MHESI drives “New South New Growth Engine,” taps PSU to boost high-value bioeconomy
Prof. Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), together with his delegation, visited the Faculty of Natural Resources at Prince of Songkla University (PSU) to follow up on the development of economic crops and livestock, and to observe how science, research, and innovation are being applied to strengthen the coastal fisheries and agricultural sectors in Southern Thailand. They were welcomed by Asst. Prof. Dr. Niwat Keawpradub, President of Prince of Songkla University, along with university executives, government officials, and students at PSU Agricultural Market in Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, on June 7, 2026.
Prof. Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat said that the Ministry had come to deliver research outcomes and innovations rooted in knowledge, particularly local wisdom, with the aim of creating opportunities and hope for people in the South and for Thailand as a whole. Under the concept of “New South, New Growth Engine,” the Ministry seeks to turn these aspirations into tangible results.
He added that MHESI is working to improve the research funding system by connecting activities across the entire value chain—from upstream to downstream—rather than supporting them separately as in the past. Success indicators are being designed to address the practical needs of farmers, fishers, and entrepreneurs. The approach also aims to encourage local youth to become new entrepreneurs and to promote wider adoption of innovation in public-sector development initiatives.
The Minister also shared his vision of positioning Prince of Songkla University and higher education institutions in Southern Thailand as hubs for the health and wellness economy, alongside high-value halal industries and future food development. By applying biotechnology and genomic medicine, local raw materials can be scientifically validated and developed into herbal products and pharmaceuticals. These efforts are expected to attract tourists and investors while contributing to sustainable economic growth in the region.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Niwat Keawpradub, President of Prince of Songkla University, said that the university remains committed to transforming research and innovation into economic opportunities. Starting from community-based agriculture and small-scale fisheries, the university seeks to strengthen supply chains and provide high-quality raw materials for larger industries.
During the visit, the Faculty of Natural Resources showcased a number of research projects that demonstrate how science, research, and innovation are being translated into practical applications for agriculture and fisheries in Southern Thailand. Highlights included:
1) Community-based commercial seaweed production using appropriate technologies to improve cultivation and add value to Caulerpa seaweed through food, cosmetic, and pet food products, creating additional income for coastal communities.
2) Development of new aquaculture systems for economically important species, including automated and wireless network-based farming systems for pink mahseer, supporting conservation and sustainable utilization.
3) Enhancement of commercial snakehead fish farming through intelligent BioFloc technology.
4) Integrated sea cucumber production systems aimed at strengthening the economies of coastal communities in Southern Thailand.
5) A comprehensive production system for Bekhla chicken, covering breeding, processing, and value-added products to support local identity and community-based economies.
6) Strengthening the durian value chain through quality production networks and improved management of durian seed borer infestations, helping enhance product quality and expand market opportunities.
7) Development of high-quality Robusta coffee to improve competitiveness and elevate Thai Robusta toward high-value Fine Robusta+ products.
These seven research areas reflect successful efforts to translate laboratory knowledge into practical benefits through collaboration among universities, government agencies, the private sector, and local communities. The initiatives focus on adding value to local resources, improving products and production processes, and strengthening the long-term economic and social resilience of communities.
The Faculty of Natural Resources, Prince of Songkla University, remains committed to producing knowledge, research, and innovation that respond to local and societal needs. Through effective knowledge transfer and practical applications, the faculty continues to support the development of agriculture, livestock, fisheries, communities, and society, contributing to sustainable national development.