NXPO took part in the 87th Meeting of the ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (COSTI-87) and related meetings, held from 16–20 June 2025 in Jakarta, Indonesia. The meetings were hosted by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) of Indonesia.
Representing Thailand, Dr. Nuwong Chollacoop, Assistant to the President of NXPO, attended the 18th Meeting of the Board of Advisors to the Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (BAC-18). He was joined by Dr. Pranpreya Sriwannawit Lundberg, Director of the International Policy Partnership Division, and Dr. Doungkamon Phihusut, Policy Developer at NXPO.
The BAC-18, convened on 17 June 2025, focused on reviewing key issues and formulating recommendations for presentation to COSTI-87. Major agenda items included:
- Restructuring of COSTI Subcommittees: The meeting agreed in principle to streamline the existing nine subcommittees into five, including the Sub-Committee on S&T Infrastructure and Resources Development (SCIRD) and the merger of the Sub-Committee on Biotechnology (SCB) and Sub-Committee on Food Science and Technology (SCFST). Thailand proposed using past activity data to inform restructuring decision and recommended comprehensive communication with each subcommittee’s members to ensure continuity and foster mutual understanding during the transition. The restructuring is scheduled to take effect in June 2026, following further discussions at the next COSTI meeting in Thailand in October 2025.
- Defining the Role of the APASTI Task Force: The meeting discussed the formation of an APASTI Task Force to oversee the implementation of the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology and Innovation (APASTI) 2026–2035. It was recommended that the task force’s roles and responsibilities be clearly defined and endorsed by all ASEAN member states. Proposals for the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework will be considered in upcoming meetings. Dr. Pranpreya and Dr. Doungkamon were appointed to serve as Thailand’s representatives on this task force.
- Supporting Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Membership: Discussions were also held regarding support for the official integration of Timor-Leste as the 11th member of ASEAN at the 47th ASEAN Summit, scheduled to be held in Malaysia in October 2025.
The COSTI-87, held on 18 June 2025, brought together senior science, technology, and innovation officials from ASEAN member states. The Thai delegation was led by Prof. Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), with participation from the MHESI Permanent Secretary Office, NXPO, the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (TINT), Program Management Unit for Human Resources and Institutional Development, Research and Innovation (PMU-B), the Asian Development College for Community Economy and Technology (adiCET), Chiang Mai Rajabhat University, and Chiang Mai University (CMU). The meeting adopted several recommendations proposed by the BAC.
At the 21st ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation (AMMSTI-21), convened on 20 June 2025, Thailand was represented by Ms. Phantipha Iamsudha Ekarohit, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Thailand to ASEAN, based in Jakarta. She delivered Thailand’s statement reaffirming its support for APASTI 2026–2035. The meeting officially endorsed the plan and highlighted the importance of strengthening regional cooperation in science, technology, and innovation, emphasizing the need to develop systematic implementation mechanisms and promote high-impact projects through joint investment frameworks.
