Khon Kaen University, through the National Phenome Institute, Signs MOU with SMS Corporation on Resistant Starch Research Using Phenomics

On 24 January 2025, the National Phenome Institute, Khon Kaen University, held a signing ceremony for an academic Memorandum of Understanding at the Sarasin Room, Sirikunakorn Building, Khon Kaen University, under a collaborative research project on the properties of resistant starch using phenomics technologies between Khon Kaen University and SMS Corporation Co., Ltd. The ceremony was presided over by Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, and the MOU was co-signed by Dr. Wirawat Loetwanawatthana, Chief Executive Officer of the SMS Corporation Group.

On this occasion, Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., spoke about Khon Kaen University's continued emphasis on new sciences and technologies, particularly in biology and food science, such as metabolomics, as well as probiotics and prebiotics, areas in which the university has been working and building expertise for more than 10 years.

The ceremony was witnessed by Khon Kaen University executives, including Prof. Pewpan Maleewong, M.D., Vice President for Research; Asst. Prof. Dr. Pongsutti Phuensane, Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy and Assistant Director for Business Collaboration Development; and Asst. Prof. Dr. Jutarop Phetcharaburanin, Director of the National Phenome Institute, Khon Kaen University.

Executives and staff of the National Phenome Institute, Khon Kaen University, also attended the ceremony, including Dr. M.L. Manida Suksawat, Deputy Director for Academic Services; 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.

The MOU marks an important step in advancing research on the properties of resistant starch using phenomics technologies. It aims to build strong research collaboration between Khon Kaen University researchers and the private sector, and to support the development of in-depth knowledge of resistant starch in order to uncover new molecular-level nutritional value that benefits gut health. This knowledge will be further developed into high-value High Technology Products that meet the future needs of the health food industry.

The collaboration also emphasizes teamwork among the faculty members, researchers and science, research and innovation personnel of both organizations, using phenomics technologies as the main tool for research and product development to demonstrate and enhance nutritional value to international standards, and to generate knowledge that can be widely applied for the benefit of society.

The SMS Corporation Group expressed its confidence in the capabilities of Khon Kaen University's researchers and its hope that this collaboration will be the beginning of a long-term partnership to jointly develop new knowledge and innovations that advance progress on many fronts in the future.

The National Phenome Institute, Khon Kaen University, serves as a key mechanism in driving Thailand toward becoming a Global Frontier and Research University, focusing on Precision Medicine, Precision Agriculture and Precision Nutrition through phenomics technologies, while generating knowledge and developing products that sustainably address the needs of Thai society.