NXPO participated in the 88th Meeting of the ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (COSTI-88) and related meetings, hosted by the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), Thailand from 19–24 October 2025 in Bangkok.
On 21 October 2025, Dr. Surachai Sathitkunarat, President of NXPO, attended the 19th Meeting of the Board of Advisers to the Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (BAC-19) as Thailand’s representative. He was joined by Dr. Nuwong Chollacoop, Assistant to the President of NXPO, Dr. Pranpreya Sriwannawit Lundberg, Director of International Policy Partnership Division, and Dr. Doungkamon Phihusut, Policy Specialist.
The BAC-19 Meeting reviewed key agenda items and formulated recommendations for submission to COSTI-88, particularly regarding the implementation of the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology and Innovation (APASTI) 2026–2035. As Thailand’s BAC representative, NXPO serves on the APASTI Task Force, contributing to the development of assessment tools, indicator selection, and monitoring mechanisms to ensure ASEAN’s STI initiatives generate tangible benefits for all member states. The meeting also reported on progress in developing an APASTI monitoring dashboard, which will be integrated into the ASTNET platform (astnet.asean.org). Furthermore, it was proposed that the APASTI Task Force Chair should correspond with the country holding the COSTI Chairmanship, and that the BAC Chairmanship term be adjusted to enhance continuity and operational efficiency.
Another major topic concerned the transition of Annual Priorities (APs) following the restructuring of COSTI Sub-Committees (SCs) to align with APASTI 2026–2035. The meeting agreed to designate 2025–2026 as a transition period for the five newly established SCs. As part of the BAC, NXPO plays an active role in advancing key AP projects and shaping the new SC frameworks to align with APASTI’s strategic objectives.
The meeting also discussed preparations for the 2026 Call for Proposals under the ASEAN Science, Technology and Innovation Fund (ASTIF). NXPO proposed that the call emphasize co-matching contributions, either through direct financial support or in-kind resources from member states, dialogue partners, and other networks. The inclusion of industry partners through co-investment or technology transfer was encouraged to enhance project impact and long-term sustainability.
On 22 October 2025, the COSTI-88 Meeting convened senior representatives from ASEAN member states responsible for STI policy. The Thai delegation was led by Prof. Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul, Permanent Secretary of MHESI, and included representatives from key organizations such as the Office of the Permanent Secretary, NXPO, National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (TINT), Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), Asian Development College for Community Economy and Technology (adiCET) of Chiang Mai Rajabhat University, and Chiang Mai University (CMU).
COSTI-88 reviewed and endorsed several BAC recommendations, including the ASTIF fund management mechanism and the structure of the ASTIF Call for Proposals, which will feature competitive grants and seed funding for the five new SCs to promote early-stage collaboration. The meeting also provided input on other issues, such as the terms of BAC and SC chairmanships.
The event served as a platform for ASEAN member states—diverse in development contexts and STI capacities—to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and foster mutual understanding, thereby strengthening regional collaboration under APASTI 2026–2035. It reaffirmed ASEAN’s collective commitment to building a secure, prosperous, and sustainable future.
