The Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) was established in 1993 through a joint agreement among the governments of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, and has continuously pursued collaborative initiatives since its inception. The primary objective is to empower the private sector within the subregion to lead trade and investment activities, thereby driving economic growth and fostering regional economic development. The three member governments have committed to strengthening the private sector's role in propelling economic progress, while the public sector provides an enabling environment and infrastructure to facilitate economic development. Furthermore, the IMT-GT framework has been integrated into the national economic development plans of each member country to ensure sustained development.
IMT-GT regularly conducts key meetings and activities. Most recently, the subregion organized the International Rubber Innovation Camp 2026 under the Project Implementation Team on Rubber City and Rubber Industry Cooperation (PIT RCRIC) within the IMT-GT framework. Held from July 20 to 24, 2026, in Songkhla Province, the event aimed to promote learning in rubber innovation, advance natural rubber product development, and build collaborative networks among approximately 24 participants from IMT-GT member countries. On this occasion, the Thai Rubber Association (TRA) assigned Mr. Phudit Junthawadee, TRA Secretary, and Ms. Suthida Chitwang, TRA International Coordinator, to participate in the program. Key takeaways from the camp included: 1) gaining insights into the innovation development processโfrom identifying pain points and product design to market analysis and business plan presentations; 2) sharpening soft and hard skills, including teamwork, innovative thinking, problem-solving, business planning, and pitching under time constraints; and 3) exchanging knowledge and establishing networks among participants from IMT-GT member nations, laying a crucial foundation for future cooperation in rubber innovation under the IMT-GT economic framework.
The program also featured a prototype competition focused on addressing real-world pain points in the rubber industry through a combination of technology, sustainability, and commercial viability. Awards were presented to winning teams from Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia to celebrate their achievements and commend their dedication to developing innovative potential. Mr. Supadetch Ongsakul, TRA Deputy Secretary-General, and Ms. Piyaporn SaeLim, TRA Manager, had the honor of serving on the distinguished panel of judges for this event. This event marks another significant milestone in forging collaborative networks among youth, researchers, academia, and industry leaders within the IMT-GT subregion. It fosters knowledge exchange, enhances innovation capabilities, and drives the creative, sustainable, and high-value utilization of natural rubber on an international scale.
Mr. Veerasith Sinchareonkul
President
The Thai Rubber Association
