On the 24th of November 2023, Khon Kaen innovation center founded by Ad Lib Management Co., Ltd. and Glowfish Khon Kaen with the collaboration from various organizations includes The Board of Investment of Thailand, The Khon Kaen Chamber of Commerce, Mitr Phol Innovation & Research Centre Khon Kaen, Khon Kaen university, Thai Society for Biotechnology, and The Association of Medical Technologist of Thailand held the press conference to announce the preparation of LAB Future & BIO Expo 2nd edition. The exhibition will be held on 9-10 May 2024 from 9 A.M. – 5 P.M. at the Khon Kaen International Convention and Exhibition Centre (KICE) under the aim to make Isan (Northeastern of Thailand) into a high value-added economy with the expectation of 3,500 visitors and 350 million Baht worth business dealings.
“Isan region has the 2nd highest rank in the economic expansion rate of Thailand in laboratory equipment and technology which worth 30,000 million Baht and continue to be more higher according to the statistic trend.” said Mr. Teerayuth Leelakajornkij – the president of Ad Lib Management Co., Ltd. and Glowfish Khon Kaen. From the Northeastern Economic Corridor (NeEC) and Greater Mekong Sub region (GMS) especially in Nakhon Ratchasima, Udon Thani and Nong Khai where the highest investing fund goes within the Northeastern region, results in the high investment fund for laboratory and research including the medical center, research and development center, import and export center, quality control center, etc. From these potentials and possibilities to develop along the current trend and forecasted future probability, LAB Future & BIO Expo 2023 gathered up laboratory equipment manufacturers and suppliers both in and outside Thailand more than 80 companies to exhibit their products in the event accompany with conferences within the exhibition for instance, ISAN BIOTECH Conference 2024, ISAN Health & Medical Conference and Phenomics Conference. In addition, there are innovation pavilions from Isan and NeEC manufacturers for the future investment in research and development at the event.
Ms. Suwipa Wanasathop, the director of Mitr Phol Innovation & Research Centre Khon Kaen, expressed her opinion that “Isan is the place for both innovation developers and users where people in each industry enthuse to introduce and apply innovations and technologies to their work field for quite some time. Various industries reach out to universities or research centers for business cooperation including here at Mitr Phol Innovation & Research Center. There is a high potential in the bio-based industry in Isan which can be developed into a high value-added economy e.g. food, fuel, pharma and digital. We are grateful that LAB Future & BIO Expo 2023 will have ISAN Innovation pavilions where exhibitors and buyers will get benefits and opportunities for their business.”
Isan’s possibility of medical technology development and opportunity to become the medical hub center were mentioned by Asst. Prof. Dr. Prasong Khaenam, committee member of The Association of Medical Technologist of Thailand, that “Healthcare sector is the fundamental part that drives other sectors to lead people to 4.0 Thailand sequentially. Medical knowledge and laboratory technology play a significant part in analyzing and diagnosing in the medical field. Moreover, the LAB results are important information for deciding curing methods, follow up the patient, disease control and basic healthcare as well. By participating in the LAB Future conference sessions can definitely improve and gather knowledge in the medical field among Isan.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Prakit Sukyai, the vice president of Thai Society for Biotechnology, shared his thoughts that “For the current situation and preparedness of the Isan region about biotechnology development, Isan can become the center of biotechnology in food and agriculture of Thailand. Isan is the region that has the highest manufacturing capacity and exports the most crops and agricultural products in the country e.g. rice, sugar and cassava. Moreover, numerous biotechnology research is available in Isan, by staying connected with the Greater Mekong Sub region where there are abundant agricultural products would certainly be helpful for developing biotechnology knowledge which can lead to a high value-added economy. Thai Society for Biotechnology spots this prospective opportunity, so we held ISAN Biotech Conference as a part of BIO Expo 2024.”
