Launch of Pak-Thai Digital Innovation Lab – A New Digital Innovation Alliance between Chiang Mai University and National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Pakistan
13 November 2024
College of Art, Media and Technology
Chiang Mai – Chiang Mai University (CMU) and National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Pakistan, jointly launched the Pak-Thai Digital Innovation Lab (PTDIL) on July 24, 2024, with the aim of creating innovations to address current social challenges. The launch event was honored by Asst. Prof. Dr. Pradorn Sureephong from the College of Arts, Media and Technology, Chiang Mai University, and Prof. Rafia Mumtaz from NUST, as co-founders of the lab, who jointly announced their vision. This is an important collaboration in creating an international digital laboratory jointly at both universities, which will promote joint research, exchange resources and technologies, and support the exchange of students and lecturers from both countries.
Under the concept of “Twin Lab” jointly promoted by CMU and NUST, PTDIL will serve as a platform for the two institutions to exchange knowledge, create new ideas, and drive cutting-edge technologies to address challenges in the digital age.
Real-world collaboration projects in the PTDIL laboratory
PTDIL has initiated various interesting projects to enhance society in all dimensions, such as:
1. Digital Health Project – Enhance health with digital technology
In collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University and partners in Europe and Asia, such as Belgium, France, and the UK, under the Erasmus+ program, aiming to use digital technology in exercise activities to prevent falls in the elderly and use AI to help monitor heartbeats (Cardiovascular Monitoring) to help detect abnormalities in advance, increasing safety and good health for the public.
2. Smart City Project – Stepping into a smart city
This Smart Nimman Connext project was initiated in collaboration with the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) and Chiang Mai Municipality to use AI cameras to analyze traffic and tourist behavior in the Nimmanhaemin area to promote better area management, create superior and environmentally friendly tourism experiences.
3. Smart Agriculture Project – Technology for smart agriculture
Collaboration with Mae Fah Luang University under the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Fund (LMCF) framework to use AI and Computer Vision technology to detect pest outbreaks and monitor the health of fattened cattle using smart scales. Helping farmers reduce costs, increase productivity and improve the quality of sustainable agriculture
Future Collaboration Perspectives and Directions
This collaboration will not only focus on innovative research for development, but also on building potential in all dimensions of society, leading to a sustainable future. As Pakistan’s leading science and technology institute with expertise in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital innovation, NUST will help enhance CMU’s research potential in the fields of Smart City and Digital Twin, and will also jointly develop a master’s degree program in Digital Technology Management through student and researcher exchanges, which will enhance CMU students’ AI skills and support technology management in the rapidly expanding digital age.
The launch of Pak-Thai Digital Innovation Lab is just the beginning of an endless journey of innovation and creativity, which will lead to sustainable progress and benefits for both countries.