National Science Museum, Thailand receives two honours at GovMedia Conference & Awards 2026
The museum connected partners through two initiatives focused on expanding inclusive access to science learning.
National Science Museum, Thailand received two accolades at the GovMedia Conference & Awards 2026, winning Thailand Outreach Project of the Year - Science and Technology and Thailand Public-Private Partnership of the Year - Science and Technology.
The awards recognised two separate initiatives: Science Caravan and Harmony World Puppet Innovation Festival 2024. One brought science activities to schools and community spaces with limited access to experiential learning. The other used traditional puppetry as a platform for science communication, linking performance, robotics, engineering concepts, and STEM learning.
Taking science activities into regional communities
Science Caravan addressed uneven access to experiential science learning in remote and underserved areas. The programme brought mobile exhibitions, hands-on STEM activities, and participatory workshops, and immersive learning experiences to schools and community spaces, rather than relying on museum visits as the main point of access.
Local authorities, schools, and community organisations supported its delivery across regional settings. Students, teachers, and residents took part in activities linked to familiar situations, helping them connect scientific ideas with practical use. The format also gave teachers and local partners materials and activities that could be adjusted to suit different learning needs, locations, and community contexts.
The initiative positioned outreach as a direct service for communities with fewer opportunities to engage with science. Its mobile structure allowed the museum to reach broader audiences whilst supporting critical thinking, problem-solving, and interest in science-based learning.
Using puppetry to connect culture, technology, and science
Harmony World Puppet Innovation Festival 2024 used traditional puppetry as an entry point for science communication. The festival gathered public institutions, private-sector partners, international artists, educators, and innovators through performances, exhibitions, workshops, and interactive activities.
Puppetry carried the technical link. Movement, mechanics, design, storytelling, engineering concepts, robotics, and STEM activities were presented through cultural forms already familiar to many audiences. This gave the festival a distinct format, where heritage and science were placed in the same learning environment without treating either as secondary.
Museum spaces were used for performances, exhibitions, and workshops, creating a shared venue for cultural presentation and public learning. The project also connected science communication with creative industries, tourism, education, and cross-sector collaboration.
Together, the two initiatives demonstrate NSM's commitment to expanding access to science learning through inclusive outreach, cross-sector collaboration, and public engagement. Science Caravan focused on mobile outreach for communities with limited access to science learning. Harmony World Puppet Innovation Festival 2024 used a cultural event to bring science, technology, and creative practice together on a public platform..
The GovMedia Conference & Awards recognises trends and best practices that transform the public sector in Asia Pacific. The awards programme promotes excellence and provides a platform for exemplary government initiatives.
The GovMedia Conference & Awards is presented by GovMedia Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2027 awards programme and be recognised for your organisation's government projects and initiatives, please contact Marni Marco at +(65) 3158 1386 and [email protected].
