CRA Engineer for Lives Revolutionizes Biomedical Engineering Education in Thailand

Bangkok: Chulabhorn Royal Academy opens its doors to the Faculty of Engineering, showcasing the CRA Engineer for Lives concept, transforming biomedical engineering and cultivating engineers to create life-saving innovations.

According to Thai News Agency, the Faculty of Engineering at Chulabhorn Royal Academy continues to reinforce its role as a leader in teaching and research in health technology in Thailand by hosting the "CRA Education Press Tour 2026." Held at the 60th Anniversary Chulabhorn Research and Learning Building, the event highlighted the faculty's mission to produce a new generation of biomedical engineers who merge engineering expertise with medical technology to enhance patient quality of life sustainably.

Associate Professor Dr. Pornphop Naiyanet, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, emphasized the importance of advancing medical technology, stating, "Currently, medical technology (HealthTech) is advancing rapidly. Advanced medical devices have become crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment of patients." He noted the significant role that engineers, particularly biomedical engineers, play in the research and development of medical devices. He also highlighted Thailand's current reliance on imported medical equipment, which the faculty aims to address by developing local expertise to strengthen the country's public health sector.

The new Bachelor of Engineering program in Biomedical Engineering is designed to train engineers capable of applying medical scientific principles to the design and development of medical devices. The program aims to improve the quality of life in Thailand and globally, under the "Engineer for Lives" concept. The curriculum emphasizes Project-Based Learning and Problem-Based Learning, covering essential engineering and medical technology areas, and offers practical experiences at Chulabhorn Hospital and other facilities.

The academy also aims to develop soft skills in entrepreneurship among students, enhancing future business opportunities. The ultimate goal is to create "professional biomedical engineers" who can drive the medical industry forward, reduce reliance on imported technology, and elevate Thai public health standards to ensure all citizens have sustainable access to quality healthcare.

The event included presentations on the curriculum by Dr. Sakol Nakathammaporn and a panel discussion featuring industry professionals like Ms. Rewadee Pariwattatham of GE Healthcare Bioscience and Ms. Nattiya Usaha of the National Cyclotron and PET Scan Center. Participants explored three key laboratory activities: Medical Device Testing, Brain-Controlled Robot Arm technology, and 3D bioprinting processes, providing a comprehensive insight into the future of biomedical engineering.