On 19 March 2026, students from the Petrochemical and Polymer Engineering Program, School of Engineering and Technology, Walailak University, participated in an educational study visit to the Plastics Institute of Thailand, Foundation for Industrial Development, and 3M Thailand Co., Ltd. The activity was organized to provide students with valuable learning experiences beyond the classroom and to strengthen their understanding of how knowledge in petrochemical engineering, polymers, materials, and manufacturing processes is applied in real industrial settings.
The students received a warm welcome from the personnel of the Plastics Institute of Thailand, who provided opportunities for them to visit operational areas and learn more about the institute’s important role in supporting and developing Thailand’s plastics industry. The visit also introduced students to current trends in materials, technology, production processes, and product development in response to the evolving needs of the industrial sector.
During the visit, students had the opportunity to exchange knowledge and perspectives with industry professionals and experts. This allowed them to connect theoretical knowledge from their academic courses with real-world applications. Topics of interest included polymer properties, material selection, processing techniques, quality control, product development, and innovation. The experience helped students gain a clearer and more comprehensive understanding of the plastics and polymer-related industries.
As part of the same educational trip, the students also visited 3M Thailand Co., Ltd., a company well known for applying science, materials, and technology across a wide range of industries. The visit provided students with an opportunity to observe examples of how engineering and scientific knowledge are transformed into practical products and innovative solutions. It also broadened their perspectives on industrial standards, technological development, innovation, and professional working environments.
Study visits to industrial organizations play an important role in engineering education, as they enable students to strengthen both their academic knowledge and professional readiness. In addition to reinforcing classroom learning, such activities encourage students to develop observation, questioning, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills. They also help students better understand the responsibilities and expectations of engineers working in industrial sectors.
The Petrochemical and Polymer Engineering Program, School of Engineering and Technology, Walailak University, sincerely thanks the Plastics Institute of Thailand, Foundation for Industrial Development, and 3M Thailand Co., Ltd. for their warm hospitality and for providing valuable learning opportunities to the students. The knowledge and experience gained from this study visit will contribute to the students’ academic development and help prepare them for future projects, cooperative education, and professional careers in the engineering and industrial sectors.
