On February 7, 2024, the Center of Excellence in Wood and Biomaterials, along with the School of Engineering and Technology at Walailak University, organized the “International Timber Engineering Education and Research Symposium.” The symposium served as a platform for exchanging knowledge on education and research in utilizing wood for modern building construction, a trend gaining popularity worldwide and aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations.
The event took place at the Patrathammaporn Conference Room, 9th Floor, Building B, at the Medical Center of Walailak University. Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, Acting President of Walailak University, presided over the opening speech. Associate Professor Dr. Suthon Sriwaro, a school member of the Petrochemical and Polymer Engineering program, presented a report. The symposium was honored by Dr. Kanop Getachart, Mayor of Nakhon Si Thammarat Municipality, who delivered a special address on “Developing Nakhon Si Thammarat Municipality in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.”
Professor Dr. Sombat emphasized Walailak University’s commitment to aligning its management and development with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The university’s recent ranking within the top 401-600 globally by the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023 for its contributions to SDGs 2, 6, 11, and 14 underscores this commitment. Furthermore, Walailak University’s dedication to environmental sustainability, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions in construction, has positioned it as a leading green university.
The symposium aimed not only to enhance the university’s global reputation in innovative research but also to promote knowledge exchange, international research network formation, and sustainable environmental practices worldwide. Associate Professor Dr. Suthon stated that climate change concerns have spurred significant interest in the construction industry due to the substantial role greenhouse gas emissions play in global warming. Wood has become a popular choice for building construction due to its lower carbon footprint compared to other construction materials. Research in timber engineering has advanced rapidly in recent years, enabling the construction of buildings taller than ever before, aligning with the UN’s sustainable development agenda.
Associate Professor Dr. Suthon further emphasized that the symposium aimed to exchange knowledge on timber engineering education and research, particularly in countries like Canada, South Korea, and New Zealand, where wood materials have successfully penetrated the mid to high-rise construction markets. Thailand and tropical regions possess vast potential for wood species, prompting serious research efforts. The symposium aimed to raise awareness of the importance of timber engineering education and research in Thailand and promote greater utilization of existing wood resources, fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government sectors.
The “International Timber Engineering Education and Research Symposium” was organized in collaboration with the University of British Columbia, Canada, Seoul National University, South Korea, and Canterbury University, New Zealand. The event attracted over 100 participants, including representatives from the Thai Timber Association, relevant industries, governmental and non-governmental organizations, high school students, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students.
