The National Institute of Metrology (Thailand) (NIMT), under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research & Innovation, recently organised its 25th anniversary event with the theme "Metrology for the Food Industry: From Thai Kitchen to the World's Kitchen." The event aimed to showcase Thailand's measurement capabilities, which are poised to support Thai entrepreneurs in meeting international standards.
In addition to NIMT, the event featured distinguished guests such as Professor Dr. Anek Laothamatas, the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), who delivered a special lecture on "Thailand and World Foods." Dr. Akeanong Jangbua, the Director of Food Innopolis, also gave a special lecture on "Food Trends." The event included a panel discussion on "The Future of High-Value Food Exports" with participation from Ms. Sasiwimon Tabyam from the National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards, Dr. Pichet Itkor from the Federation of Thai Industries, and Professor Dr. Pavinee Chinachoti, a consultant for FoSTAT and leader of the Food Innovation & Regulation Network project.
The event showcased presentations on food technology and research that can add value with international standards. These presentations demonstrated the country's measurement potential in various areas such as food contaminants (e.g., microplastics), innovation versus safety (e.g., sterilisation), metrology services for the food industry, and the functional properties of rice. Additionally, government agencies and private sectors provided advice to food business operators.
During his speech, Prof. Dr. Anek emphasised the importance of an effective metrological system in line with the 8th National Economic and Social Development Plan. He highlighted NIMT's efforts to develop Thailand's metrological system, aiming for it to become one of the most advanced systems in ASEAN. He expressed his belief in Thailand's potential to produce high-quality probiotics and food additives locally, leveraging the country's abundant resources, cultural capital, and imaginative people. He envisioned a food system that promotes happiness and health among those involved in growing, cooking, selling, and consuming food while ensuring the well-being of nature.
Police Lt. Gen. Dr. Pornchai Suteerakhun, the Director of the National Institute of Metrology, acknowledged NIMT's role in driving the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) system for the past 25 years. The institute has set national standards on par with international ones and gained recognition from both domestic and international users. NIMT's laboratories have been accredited for quality systems based on ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO 17034 standards, enabling the institute to provide a wide range of services to support the country's needs. In 2022, it was found that the institute's measurement services helped reduce waste in the food industry's production process by up to 57% and cut product testing costs by 70%.
Currently, the National Institute of Metrology (NIMT) offers measurement services for over 3,700 domestic and international standard measuring instruments, including at least 730 certified reference materials. For those interested in learning more about NIMT's mission and services, please visit their website at www.nimt.or.th or their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NIMT2541/.