Chulabhorn Royal Academy Launches the “Faculty of Engineering,” Highlighting “CRA Engineer for Lives” to Transform Biomedical Engineering and Empower Engineers to Create Life-Saving Innovations
The Faculty of Engineering at Chulabhorn Royal Academy (CRA) reinforces its leadership in health technology education and research by hosting the “CRA Education Press Tour 2026.” Held under the theme “CRA Engineer for Lives: Transforming Biomedical Engineering toward Excellence for Lives” at the Princess Chulabhorn Research and Learning Building in Celebration of Her Royal Highness’s 60th Birthday Anniversary, the event presented CRA’s vision to develop a new generation of biomedical engineers who combine engineering expertise with medical technology to sustainably improve patient quality of life.
Assistant Professor Phornphop Naiyanetr, Ph.D., Acting Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Chulabhorn Royal Academy, stated: “Advanced medical technology (HealthTech) is evolving rapidly and has become vital for effective diagnosis and treatment. Biomedical engineers play a critical role in researching and developing these complex medical devices. Thailand currently relies heavily on expensive imported medical equipment each year. The Faculty of Engineering at CRA is committed to raising biomedical engineering professionals capable of developing and maintaining sophisticated medical technologies, as well as collaborating with healthcare personnel in diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. This will foster long-term self-reliance and strengthen Thailand’s public health security.”
In 2026, CRA officially established the Faculty of Engineering, focusing on “Engineering that Transforms Medical Science” to align with CRA’s philosophy, “Be Excellent for Lives.” The faculty offers a Bachelor of Engineering Program in Biomedical Engineering, designed to prepare engineers to apply medical science principles to design and develop medical instruments and clinical processes under the concept of “Engineer for Lives.”
Curriculum Highlights & Practical Experience
The curriculum relies on Project-Based Learning and Problem-Based Learning, covering fundamental engineering, design, manufacturing, maintenance, and research. Students gain hands-on experience across multiple settings:
- Academic & Research Labs: State-of-the-art facilities across CRA faculties.
- Real-World Environments: Practical training at Chulabhorn Hospital, CRA’s Chulabhorn Royal Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Facility, medical device importers, and domestic medical manufacturing plants.
- Entrepreneurial Skills: Integration of soft skills and business management training to empower graduates to become future health-tech entrepreneurs.
“Our ultimate goal is not just conferring degrees, but shaping professional biomedical engineers who will drive the nation’s medical industry, reduce dependence on technology imports, and sustainably elevate Thailand’s healthcare standards for all,” added Asst. Prof. Dr. Phornphop.
Event Activities & Interactive Station Highlights
Participants—including members of the press, faculty, and high school students—attended an insightful academic session titled “Behind the Scenes of Biomedical Engineers: Driving Future Healthcare” by Dr. Sakol Nakdhamabhorn. This was followed by an inspirational panel discussion, “When Passion for Engineering Meets Interest in Healthcare,” featuring Ms. Raywadee Pariwatteetam (Product Manager, GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences Thailand) and Ms. Nattiya Usaha (Cyclotron Engineer, National Cyclotron and PET Scan Centre, Chulabhorn Hospital).
Attendees also explored three interactive laboratory stations on the 4th floor:
- Medical Device Testing: Testing standards for widely used medical devices, such as infusion pumps and patient monitors.
- Brain Control Robot Arm: Demonstrating robotic arm control using brainwave signals.
- From Design to Manufacturing: Exploring 3D Bioprinting, Ansys simulation, and tissue engineering structures for implants or drug testing.
The event concluded with a tour of the modern CRA Learning Library on the 2nd floor.
In closing, Asst. Prof. Dr. Phornphop expressed his hope that the Press Tour would inspire youth and society to recognize the profound impact of biomedical engineers as key innovators in saving lives and strengthening Thailand’s public health system.
