On 9 July 2022, PSU and the Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAOT) have jointly organized the Smart Natural Rubber Hackathon competition. The aim of the event was to link groups of thinkers and innovators to develop practical prototype products, and to provide guidelines or innovations that respond to users and future situations. The event was attended by Dr. Kritsada Sungsingh, Director of the Rubber Research Institute, RAOT; Asst. Prof. Kamron Pitaks, Acting Director of the PSU Science Park; RAOT executives, event speakers, lecturers, staff, and project participants, at the Crystal Hotel in Hat Yai.
Dr. Kritsada explained that RAOT plays a role in the management, research, and development of rubber business in all fields in a comprehensive manner, particularly in the field of production, economy, and industry. The organization also promotes the importance of research and development that create outstanding innovations and add value to rubber and various products by using various technologies to help drive the mission of RAOT to be ready for future development. Hence RAOT and PSU implemented the Smart Natural Rubber Hackathon project with the honorable involvement of speakers and the PSU consulting team providing knowledge and advice. A team from the PSU Science Park carried out the implementation of this project to support the participants, who have gained opportunities and knowledge to apply in the future.
Asst. Prof. Kamron said that RAOT and PSU have foreseen the creation of innovations and new technologies that focus on the production process, developing tools or prototype products that can be used to test and extend the work of RAOT in the future.
