SMS Corporation Executives Discuss Research Collaboration and Visit the National Phenome Institute, Khon Kaen University

On 24 January 2025, executives from SMS Corporation Co., Ltd. attended a meeting to receive an update on the first-phase findings of a research project by the National Phenome Institute, Khon Kaen University, on the properties of resistant starch using phenomics technologies, and jointly discussed plans for the next phase of clinical research.

The company's executives also toured the National Phenome Institute, Khon Kaen University, to learn about phenomics research and the use of advanced analytical instruments, and to exchange views, experience and academic expertise. The visit laid the groundwork for future collaboration in research and product development, with the aim of helping the health food market become one of the nation's core industries.

SMS Corporation Co., Ltd., a member of the Poolpol Group, described its role as a leading producer of high-quality modified tapioca starch in Thailand and globally, serving the needs of a wide range of industries both domestically and internationally.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Jutarop Phetcharaburanin, Director of the National Phenome Institute, Khon Kaen University, welcomed the company's executives and presented the institute's mission and vision, its academic service roles, and the capabilities of its High-throughput Platform of research instruments, a key mechanism for supporting promising research and innovation.

She also outlined the experimental plan for Phase 1 of the project and the approach to clinical research in Phase 2, covering the research methodology, timeline and collaboration model among the organizations involved, to ensure that the next phase of research is carried out efficiently and achieves its goals. She further explained how the institute's phenomics technologies and microbiome expertise could be applied to research and product development with the company in the future.

Executives and researchers from the National Phenome Institute, Khon Kaen University, who welcomed the visitors and led the tour included Asst. Prof. Dr. Umaporn Yordpratum, Deputy Director for Science, Research and Innovation (SRI) Infrastructure and Standards Development; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sorujsiri Chareonsudjai, Assistant Director for Research and Academic Platform Development; Dr. Wassana Jamnongkan, Assistant Director for Analytical Services; and institute researchers Dr. Navaporn Sritong, Dr. Rattanasak Wongkomonchet, Dr. Chakkraphong Khlueapsungnoen, Ms. Thanaporn Kulthawatsiri, Mr. Theerayut Bubpamala, Ms. Naruemon Maha-amnat, Ms. Preeyakan Malikrong, Ms. Phitchaya Lawan and Ms. Ketsaraporn Ngaopok, who introduced the laboratories and research instruments and explained the operating principles of the various advanced analytical instruments.

The National Phenome Institute, Khon Kaen University, extends its sincere gratitude to the executives of SMS Corporation Co., Ltd. for honoring the institute with their visit and for recognizing its potential as a model organization for research and academic services in omics sciences. The institute also looks forward to fostering collaboration among the faculty members, researchers and science, research and innovation personnel of both organizations to jointly develop in-depth knowledge of the properties of resistant starch, using phenomics technologies in research and product development. This work aims to demonstrate, at an in-depth molecular level, nutritional value that benefits gut health, and to add value to the nation's health food industry in the future.