On August 27-28, 2026, at Lima, Peru
The National Energy Technology Center (ENTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), led by Executive Director Dr. Somboon Sahasithiwat and Acting Deputy Executive Director Dr. Nuwong Chollacoop, participated in the APEC Future of Smart Mobility Workshop, held in Peru on 27-28 August 2026. The workshop provided an important platform for exchanging knowledge and perspectives with experts, policymakers, researchers, and industry representatives from 12 APEC member economies to foster cross-border collaboration on connected and sustainable transportation ecosystems.
The workshop was supported by the APEC Policy Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation (PPSTI) and hosted by the National Council for Science, Technology and Technological Innovation (CONCYTEC) under the theme “Future of Smart Mobility: Driving Resource-Efficient Transportation with Cutting-Edge Technologies.” The workshop aimed to strengthen international collaboration and promote innovative approaches to sustainable and resource-efficient transportation.
On this occasion, Dr. Somboon delivered a presentation on “Future Direction,” highlighting opportunities to promote and advance collaboration in science, technology, and innovation under the APEC framework to jointly drive the development of smart mobility and future transportation systems across the region. His presentation emphasized the importance of knowledge and experience sharing among APEC member economies, strengthening research and innovation networks, and promoting the development and application of technologies and innovations to address future challenges. Key areas included electric vehicles, battery technologies, and energy systems, with potential for joint application and further development at the regional level to support efficient, sustainable, and future-ready transportation systems.
Meanwhile, Dr. Nuwong Chollacoop delivered a presentation entitled “Electric Vehicles, Batteries, and Critical Materials in Smart Mobility: Thailand Perspectives,” highlighting Thailand’s perspectives and development directions toward becoming a regional Zero-Emission Mobility Hub. He outlined Thailand’s 30@30 policy, which targets for zero-emission vehicles to account for 30% of total vehicle production by 2030, and shared recent developments in EV adoption and industry growth.
Dr. Nuwong also highlighted Thailand’s efforts to strengthen domestic EV supply chains through policies promoting local manufacturing. He discussed the 2026 regulations requiring the domestic assembly of battery cells, modules, and key EV powertrain components, as well as measures aimed at enhancing the country’s competitiveness in advanced mobility technologies.
In addition, he addressed key issues related to critical material management, fast-charging infrastructure deployment, and circular economy strategies. His presentation emphasized Thailand’s evolving regulatory framework for e-waste management and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), as well as ENTEC’s collaboration with the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) on the development of an ASEAN EV Battery Passport, a regional initiative to enhance battery traceability and support sustainable battery value chains.
Throughout the workshop, the ENTEC delegation actively exchanged knowledge and perspectives with representatives from Australia, Chile, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, the Philippines, Chinese Taipei, and Vietnam on key issues shaping the future of smart mobility. These included technology foresight, artificial intelligence in mobility, cybersecurity, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication, battery standards, and policies supporting future transportation systems.
The workshop served as an important platform for ENTEC to share Thailand’s experience and perspectives while presenting directions for advancing collaboration under the APEC framework to jointly promote the development of smart mobility across the region. It also provided an opportunity to strengthen networks with partners across the Asia-Pacific region, reflecting ENTEC’s role in advancing research, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration. These efforts contribute to the transition toward transportation systems that are more sustainable, connected, and intelligent, while supporting the region in responding to emerging technological developments and future transportation challenges.
