On February 13, 2025, Dr. Nalinee Taveesin, the President of Thailand Trade Representatives, visited the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) to discuss collaboration on workforce development, upskilling, and future skills. She was accompanied by Dr. Siriphan Chumnum, President of the Bangkok Vocational Education Council, and Dr. Suwannee Kamman, President of the International Association for the Future STEM Workforce, and was welcomed by AIT President Prof. Pai-Chi Li and senior AIT officials.
President Li highlighted AIT’s long standing engagement with Thailand, dating back to its early days at Chulalongkorn University, and reaffirmed that for over 65 years, AIT has been proudly hosted by the Thai Government. The recent approval of the 12th phase (2025-2029) of the Cooperation Plan between Thailand and AIT, alongside the launch of the new AIT Blueprint, underscores the government’s commitment to producing high-caliber graduates and research that drive national and regional development. He noted that advancements in AI, semiconductors, and automation present both challenges and opportunities, and that AIT is well-positioned to support Thailand’s role in regional innovation.
Dr. Nalinee emphasized that her visit reflected the government’s commitment to enhancing national competitiveness by developing a highly skilled workforce aligned with target industries such as digital technology, electric vehicles, automation, logistics, and renewable energy. She noted that AIT plays a crucial role in bridging international knowledge with Thailand’s labor market needs through research and development in key academic domains, including Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Medical Engineering, Mechatronics and Machine Intelligence, Computer Science, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Information and Communications Technologies, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
During the visit, AIT presented its work on “Enhanced Future Skills for the Thai Workforce Towards New Industries” and proposed the development of “Thailand Innovative Tech Skills Framework”, “Thailand Innovative Tech Workforce Information System” and “Thailand Skill Academy for Innovation and Digital Transformation”. Ongoing initiatives by the Thai Government on upskilling and reskilling were discussed, including micro-credentials, credit bank systems, and efforts to align and match skills across ASEAN countries. Collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to strengthen agricultural colleges was also highlighted, along with the importance of research in supporting industry and advancing education systems.
President Li emphasized the importance of research, noting that 19 AIT professors are ranked among the top 2% of the world’s most influential scientists in their respective disciplines. He also reiterated that AIT’s flexibility in academic offerings is a key strength, allowing the Institute to adapt to rapidly changing workforce needs. The new AIT Blueprint is designed to foster innovation in curriculum design, ensuring flexibility in degree and professional programs to keep pace with industry advancements.
The initiative for possible collaboration discussed in the meeting include:
- The development of future skill framework focused on digital technology, AI, EV, automation, logistics, renewable energy, green technology, etc. to support foreign direct investment and industrial development;
- Develop initiative for human resource development in the field of cutting-edge technologies leveraging academic – industry cooperation and flexible academic programs of AIT;
- Capacity enhancement of skill-based education institutions and vocational educational and training colleges in the area of Climate SMART Agriculture CSA).
Dr. Nalinee concluded that upskilling and reskilling the Thai workforce is no longer optional but a necessity. She emphasized that lifelong learning and adaptability will be crucial in ensuring labor market stability and sustainable economic growth.
Other members joining Dr. Nalinee’s delegation were Mr. Maes Suwantra, Counsellor at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Sakditat Potranandana, Trade Officer at the Office of Thailand Trade Representative; Mr. Kittin Khampruangdet, Plan and Strategic Analysis Officer at the Office of Thailand Trade Representative; and Mr. Tula Kusurom, also a Plan and Strategic Analysis Officer at the same office.
Joining the President from AIT were Mr. Voravate Chonlasin, Executive Director of AIT Extension; Mr. Sanjeev Jayasinghe, Executive Director of the Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs; Mr. Karma Rana, Institute Secretary, and Mrs. Chalita Lertwinyu, Executive Director of the Office of Thailand Affairs.
The visit reaffirmed AIT’s commitment to working closely with the Thai Government, industry leaders, and academic institutions to ensure that Thailand’s workforce remains competitive in the digital era.
