Chula and TOA Paint (Thailand) Public Company Limited Unite for Impact-Driven Innovation 

Chulalongkorn University and TOA Paint (Thailand) Public Company Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen academic collaboration, applied research, and systematic and sustainable human resource development. The event took place on February 16, 2026, at Chulalongkorn University, with Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, and Mr. Jatuphat Tangkaravakoon, Chief Executive Officer of TOA Paint (Thailand) Public Company Limited, jointly signing the agreement and sharing their vision on the benefits of collaboration between educational institutions and the business sector. 

This academic partnership aims to integrate cross-disciplinary knowledge between the university and the private sector. The collaboration covers data support, applied research development, knowledge transfer, and the practical or commercial extension of research outcomes. It connects expertise from multiple faculties at Chulalongkorn University—including materials and design, communication arts, and business strategy and marketing—with TOA’s industrial challenges in a concrete and practical manner. 

Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat stated that this collaboration reflects the university’s direction toward becoming an “impact-driven university” that meaningfully connects academic knowledge with the real world. Chulalongkorn University believes that integrating cross-disciplinary expertise—spanning design, materials science, communication, and business—with the experience and capabilities of the industrial sector will generate research and innovation that effectively address societal needs. The partnership will also provide students with hands-on learning opportunities, help them develop essential future skills, and prepare them to become high-quality professionals capable of creating sustainable value for the country. 

Mr. Jatuphat Tangkaravakoon reiterated TOA’s strong commitment to collaborating with one of Thailand’s leading educational institutions. He emphasized that in a rapidly changing world, the definitions of business and learning can no longer remain within traditional boundaries. TOA is not merely a paint manufacturer but has evolved into a total solutions provider, addressing aesthetics, protection, and comprehensive housing solutions to enhance people’s quality of life. He also highlighted confidence in the “Power of the New Generation” as a key driving force of the future. 

He stressed that this MOU is not just about financial support but about creating real opportunities for students to gain practical experience. Planned initiatives include thesis exhibitions in design and architecture, interdisciplinary integration across architecture, communication arts, accounting, and business administration, as well as sports and lifestyle activities to engage younger generations. Students will also benefit from integrated learning experiences directly from industry professionals. These efforts aim to create positive social impacts and support long-term human capital development. 

The collaboration will provide Chulalongkorn students with real-world business experience through joint research projects, internships, and cooperative education programs. These experiences will strengthen students’ analytical thinking, problem-solving, communication skills, and comprehensive understanding of industrial contexts. At the same time, the partnership will enhance the quality of the university’s research and extend it toward innovations with tangible practical applications. 

This signing ceremony marks another significant step in bridging academic knowledge with industrial potential. It reflects Chulalongkorn University’s role as a university serving society and TOA’s role as a business organization committed to creating national value through investment in human capital and by opening opportunities for the new generation to grow to its fullest potential.