The School of Engineering at King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with LIG Defense & Aerospace Co., Ltd. of the Republic of Korea, cementing a high-level partnership aimed at advancing Thailand’s capabilities in defense technology, telecommunications engineering, and advanced communications.

The signing ceremony, held at KMITL’s School of Engineering auditorium, was led by Associate Professor Dr. Somyot Kiatvanichvilai, Dean of the School of Engineering, and Dr. Hyeon Soo Lee, President of LIG Defense & Aerospace. Senior executives from both institutions attended, with Mr. Boonsak Kiatjaroonlert, CEO of Kumwell Corporation PLC, serving as a formal witness.

KMITL’s School of Engineering has long positioned itself as a primary gateway for technology transfer in Thailand, channeling global expertise into the country’s engineering and innovation landscape. Under the new agreement, the two parties will collaborate on joint training programs, research and development initiatives, and deep technology transfer—with a particular focus on sectors critical to national security and economic competitiveness.

A key priority of the MOU is supporting the Royal Thai Navy’s Frigate II program, one of Thailand’s most strategically significant defense procurement initiatives. The partnership is designed to accelerate domestic localization efforts within this flagship project, reducing reliance on foreign expertise and building indigenous technical capacity over the long term.

“This agreement goes beyond a standard academic collaboration. It lays the groundwork for cultivating a highly skilled, future-ready workforce in cutting-edge technologies, and directly bridges the gap between research and real-world industrial application.” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Somyot Kiatvanichvilai, Dean, School of Engineering, KMITL

“Strengthening local capabilities is not just a strategic preference—it is essential for long-term industrial resilience and technological security. We are committed to ensuring that this partnership delivers lasting, tangible benefits to Thailand’s technology ecosystem.” Dr. Hyeon Soo Lee, President, LIG Defense & Aerospace

The MOU signals a broader ambition: to position Thailand as a regional hub for advanced technology development. With KMITL anchoring the academic and R&D dimension of the partnership, both organizations expect the collaboration to yield measurable progress in defense, high-tech communications, and critical infrastructure—sectors increasingly vital to Thailand’s long-term strategic interests.

About KMITL School of Engineering

The School of Engineering at King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL) is one of Thailand’s foremost institutions for engineering education, research, and international technology transfer. The school serves as a strategic bridge between global innovation and Thailand’s growing industrial and defense sectors.

About LIG Defense & Aerospace

LIG Defense & Aerospace Co., Ltd. is a South Korean defense and aerospace company specializing in advanced communications systems, defense technology, and high-precision engineering. The company is a key player in South Korea’s globally recognized defense industry.

Thailand and Bangladesh are accelerating discussions on a free trade agreement (FTA) as both countries seek to expand trade, investment and regional connectivity across the Bay of Bengal.

The issue was highlighted at a conference held on May 12 at the United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC) in Bangkok, jointly organised by the International Institute for Trade and Development (ITD), the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), and the Embassy of Bangladesh in Thailand.

Officials, academics and business leaders from both countries said the agreement could become an important mechanism for strengthening economic ties between South Asia and Southeast Asia.

The talks come as Bangladesh prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2029, which will eventually end trade privileges currently granted under the Duty-Free Quota-Free (DFQF) scheme.

Bangladesh has accelerated FTA negotiations with several trading partners and views Thailand as a strategic gateway to the Asean market under its “Look East Policy”.

According to Thailand’s Department of Trade Negotiations, bilateral trade between the two countries reached around US$1 billion in 2025, with Thailand exporting industrial raw materials and chemical products, while importing textiles, frozen seafood and natural gas from Bangladesh.

Speakers said the two economies were more complementary than competitive.

Thailand’s strengths in petrochemicals, advanced manufacturing and healthcare services could support Bangladesh’s growing manufacturing sector, large labour force and expanding consumer market.

Professor Selim Raihan of the University of Dhaka said the agreement should go beyond tariff reductions and include investment facilitation, technology transfer and supply-chain integration.

ESCAP estimates suggest Bangladesh’s GDP could increase by around 0.07% if the agreement is fully utilised alongside increased Thai investment. ESCAP’s TINA assessment also found that stronger trade facilitation measures could increase bilateral economic value by more than 40%.

Logistics connectivity was another major focus of the discussions, particularly the proposed link between Thailand’s Ranong Port and Bangladesh’s Chittagong Port, as well as Thailand’s Landbridge project.

Business leaders said improved transport routes could help reduce shipping costs, shorten delivery times and strengthen the Bay of Bengal’s role as an emerging regional trade hub.

The conference also highlighted investment opportunities in healthcare, renewable energy, agro-processing, logistics, ICT and advanced manufacturing.

Thailand and Bangladesh signed a joint statement of intent on FTA negotiations in 2024 and are currently preparing a scoping paper to define the framework for future talks.

Thailand Trade Representative Chutintorn Gongsakdi said the absence of major political or historical disputes between the two countries created favourable conditions for moving negotiations forward.

“This is the right time for both countries to move towards a more comprehensive economic partnership,” he said.

ITD executive director Suphakit Chareonkul said the agreement should be viewed not only as a trade pact, but also as a long-term platform for economic cooperation between South Asia and Southeast Asia.

“With Bangladesh’s growing market and Thailand’s industrial expertise, the agreement could become an important driver of sustainable regional growth in the future,” he said.

NPS PLUS showcased full-scale premium elevators at Architect’69 while officially launching UP by NPS PLUS, a European-standard home elevator brand that promotes the concept of integrating elevator systems into homes and buildings from the very beginning of the design process under the principles of Universal Design, safety, and Wellness Architecture.

Architect’69 was held from April 29 – May 3, 2026, at Challenger Hall, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani. The event featured innovations in architecture, construction materials, building technologies, and design concepts from leading companies across the architecture and construction industries.

Among the exhibitors was NPS PLUS, a comprehensive provider of elevator, escalator, and moving walk systems. The company presented its approach to integrating engineering systems with architectural design, particularly in planning elevator systems to suit residential and commercial buildings from the earliest stages of development.

Mr. Patomlerk Pongchaikaikiti, second-generation executive of NPS PLUS and the person overseeing the company’s exhibition booth, stated:

“NPS PLUS has more than 22 years of experience in the industry, covering design, installation, maintenance, and modernization of elevator systems, while operating under internationally recognized standards including CE, EN-81, EN-115, and ISO 9001:2015.”

“In our perspective, elevators are not merely machines that transport people from one floor to another. They are essential systems within homes and buildings that relate directly to safety, quality of life, long-term usability, and the overall architectural design. Therefore, this exhibition was not intended only to showcase products, but also to open a broader conversation about the role of elevators in modern living spaces and architecture,” he added.

The highlight of Booth L501 was the installation of “real elevators” that allowed visitors to experience actual dimensions, proportions, door systems, and operational functionality firsthand, rather than viewing elevators only through catalogs or digital presentations. This approach reflected the company’s belief that elevators can become an integral part of architectural design when planned from the beginning of the project.

During the exhibition, NPS PLUS also shared information about elevator design under the concept of Universal Design, which supports accessibility for elderly users, individuals with mobility limitations, and residents of all age groups. The company provided consultations for homeowners, architects, contractors, developers, and building owners involved in construction projects.

Mr. Patomlerk explained“For homeowners, there are several important considerations ranging from space preparation and user convenience to safety systems and after-sales maintenance. Architects can apply structural and spatial planning information to ensure elevator systems align seamlessly with the overall design of the home or building. Contractors and developers can also incorporate structural preparation, electrical systems, and maintenance planning into their long-term project management strategies.”

In addition, NPS PLUS officially introduced UP by NPS PLUS, also known as UP Homelift, a premium home elevator developed under the concept “Lift UP Your Life.” The company described it as a European-standard EN 81 home elevator designed specifically to meet the lifestyle and living needs of Thai homeowners, with strong emphasis on safety, comfort, and contemporary design aesthetics.

Mr. Patomlerk said “The UP Homelift displayed at the exhibition utilizes a Traction Belt motor system, which provides smoother movement, reduced noise levels, and suitability for residential use. We intentionally positioned the product as part of interior and architectural design rather than merely a mechanical device inside a building.”

He further explained that the launch of UP Homelift was also intended to align with the concept of Wellness Architecture, which focuses on improving the well-being of residents through thoughtful building design. “We focus on two key dimensions. The first is Biomedical Design, which addresses the needs of aging societies by reducing physical strain and improving convenience for residents. The second is Building Science, which involves motor systems, energy-efficient technologies, noise reduction, and elevator ventilation systems. These concepts align with the direction of modern building design, including projects that prioritize wellness and environmental standards such as WELL and TREES.”

Mr. Patomlerk concluded by stating that both NPS PLUS and UP Homelift aim to elevate the role of home elevators as an essential consideration from the beginning of construction, rather than as an afterthought or optional addition. The company also continues to prioritize safety, comfort, and long-term quality of life for residents.

More information can be found at:

NPS PLUS Official Website www.npsplus.co.th

UP by NPS PLUS Official Website UP by NPS PLUS www.nps-up.co/