, held since 2006, is organized annually in collaboration with various research networks across the country and the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI). The 19th edition of the expo was held under the theme “Leveraging Research Power to Drive Thailand’s Economy and Society Towards Sustainability”. This event serves as a platform to showcase Thailand’s leading research and innovations, aiming to promote the commercialization of research and foster the development of new innovations that meet the country’s needs. The expo highlights the commitment of the government and other sectors in propelling Thailand toward becoming an innovation-driven nation. It was held from August 26-30, 2024, at Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre, CentralWorld, Bangkok.
