Mr. Pisanu Suvanajata, Ambassador of Thailand to the United Kingdom, launched the Samaggi Fair, held during 10-11 February 2018 at Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus.  The highlight was on Dr. Teerakiat Jareonsettasin, Minister of Education, as the keynote speaker, while Dr. Pichet Durongkaveroj, Minister of Digital Economy and Society, phoned in via Skype to talk to the students.  Over 300 attendees participated in this event.   

Samaggi Fair was an academic conference combined with a career fair, organised by Samaggi Samagom under the Royal Patronage, which is the umbrella association of Thai students in the UK, in collaboration with the Royal Thai Embassy and the Office of Education Affairs.  This event was organised by Thai students for Thai students to provide a forum for learning and creative thinking, particularly in research and development of innovative ideas in science and technology to help drive the country forward along sustainable development path. Thus, this year’s theme was “Innovation Based Society Towards Sustainability”, in line with the Thailand 4.0 policy.  Samaggi Fair also provided a venue for career advice by government agencies, as well as employment and internship opportunities for Thai students, supported by leading companies from Thailand.  The Royal Thai Embassy wishes to thank the representatives of all government agencies and companies present at the Samaggi Fair, offering useful information and various opportunities for precious human resources of Thailand in the UK.

In his opening remarks, the Thai Ambassador emphasised his strong belief in the capabilities and potentials of Thai youth, who was the brain and the brawn to steer the country to further progress and prosperity.

Dr. Teerakiat Jareonsettasin, Minister of Education, shared his ideas and experiences on principles and values needed to shape the right mindset to gear the country in the right direction towards sustainable development for the benefits of all. Dr. Pichet Durongkaveroj, Minister of Digital Economy and Society, shared with the students how the digital technology could help improve lives. The Digital Minister updated the students on the latest development in Thailand, new economic and social opportunities from digitisation, and potential business ideas in the digital era.

At this forum, there were also academic talks on innovation and digitisation by representatives of leading companies in relevant fields, sharing their success stories and lessons learned in keeping up with customer needs and the markets in changing environment.

Among various activities were Start-Up Competition and Research Abstract Competition, providing a platform for Thai students to present business and research ideas, which could be commercialised and scaled up to make profits.

The Samaggi Fair was, indeed, organised by Thai students for Thai students who were the future of Thailand.