On 9 January 2026, at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC), Bang Na, Bangkok, the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, organized the award ceremony for the Thailand New Gen Inventors Award 2026 (I-New Gen Award 2026) as part of Thailand Inventors’ Day 2026. The event brought together young inventors and university students from across the country to present innovative works and showcase their potential in research, invention, and technological development.
Students from the Computer Engineering and Artificial Intelligence Program, School of Engineering and Technology, Walailak University, achieved outstanding success by receiving awards in two competition categories.
In Category 3: Energy, Materials and Environment, Mr. Thanapat Chainarong and Mr. Worawiriya Nuannok received a Gold Medal Award together with the Popular Vote Award. Their project was carried out under the supervision of Assistant Professor Dr. Asanchai Sukkuea and Associate Professor Dr. Pensiri Ekajit.
In Category 4: Artificial Intelligence Technology and Smart Devices, Mr. Wongsathon Yookaew and Mr. Thanawut Phunthaisong received a Silver Medal Award together with the Popular Vote Award, also under the supervision of Assistant Professor Dr. Asanchai Sukkuea and Associate Professor Dr. Pensiri Ekajit.
These achievements demonstrate the strong capabilities of Walailak University students in applying knowledge in computer engineering, artificial intelligence, smart systems, and emerging technologies to the development of innovative solutions. The awards also reflect the students’ creativity, analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork, all of which are essential skills for future engineers and technology developers.
The I-New Gen Award 2026 serves as an important national platform for promoting young inventors and encouraging students to develop ideas into practical innovations. The university-level competition covers a wide range of fields, including agriculture and food, health and medicine, energy, materials and environment, artificial intelligence and smart devices, as well as tourism and the creative economy. Such a platform enables young innovators to gain experience, present their work to experts, and further develop their inventions for future applications.
Winning the Gold Medal, Silver Medal, and two Popular Vote Awards is therefore not only a recognition of the quality of the students’ innovative works, but also a reflection of the School’s commitment to promoting hands-on learning, innovation development, and the practical application of engineering knowledge.
The School of Engineering and Technology, Walailak University, proudly congratulates Mr. Thanapat Chainarong, Mr. Worawiriya Nuannok, Mr. Wongsathon Yookaew, and Mr. Thanawut Phunthaisong, as well as their advisors, on this remarkable achievement. The School encourages all students to continue developing their knowledge, skills, and innovations and to contribute their expertise to the advancement of society, industry, and the nation.
