(11 May 2019: Bangkok) The British Council and partners held the final round of FameLab Thailand Competition 2019 on Saturday 11 May 2019 at Bangkok Art and Culture in search for a representative from Thailand to attend FameLab International 2019 in Cheltenham Science Festival in the United Kingdom between June 5-6, 2019.
Famelab Thailand Competition 2019 came to the final round with the ten finalists. Prior to the compeition, all of the candidates had the opportunity to sharpen their science communication skills with Dallas Campbell, UK’s famous TV presenter including The Gadget Show, Bang Goes the Theory, The Science of Stupid and etc.
This year, the British Council and partners - Dr. Chularat Tanprasert, Vice President of National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Dr. Kantima Kunjara Na Ayudhya, Executive Assistant to Chairman of the Executive Committee True Corporation PLC and Mr. Andrew Glass OBE, Director of British Council Thailand attended FameLab Thailand 2019 to congrautulate the ten Famelabbers. The competition was also joined by the honourable guests - Mrs. Ganigar Chen, Vice President National Science Museum and Dr. Rapee Boonplueang, Deputy Dean for Student Affairs, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University. Cherprang BNK48, one of FameLab Ambassadors, also attended the competition to cheer the ten finalists.
Dr. Chularat Tanprasert, Vice President of National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) said that during Thailand 4.0 era, advancement in technology and innovation is the core to the country’s development and it is through the strength of our people, especially those scientists and researchers to drive this nation forward with innovation. However, it is impossible for scientists and researchers to work alone and change the social spectrum without the support from public and policy makers. We also need communities to understand the role of scientists and importance of scientific research and how their work impacts on society. FameLab can be counted as one of the bridges that connects the complex world of science of the public, which will enhance the role of science, innovation and researches in country development.
Dr. Kantima Kunjara Na Ayudhya, Executive Assistant to Chairman of the Executive Committee True Corporation PLC said, “True Corporation, as the country’s fully integrated digital infrastructure provider, offers various communication services platforms and solutions, to improve and enhance the quality life of Thai people. Although we provide technologically advanced communication platforms, we still believe that basic communication skill is one of the fundamental factors that have led us to success either in learning or enhanching our lifestyles. The heart of effective communications is the ability to simplify complicated content. FameLab is a prominent stage for young Thai talents to shine not only as young scientists, but also as skilled communicators. We are proud to support and promote the FameLab competition through our communications channels including True Visions, TNN, True4You and social media channels such as Facebook Live for today’s competition as well as rerun of the event breadcast via the Truepllokpanya channel.”
Mr. Andrew Glass OBE, Director of British Council Thailand, said, “The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We create friendly knowledge and understanding between the people of the UK and other countries through our work in English, Education and Arts. Through our work in science communications and FameLab, we have combined our expertise in English languge and international networks to support researchers to use this skill to bridge gap between science and society, enhancing equality and diversity in science.”
The winner of FameLab Thailand Competition 2019 is Ms. Napat Tandikul will represent the country to join FameLab International Competition in Cheltenham Science Festival 2019, UK on 5-6 June 2019. Additionally, the winner will also have a unique opportunity to visit a research lab or university of their choice in any of the 28 member countries of the European Union supported by Euraxess ASEAN.
For more information, please contact British Council at 02-657-2211 or visit www.britishcouncil.or.th/famelab and www.facebook.com/britishcouncilthailand