On 17 June 2026, Walailak University congratulated a team of researchers on receiving continued research funding from the Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMU-C) for Fiscal Year 2026 for the project entitled “New Industry Development: Processed Oil Palm Wood Products from Residual Oil Palm Biomass in Plantations.” The research project is led by Associate Professor Dr. Nirundorn Matan and represents another significant achievement reflecting the University’s potential in developing research and innovation that respond to industrial needs and promote the effective use of local resources.
The research team comprises Associate Professor Dr. Nirundorn Matan, Associate Professor Dr. Narumol Matan, Dr. Choosak Ritthiphet, Assistant Professor Dr. Sathaporn Chanthavee, and Assistant Professor Dr. Sajjapan Leelatanon. The team brings together expertise in biomaterials, processing technology, and innovation development to transform residual biomass from oil palm plantations into useful, value-added products.
The research project focuses on developing approaches to utilize oil palm biomass, an abundant agricultural resource in Southern Thailand, by converting residual materials from oil palm cultivation into processed oil palm wood products with the potential for practical application and further development for industrial use.
In addition to creating added value from agricultural residues, the project also contributes to waste reduction, more efficient resource utilization, and the promotion of circular economy principles. By transforming materials that would otherwise be treated as agricultural waste into new products, the project supports sustainable resource management and the development of a bio-based economy.
Receiving continued funding from PMU-C for Fiscal Year 2026 also demonstrates the strength and continuity of the research, particularly its ability to connect academic knowledge with economic and industrial needs. This is especially important in Southern Thailand, one of the country’s major oil palm producing regions, where the utilization of local biomass resources can create new opportunities for innovation and industrial development.
The project further aims to advance research outcomes toward practical applications, including the development of new products, increased value from agricultural residues, and the creation of opportunities for industries based on Thailand’s biological resources. Such efforts can contribute to improving national competitiveness while promoting environmentally responsible approaches to resource utilization.
The research is supported through collaboration among researchers associated with the Center of Excellence in Wood and Biomaterials and the Essential Oil and Bioactive Compound Innovation Center, Walailak University. These research units are committed to advancing research and innovation that respond to the needs of communities, society, and industry, while maximizing the value of biological resources.
Walailak University proudly congratulates the research team on receiving continued funding and extends its best wishes for the successful implementation of the project. The University hopes that the project will generate new knowledge, innovations, and practical outcomes that create positive impacts on the economy, society, and the environment, in line with the concept of “Research with Heart,” which emphasizes high-quality research for sustainable development.
รองศาสตราจารย์ ดร.นิรันดร มาแทน เป็นหัวหน้าโครงการวิจัย