Chiang mai: Chiang Mai University (CMU) wins the 'Better Stands Gold Award' at Fi Vietnam 2026, showcasing the power of Thai herbal innovation to the international stage.
According to Thai News Agency, Chiang Mai University (CMU) has made a name for itself through its Food and Packaging Innovation Center (FIN) from the Faculty of Agro-Industry, which led a team of researchers and entrepreneurs to win the 'Better Stands Gold Award' at the international exhibition 'Fi Vietnam 2026.' This award reflects the university's international exhibition standards, coupled with sustainability concepts and environmentally friendly exhibition space management. From May 13-15, 2026, the Food and Packaging Innovation Center (FIN), Faculty of Agro-Industry, CMU, along with faculty members, researchers, and entrepreneurs under the project 'Connecting and Strengthen Herbal Capabilities in Mekong-Lancang with Green Technology,' participated in the Food Ingredients Vietnam 2026 (Fi Vietnam 2026) exhibition at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City, Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Associate Professor Dr. Yutthana Pimolsiriphol, Dean of the Faculty of Agro-Industry, CMU, led the award-winning team.
The exhibition booth showcased research and innovations in herbal extracts resulting from collaboration between universities, researchers, and entrepreneurs in the Mekong-Lancang region. These projects continuously attracted interest from investors, experts, and visitors from various countries throughout the event. One standout innovation was 'Sero-9,' research from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, led by Associate Professor Dr. Warthida Chaiyana. Developed using herbal knowledge combined with green technology, it incorporates extracts of rose petals, rhizomes, and a nanoemulsion containing cricket protein. This aims to increase the value and potential of Thai herbal extracts for commercial use. Furthermore, it has been further developed in collaboration with Siam Dermapotec Co., Ltd., reflecting the successful link between research and industry.
The project was supported by the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Fund (LMC Fund) and resulted from collaboration among regional partners: Souphanouvong University in Laos, Nong Lam University in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and Vietnam National University of Agriculture (VNUA) in Hanoi, Vietnam. This achievement reflects Chiang Mai University's role in driving innovation in food, herbal medicine, and green technology through international collaboration networks, while also promoting Thai research on the global stage, creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs, and elevating the herbal industry towards sustainable development in the Mekong-Lancang region and internationally.