MI AND NIA JOIN HANDS FOR PROMOTION OF SOCIAL INNOVATION

Innovation and Technological Connectivity

MI formalizes today a new landmark cooperation agreement with the National Innovation Agency (NIA) for the further promotion of social innovation in the Mekong region countries. The NIA is a Thai public organization that takes the lead in the promotion and development of Thailand’s innovation ecosystem for national competitiveness.   

The signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding between the two organizations is led by MI Executive Director Dr. Watcharas Leelawath and NIA’s Executive Director, Dr. Pun-arj-Chairatana at MI, Khon Kaen, Thailand. The MoU formalizes the collaboration between MI and NIA in the conduct of trainings and workshops, undertaking of research on social innovation, knowledge exchange and sharing of knowledge resources and information networks, and exchange of personnel.

“This is an excellent opportunity for MI because we are keen to scale up the success stories of NIA on social innovation for implementation and adoption in our member countries in the region particularly Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam,” says Dr. Watcharas Leelawath. “Our objective is to tie innovation with agricultural development to help increase the productivity of the region’s agricultural sector, improve incomes and livelihood and ultimately, reduce poverty,” he explains.

Dr. Pun-arj-Chiratana also remarks on the excellent fit of MI and NIA’s thematic focus and what this collaboration could bring for the Mekong region. “Working with MI marks another journey for us of joining hands in three specific areas – building up capacities around the Mekong region, learning from each other on social innovation, and extending intangible knowledge, and therefore bring in more value creation into the region.”

Also present to witness the MoU signing are guests from Khon Kaen University led by Prof. Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul, Vice President for Innovation and Enterprise.

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Mrs. Guohua Liu

Director, Sustainable Energy & Environment (SEE) Department

Mrs. Liu Guohua is the Director of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Department at the Mekong Institute. Prior to this role, she worked in the Department of International Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, where she played a key role in shaping and implementing China’s cooperation strategies with UN development agencies. During this time, Mrs. Liu was actively involved in advancing initiatives related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on climate change and green development. Additionally, she contributed to the evaluation of projects funded by various Chinese initiatives, such as the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Special Fund, etc.

In addition to her work in the Department of International Economic Affairs, Mrs. Liu has an extensive diplomatic background. She spent 7 years in the Department of African Affairs, followed by a 4-year tenure at the Chinese Embassy in Lao PDR, where she gained deep expertise in both Southeast Asian and African affairs. These diverse experiences have played a crucial role in shaping her approach to sustainable development and international collaboration, particularly in building regional partnerships and tackling global challenges like climate change.

She holds a Master’s degree in Economics, with a specialization in Finance, from the Central University of Finance and Economics, and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, specializing in International Economics and Trade, from the Shanghai University of International Business and Economics.