TheReporterAsia | Trang Province – Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RMUTSV), Trang Campus, has achieved success in its Reinventing University project, receiving an award for its outstanding contribution to utilizing knowledge in enhancing the potential of the production and service sectors. The project focuses on developing the production capabilities of Pa Lian pepper, a native pepper variety of Trang province, which has been registered as a Geographical Indication (GI) product.
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RMUTSV has implemented a project to reinvent agricultural learning with innovation and integrated sciences, aiming to develop and promote agriculture based on technology and innovation. This is achieved through investment and management under collaboration between the university, the private sector, and agricultural entrepreneurs.
Asst. Prof. Sitthichok Chanyoong, Vice President of Trang Campus, stated that the university has established a center for modern agricultural technology and innovation, partnered with agricultural businesses, prepared personnel, and developed curricula related to agricultural innovation and technology in economic animals, aquaculture, and product processing.
Mr. Punpermsak Arunnee, Director of the Bureau of Driving and Development of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, praised RMUTSV’s efforts in cultivating learners with technological knowledge and expertise.These learners can apply their knowledge to create products, develop innovations for commercial and public use, and add value throughout the production and service chain.
GI Pa Lian Pepper: Adding Value
RMUTSV has enhanced its intellectual property management and technology transfer capabilities, leading to further development and research utilization for commercial benefits. The university particularly promotes products from “Pa Lian” pepper, a native pepper variety of Trang province and a registered Geographical Indication (GI) product.
With its unique characteristic of being spicier and more pungent than other peppers, RMUTSV has developed the production potential of Pa Lian pepper by addressing challenges in upstream, midstream, and downstream processes. The goal is to empower pepper farmers, increase their income, and create a circular economy within the community.
Project Success
The project has resulted in new curricula development with agricultural businesses, enhancing the skills of students, staff,and entrepreneurs to meet the demands of the agricultural sector. This has led to the creation of new agricultural entrepreneurs and the production of agricultural products that meet international standards (GAP).
In 2023, 41 entrepreneurs received permission to use the GI symbol, positively impacting consumer acceptance and expanding commercial opportunities. These efforts demonstrate RMUTSV’s transformation and its alignment with the goals of higher education institutions focused on technology development and innovation promotion.
Mr. Punpermsak further mentioned that RMUTSV is driving reforms in technology and innovation development and transfer management. These reforms support knowledge transfer to the industrial sector, enhance intellectual property management mechanisms for better business connections, and lead to commercial utilization. Additionally, the university’s support for entrepreneurs has yielded economic and social benefits, fostering collaboration with public and private sectors, creating local employment, and facilitating social change through knowledge exchange and problem-solving among enterprise groups.
RMUTSV’s Next Steps
The committee suggested that the university should further engage in activities with businesses and focus on developing intellectual property management and technology licensing to expand its opportunities for funding from other grant agencies.
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