The Asian Air Quality Operations Center by Space Technology, Geo-informatics and Environmental Engineering (AiroTEC), Chiang Mai Rajabhat University, continues to move forward toward sustainability in line with its strategic direction by organizing the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Chiang Mai Rajabhat University and NMB-Minebea Thai Ltd.

The MOU aims to promote knowledge exchange and to expand concrete academic collaboration, with a particular focus on supporting smart energy solutions, as well as the development of data and technologies related to air quality and environmental monitoring.

This collaboration seeks to support the University’s operations through access to air-quality monitoring instruments, meteorological data, and related environmental knowledge, which will be further utilized to enhance teaching, research, and long-term academic development.

The signing ceremony was held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., at Ueang Sai Song Saeng Conference Room, 3rd Floor, Digital Education Office Building, Chiang Mai Rajabhat University.

On this occasion, Associate Professor Dr. Chatree Maneekosol, President of Chiang Mai Rajabhat University, delivered the welcoming remarks. This was followed by a keynote speech by Mr. Yoshihiro Sakanushi, President of NMB-Minebea Thai Ltd. Representatives from the company also presented information on relevant instruments and outlined key areas of cooperation under the joint operational framework.

The event was attended by university executives, faculty members, and staff from both organizations, who served as witnesses and actively exchanged perspectives on academic collaboration and the development of technologies related to air quality and environmental management. The ceremony reflected the strong commitment of both parties to driving tangible and sustainable outcomes through future collaboration.

Participants in the Signing Ceremony

Chiang Mai Rajabhat University

1. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chatree Maneekosol – President of Chiang Mai Rajabhat University (Chairperson)
2. Asst. Prof. Dr. Kraisorn Laksnsiri – Assistant to the President
3. Dr. Warasuda Wattanawong – Director, International Affairs Office (IAO)
4. Asst. Prof. Dr. Ratchaphon Samphutthanont – Director, AiroTEC
5. Asst. Prof. Dr. Phathranit Kitthitinan – Deputy Director, AiroTEC
6. Asst. Prof. Worawit Suppawimut – Deputy Director, AiroTEC
7. Asst. Prof. Piyawadee Nilsonthi – Deputy Director of the Library and AiroTEC Committee Member
8. Asst. Prof. Baicha Wongtui – AiroTEC Committee Member
9. Asst. Prof. Dr. Sudarat Saengkaew – AiroTEC Committee Member
10. Asst. Prof. Suphanit Chansong – AiroTEC Committee Member
11. Ms. Patcharin Somphut – AiroTEC Committee Member
12. Ms. Waneewan Suphasa – AiroTEC Committee Member

NMB-Minebea Thai Ltd.

1. Mr. Yoshihiro Sakanushi – President of NMB-Minebea Thai Ltd.
2. Mr. Takashi Aoki – Deputy General Manager
3. Mr. Takahito Inoue – Assistant Chief Associate
4. Mr. Atsushi Takeuchi – Chief Engineer
5. Mr. Yuma Tamura – Engineer
6. Ms. Nonoko Suzuki – Engineer
7. Mr. Kraisorn Kaekhom – Assistant Manager
8. Mr. Phanupong Tempiem – Senior Engineer

In addition, representatives from AiroTEC, CMRU and NMB-Minebea Thai Ltd. participated in an operational collaboration meeting, site visits to air quality and environmental monitoring facilities, and hands-on demonstrations of Smart Environment Sensors and Air Quality Sensors. These activities were conducted to support the development of research, teaching and learning, and academic services.

The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding marks another significant milestone in strengthening academic, technological, and environmental data collaboration between the two organizations. The partnership is expected to support the advancement of research and innovation that addresses societal needs, while fostering mutual and sustainable benefits through an integrated and collaborative approach in the future.