SONGKHLA, July 29 — The Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAOT), in collaboration with Prince of Songkla University (PSU), launched the International Rubber Innovation Camp 2026 to provide a platform for exchanging knowledge, technology, and research in the field of natural rubber among participants from Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
The programme aims to strengthen participants' design thinking skills, support the development of innovative rubber prototypes for future commercial application, and ultimately enhance the long-term competitiveness of the regional rubber industry.
RAOT Acting Governor Kosol Boonkong presided over the opening ceremony at the Crystal Hotel Hat Yai in Songkhla province last Monday (July 20), where it ran until Friday (July 24). Participants were welcomed by PSU International Affairs Assistant President Associate Prof Janya Chanchaichujit.
The camp brings together participants from member countries of the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT), including university students, researchers, representatives from the private sector, and government agencies. They represent a new generation with an interest in natural rubber and rubber innovation from the three member countries.
Kosol said that, as Thailand's lead agency under the Project Implementation Team on Rubber Cities and Rubber Industry Cooperation and the Working Group on Trade and Investment of IMT-GT, RAOT is co-hosting the International Rubber Innovation Camp 2026 together with PSU's Rubber Innovation Research and Development Institute. The camp was organised to strengthen regional cooperation and promote the sustainable development of the natural rubber industry.
Throughout the programme, participants developed an understanding of the rubber industry ecosystem, learned from experts through knowledge-sharing sessions, and visited key rubber-related organisations and communities, including rubber research centres, rubber enterprises, and the Central Rubber Market. They also took part in interactive workshops that encourage the exchange of knowledge and experiences while learning the principles of Design Thinking, developing prototype rubber products, and presenting their innovations to a panel of distinguished experts.
"This programme will provide participants from all three countries with valuable opportunities to work together, exchange perspectives, build professional networks, and develop innovations that meet the future needs of the rubber industry of the rubber industry.
"It will also strengthen regional cooperation and sustainable development, contributing to long-term growth and enhancing the global competitiveness of the downstream rubber industry," he said.
Over the five-day programme, participants joined a variety of activities, including a keynote lecture on 'Future Directions of IMT-GT Cooperation: Opportunities for the Next Generation', followed by a session on 'Rubber Innovation and Capabilities'. Networking sessions will encourage participants to exchange experiences and perspectives on key issues affecting the natural rubber industry in their respective countries.
The camp also included site visits to research and innovation facilities, the Central Rubber Market, a rubber industrial estate, and a concentrated latex processing facility. Participants further engaged in the Design Thinking and Innovation Lab, where they developed product concepts and innovation prototypes through the application of technology and artificial intelligence in the rubber industry.
Another highlight was the 'Design to Market: From Idea to Rubber Innovation' workshop, which covered product design, marketing, finance, rubber technology, management, environmental considerations, and presentation techniques. The programme concluded with the Demo Day and Grand Finale, during which each team will present its innovation to the judging panel.
The final day featured the announcement of the competition results, the presentation of awards, and the presentation of certificates to all participants.
