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Chulalongkorn University’s Pollution Control Department, in collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering, the Digital Government Development Agency (DGA), and a wireless network company in Thailand, has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on advancing digital technology platforms for environmental and ecosystem management. The goal of this cooperation is to improve the overall quality of life for residents by ensuring a clean and healthy environment for everyone.
The surrounding areas face pressing environmental and ecological challenges that demand immediate attention. Recognising these issues, Chulalongkorn University’s Pollution Control Department, the Faculty of Engineering, DGA, and a wireless network company have identified a shared concern. Their collective efforts align with the government’s stated policy, as Prime Minister Mr Settha Thavisin articulated on last September. The government acknowledges the significance of preserving the country’s natural resources and environment, which are integral to national development and the well-being of its people.
The government is committed to addressing environmental issues that hold national importance, particularly the escalating problem of PM2.5 dust and smoke. This issue has been intensifying each year and has adverse effects on the health of all citizens.
The Faculty of Engineering at Chulalongkorn University has researched and developed environmental information. They have successfully created a “Dust warning system” capable of continuously measuring PM2.5 dust levels for over five years. This system includes a platform that disseminates PM2.5 dust information through CuSense and Sensor for all platforms, featuring an API that facilitates the retrieval of dust data. Moreover, the system can be adapted for various applications.
Prof Dr Suphot Techawarasinsakul, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Chulalongkorn University, emphasised the significance of this collaboration, as it allows for the pooling of resources from different organisations to create a digital technology platform for environmental and ecosystem management. This platform will provide open access to ecological data, offering convenient utilisation for all sectors. It serves as a crucial mechanism to promote available data sets, ultimately addressing the issue of PM2.5 air quality in Thailand.
On the other hand, the wireless network company, under the leadership of Mr Watanyu Sevikul, Head of the Corporate Sales Department, recognises the global significance of 5G technology. It is a significant trend with widespread adoption worldwide, serving as infrastructure for various industries. The Internet of Things (IoT) is another technology poised to create new opportunities for the Thai population. As a digital technology service provider, the Thai wireless network firm is committed to innovating for the nation. This includes building a network covering all 77 provinces in Thailand, the first and only of its kind. The wireless network company also supports and collaborates on innovations across sectors, contributing to a robust national ecosystem, enhancing the digital experience and increasing efficiency across all sectors and dimensions by developing 5G technology.
Dr Supot Tiarawut, the Director of the Digital Government Development Agency (DGA), emphasised the DGA’s role as the central agency driving government digitalisation. He discussed collaborative strategies with the Pollution Control Department, Chulalongkorn University, and Thai wireless network firm to leverage digital technology for air quality management. All parties agreed to work together to promote digital technology in environmental ecosystem management as outlined in the memorandum of cooperation.
The DGA’s core mission is to serve as a government-open data centre, supporting, encouraging, monitoring, advising, and promoting government agencies to develop accurate and up-to-date open information. This information can be used in various ways to benefit citizens, the private sector, and the government. The DGA is enthusiastic about supporting and advocating for the utilisation of open environmental data sets through this collaborative project.
Furthermore, the DGA has developed the “Government application”, akin to a comprehensive government SUPER APP that consolidates services from various government agencies to address citizens’ needs. Presently, it offers over 112 services, and the DGA aims to enhance its services through the outcomes of this project. This cooperative project is expected to contribute to policies aimed at improving the quality of life for citizens, focusing on fostering a high quality of life and a clean environment accessible to everyone.