NXPO, in collaboration with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), recently hosted representatives from the public, private and academic sectors in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Viet Nam at a workshop on “Advisory Support on Policies to Promote Private Sector Engagement in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) for Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Viet Nam (CLTV)”. The workshop took place from 12 to 14 December 2023. 

In his welcome address, NXPO Vice President Dr. Surachai Sathitkunarat emphasized the significance and objectives of the workshop. It aims to equip policy officers with tools to promote human capital and startups development, facilitate the exchange of insights among network members, and share best practices from each country. The workshop was also expected to produce a manual containing analysis results, policy self-assessment, and policy recommendations for promoting STI.  

This workshop is part of the second phase of South-South and Triangular Collaboration Programme on STI among CLTV, aimed at encouraging private sector engagement in STI in the four participating countries. 

The 3-day workshop extensively covered two important topics: strengthening support for the growth of startups and engaging the private sector for human capital development. It featured presentations by notable experts, including: 1) “Building Innovation Ecosystems” by Dr. Pun-Arj Chairatana, Former Executive Director of National Innovation Agency (NIA), 2) “Talent Mobility for STI” by Assist. Prof. Dr. Poolsak Koseeyaporn, NXPO Vice President, and 3) “Boosting Innovation Networks – Scale-up ASEAN: Coach, Cash, Connect” by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Natcha Thawesaengskulthai, Global Chief Innovation Officer of Chulalongkorn University. 

During the workshop, participants presented key initiatives and challenges in their respective countries and engaged in the design of policies, tools and international networks to achieve private sector engagement in STI in this sub-region. 

For additional information on the South-South and Triangular Collaboration Programme on STI among CLTV, please visit: https://www.unescap.org/projects/south-south-triangular-collaboration-programme-science-technology-innovation.