On 23-25 July, 2026 – The APEC Center for Technology Foresight (APEC CTF) participated in the Asia-Pacific Symposium for Strategic Innovation in Sustainable Technology (ASSIST). The symposium was organised under the APEC framework through the Policy Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation (PPSTI) and was held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China. Thailand participated as a co-sponsoring economy, together with China; Hong Kong, China; Malaysia; and Peru, while China served as the host economy.

The symposium provided a platform for scientific research institutions and the private sector to strengthen the value and application of green technologies. It also facilitated the exchange of ideas and approaches for advancing technological innovation in sustainable transportation. The discussions focused particularly on the development of the low-altitude economy and low-carbon urban air mobility, including electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, or eVTOLs; aviation equipment manufacturing; advanced materials; and clean-energy applications. These technologies are expected to accelerate the development and practical deployment of low-carbon air mobility systems across the Asia-Pacific region.

Dr. Natthamon Suwanaprom and Mr. Chatkapat Bunnag, Policy Researchers at APEC CTF and NXPO, participated as representatives of Thailand. They contributed to the exchange of policy perspectives and supported stronger cooperation in science, technology, and innovation among APEC member economies.

During the event, Dr. Natthamon presented certificates of recognition to companies selected for their outstanding low-altitude aviation innovations under the “2026 APEC Low-Altitude Economy Innovation Pioneer Cases”, which formed part of the ASSIST symposium. The awards recognised enterprises that have played a significant role in advancing innovation and supporting the development of sustainable urban air mobility systems. Among the award recipients was Zhejiang Sensha Aviation Technology Co., Ltd., whose “Sensha Intelligent Mobile Heliport” was recognised as an outstanding low-altitude aviation product and an exemplary innovation case in the APEC region.