The National Energy Technology Center (ENTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Thailand, participated in the 90th Meeting of the ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (ASEAN COSTI-90) and the first meeting of the Sub-Committee on Materials and Energy Technology (SC-MET-1), held from 13–15 October 2026 in Da Nang, Viet Nam. The meetings provided a platform for ASEAN Member States to strengthen regional cooperation in science, technology and innovation in support of the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology and Innovation (APASTI) 2026–2035.
Led by Dr. Somboon Sahasithiwat, Executive Director, and Dr. Nuwong Chollacoop, Acting Deputy Executive Director, ENTEC participated as a member of SC-MET. Their participation reflected ENTEC’s commitment to advancing international research collaboration and supporting ASEAN’s energy transition through technology development, knowledge exchange, and capacity building.
One of the key agenda items was the presentation of the proposed Low-Carbon H2 ASEAN (LH2ASEAN): Japan–ASEAN Hydrogen Future project. Dr. Nuwong presented the proposal on behalf of ENTEC and Dr. Lily Eurwilaichitr, who developed and coordinated the project proposal. The proposed initiative aims to strengthen regional capacity in low-carbon hydrogen through cross-sectoral cooperation between ASEAN’s science, technology, and innovation networks and its energy cooperation networks.
The project is being advanced through engagement with the ASEAN energy cooperation framework, including the Senior Officials Meeting on Energy (SOME) and the Renewable Energy Sub-Sector Network (RE-SSN), with the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) serving as the coordinating body for engagement with ASEAN Member States. ENTEC aims to seek financial support from the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF) to support capacity-building activities in low-carbon hydrogen across the region.
Through this initiative, ENTEC seeks to promote knowledge sharing, strengthen technical expertise, and support the development of human resources needed to advance low-carbon hydrogen technologies in ASEAN. The proposed project also represents an opportunity to connect Japan’s expertise with ASEAN’s emerging hydrogen priorities and foster practical regional cooperation in clean energy.
ENTEC’s participation in ASEAN COSTI-90 and SC-MET provided an opportunity to exchange views with ASEAN counterparts on regional research priorities and cooperation mechanisms. These discussions contribute to strengthening collaboration across materials and energy technology, facilitating knowledge exchange, and identifying opportunities for joint initiatives that address shared regional challenges.
