DuPont opens innovation center in Thailand

Date:08-18-2011

The first DuPont Innovation Center in the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region opened yesterday in Bangkok, Thailand, and will focus on collaborative solutions for the food and agriculture, oil and gas, renewable energy and construction industries. The center is the third in Asia Pacific to begin collaborations with local customers and partners following the June opening of the Innovation Centers in Korea and Taiwan.

More than 70 customers and partners and nearly 20 journalists participated in the opening, including senior leaders from the Charoen Pokphand Food Group (CPF) and the Siam Cement Group (SCG). Officiating at the opening ceremony was guest of honor Dr. Thaweesak Koanantakul, president of the National Science and Technology Development Agency, along with DuPont leaders Mark Vergnano, executive vice president; Carl Lukach, president – DuPont East Asia; Hsing Ho, ASEAN managing director; and Laohverapanich Somchai, Thailand managing director.

"The ASEAN population has grown to become the third largest after China and India, generating greater need for food, energy and protection,” said Dr Somchai. “DuPont Thailand is committed to collaborating with our partners and customers to find innovative solutions to meet the rising needs in the country and the ASEAN region. This is the driving force behind establishing this Innovation Center.”

"Science-powered innovation is the engine that drives DuPont. Together with our partners, we are applying our vast range of scientific expertise and knowledge to address some of the world’s most complex problems,” said Mark Vergnano. “Our Innovation Centers will demonstrate the problem-solving might of private/public alliances, serve as a catalyst for growth in these regions and serve to uncover unmet needs that will improve the lives of people everywhere.”

The DuPont Innovation Center in Thailand is the first center of the ASEAN Innovation Center network and is part of the global plan to create a worldwide network of innovation centers connecting Asia, Europe and Latin America. The goal of this forward-looking initiative is to develop new solutions together with our partners to address global needs.