Thailand and Netherlands Collaborate to Boost High-Tech Workforce


Manila:The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) is partnering with the Netherlands to enhance human resources for high-tech industries. This collaboration aims to integrate industrial knowledge and expertise with Thai education, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the evolving technological demands of entrepreneurs.



According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Panphermsak Arunee, Deputy Permanent Secretary of MHESI, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NXP Manufacturing (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and Siam Silica. This agreement focuses on cooperation in education, research, and human resources development in advanced semiconductors and electronics. The signing ceremony was attended by Prof. Dr. Yoschanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of MHESI, and Mr. Sjoerd Sjoerdsma, Minister of International Trade and Development Cooperation of the Netherlands.



The collaboration aims to enhance undergraduate, graduate, and professional training curricula to align with technological advancements and labor market requirements. It will support research and development, innovation, internships, and co-operative education, alongside upskilling and reskilling initiatives for students and industry personnel. The initiative will also facilitate knowledge exchange between educators and industry, promoting the use of resources and laboratories for teaching and research purposes.



Additionally, an agreement between Mahanakorn University of Technology and the University of Twente in the Netherlands was signed to foster cooperation in education and technology. This includes student and researcher exchanges, academic networking, and research collaborations, providing Thai students and personnel access to international educational expertise.



This partnership builds on MHESI’s official visit to the Netherlands and Belgium in June, where discussions with leading educational institutions focused on advancing cooperation in microelectronics, photonics, and advanced packaging technologies. The collaboration seeks to improve the quality of education and workforce competencies in Thailand, adapting to technological changes and industry needs to bolster the country’s competitiveness.