By Office of Communications and Public Affairs
29 November 2025 – The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) hosted the Government–Industry–Academia Policy Trialogue 2025 on 28 November 2025 at the AIT campus. Held under the theme “INSPIRE – IDEATE – INNOVATE”, the event brought together policymakers, business leaders, investors, and academics to exchange ideas and explore new forms of collaboration to address Asia’s sustainability and technology challenges.
In his welcome remarks, AIT President Prof. Pai-Chi Li emphasized the importance of co-creation and collaboration, noting that today’s climate risks, resource constraints, and disruptive technologies such as AI require joint action across sectors. He highlighted that the Policy Trialogue aims to bridge policy and practice by bringing together academia, government, industry, and local communities to share experiences and spark collaboration, reaffirming AIT’s commitment to being a trusted convener and long-term partner for a more sustainable and innovative future for the region.
AIT Vice President for Academic and Research, Prof. Manukid Parnichkun, provided an overview of the event, underlining AIT’s role in connecting research, policy, and industry practice across Asia. The Trialogue is part of AIT’s Strategic Stakeholder Engagement Initiative to strengthen partnerships and align policy, research, and industry practice. Discussions focused on five key areas: Climate Change, Resources, Infrastructure, Technology, and Business Management, encouraging transdisciplinary collaboration and co-creation among participants.
The Plenary Session, moderated by Prof. Kriengsak Chareonwongsak, Chairman of the Nation-Building Institute (NBI), Thailand, brought together different perspectives on sustainable, technology-enabled development. H.E. Mr. Otaka Masato, Ambassador of Japan to Thailand, highlighted Japan’s long-standing partnership with AIT and ASEAN in advancing the SDGs. Dr. Ludovic Andreas, Attaché for Scientific and Higher Education Cooperation at the French Embassy, discussed AI as a transformative force for business and society, alongside emerging ethical and policy questions. Mr. Chalee Khansiri from the Ministry of Industry, Thailand, spoke about the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economic model and the importance of collaboration for low-carbon, circular systems. Mr. Watcharin Boonyarit from the Ministry of Energy shared Thailand’s clean energy policy, including renewables and electric mobility, while Dr. Piyapong Jiwattanakulpaisarn from the Ministry of Transport presented Thailand’s land transport policy “at a crossroads,” aiming for smarter, safer, and more sustainable highways.
In the afternoon, three panel discussions brought together senior leaders from major organizations. The first panel, “Government policy and its impact on shaping the trajectory of economic growth,” examined how policy can steer Thailand toward greener, more innovative growth by aligning clean energy, AI, advanced industries, and workforce development. Moderated by Prof. Weerakorn Ongsakul, the session featured Dr. Jiraporn Sirikum, Ms. Gloyta Nathalang, and Mr. Ittichot Damrongraktam, who shared how EGCO, Bangchak, and the BOI are leveraging supportive policies, incentives, and industry–academia collaboration to drive net-zero ambitions, attract future-ready investments, and build a highly skilled workforce.
The panel on “Disruptive technologies and the regulatory challenges for fostering equitable partnerships” explored how semiconductors, AI, and industrial innovation are reshaping Thailand’s economy and testing existing regulatory frameworks. Moderated by Dr. Chaklam Silpasuwanchariya, the session featured Dr. Naiyavudhi Wongkomet, Mr. Wasit Wattanasap, and Mr. Manasit Sarigaphuti, who discussed Thailand’s semiconductor ambitions, the evolution of AIS into a digital technology company, and the need for supportive regulation, stronger innovation ecosystems, and equitable government–industry–academia partnerships to boost competitiveness and build a future-ready workforce.
Similarly, a panel on “Academia to Industry: Incentivizing co-creation and the roadmap for inclusive innovation ecosystems,” focused on how universities and companies can work together to scale real-world solutions. Moderated by Prof. Shobhakar Dhakal from AIT, the session brought together Mr. Sanjay Ahuja, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, Indorama Ventures; Dr. Rassarin Chinnachodteeranun, CEO, ListenField Co., Ltd.; and Mr. Pras Ganesh, Executive Vice President, Toyota Motor Asia (Thailand). Speakers underscored the importance of scaling circular and data-driven solutions, AI-enabled agriculture, internships and talent development, proof-of-concept projects, and clearer platforms and incentives to strengthen long-term, impact-focused collaboration between industry and academia.
The event concluded with the launch of the AIT Research Report, which showcases the institute’s work in sustainability, digital transformation, and smart infrastructure. The successful Policy Trialogue solidified AIT’s role as a regional hub for innovation and its commitment to supporting evidence-based policymaking and impactful partnerships across Asia.
Click here to access the full photos.
