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Ph.D. Student Wins Gold Medal International Innovation Award at “Japan Design Idea & Invention Expo 2025” in Japan

12 July 2025
Faculty of Agro-Industry
On July 5–6, 2025, in Tokyo, Japan, Mr. Phattharaphong Phonsen, a Ph.D. student in the Food Innovation and Bioproducts program, received an international award under the supervision of Asst. Prof. Dr.Utoomporn Surayot. The award-winning innovation was based on research and technology transferred from the work of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Niramon Utama-ang, from the Product Development Technology Division, and Prof. Dr. Somdet Srichairatanakool, from the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University.
The innovative product, “Velight” – a beverage made from Sinlek brown rice, received recognition at the Japan Design Idea & Invention Expo 2025, organized by the World Invention Intellectual Property Associations (WIIPA) in collaboration with the Japan Association of Inventors.
The project was highly praised by an international panel of experts for its creativity and strong potential in global innovation development, earning a certificate of recognition on this prestigious global stage.
On the same occasion, Mr. Phattharaphong was also honored by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) during a ceremony that recognized Thai representatives who earned awards from international competitions.
This achievement stands as a testament to the potential of graduate students and the strength of research at the Faculty of Agro-Industry, Chiang Mai University, in advancing research and innovation toward global impact. It also reflects a strong commitment to applying scientific and technological knowledge to drive sustainable development in Thailand’s economy, society, and industries.
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