Global Industry Leaders, Policymakers, and Academics Converge in Bangkok to Build Regional Semiconductor Ecosystems
By Office of Communications and Public Affairs
Bangkok, Thailand – The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and Zhen Ding Technology Holding Limited (ZDT) successfully co-hosted the AIT–ZDT Forum Workshop-1: “Regional Development in the Semiconductor Age” on 13 November 2025 at the Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel, Bangkok.
The forum gathered more than 100 industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, and academics to discuss how semiconductors are shaping regional development, technological sovereignty, and talent ecosystems in the 21st century.
Executive Remarks
In his opening remarks, Prof. Pai-Chi Li, President of AIT “Semiconductors and PCBs form the backbone of today’s digital and AI-driven economy. At AIT, we are committed to working closely with ZDT to co-develop industry-embedded curricula, build problem-driven research programs, and create a strong talent pipeline for the region. Through this partnership, and with support from government, industry, and our academic network, we aim to strengthen the semiconductor supply chain, advance sustainable production, and position Thailand and ASEAN as key contributors to the global technology ecosystem.”
Mr. Charles Shen, ZDT Chairman, said, “Today’s forum marks the beginning of a meaningful collaboration between ZDT and AIT. By combining ZDT’s industrial leadership with AIT’s global academic excellence, we aim to build a resilient and sustainable PCB and semiconductor ecosystem in Thailand. This event sets the stage for deeper research partnerships, stronger talent development, and new opportunities for innovation that will benefit industry and society across the region.”
Mr. Vorayos Thongtan, President of Saha Pathana Inter-Holding PLC, reaffirmed Saha Group’s commitment to advancing Thailand’s semiconductor and PCB ecosystem through its partnership with AIT and ZDT. He emphasized that the collaboration aims to build a smart manufacturing hub, strengthen local talent, and support emerging industries that will drive sustainable growth for Thailand and the region.
Highlights and Key Themes
The event featured distinguished speakers who shared insights on the evolving semiconductor landscape, innovation ecosystems, and Asia’s growing role in the global value chain:
Prof. Burn J. Lin, Former Vice President in Research, TSMC and Dean of the NTHU College of Semiconductor Research, delivered a keynote on “Free Market and Semiconductor Technology,” underscoring the importance of global cooperation, interdisciplinary expertise and talent diversity in sustaining innovation and resilience amid global geopolitical shifts. “Semiconductor technology has evolved into a truly global, interdisciplinary ecosystem. No single country can advance this industry alone; its progress depends on shared expertise, diverse talent, and an open, free-market environment. As we push toward ever-smaller nodes and more complex manufacturing, international collaboration becomes essential to meeting global demand and ensuring the continued growth of next-generation technologies,” he said.
Dr. Chen-Fu Chien, President of ZDT, highlighted ZDT’s leadership in smart manufacturing and PCB innovation, noting its central role in enabling AI, 5G, and next-generation electronics. “PCB technologies are now central to powering AI, smart devices, and next-generation electronics. At ZDT, we are driving smart manufacturing and building resilient supply chains to meet this global demand. Our partnership with AIT reflects our commitment to cultivating talent and advancing Asia’s role in the heterogenous integration of the semiconductor ecosystem,” he stressed.
Prof. Siddharth K. Jabade, Vice President for Administration and Development, AIT, spoke on “Semiconductor Industry and Regional Development,” highlighting the strategic role of academia–industry partnerships in strengthening the region’s semiconductor capabilities. “The semiconductor industry is driving a new wave of economic growth, and ASEAN has a major role to play. At AIT, we see academia–industry collaboration as essential to moving the region from downstream assembly to upstream innovation. By building strong talent pipelines, fostering application-driven research, and partnering with companies like ZDT, we aim to position Thailand and ASEAN at the heart of the semiconductor ecosystem,” he emphasized.
Leaders Dialogue Panel
The panel featured Dr. Chen-Fu Chien; Assoc. Prof. Chiranut Sa-ngiamsak from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI); Prof. Manukid Parnichkun, Vice President for Academic and Research at AIT; and Dr. Wutthinan Jeamsaksiri from MTEC–NSTDA and THPCA. The session was moderated by Mr. Voravate Chonlasin, Executive Director of AIT Extension.
The discussion examined opportunities to strengthen Asia’s semiconductor and PCB value chains through coordinated innovation, policy alignment, and a demand-driven talent strategy. Speakers highlighted the importance of university–industry collaboration, national programs such as Thailand’s Semiconductor Sandbox, and the potential for Thailand to build competitive strengths in advanced packaging, sensors, robotics, and application-driven electronics.
The dialogue reinforced the shared commitment to advancing regional competitiveness and positioning Thailand and ASEAN as emerging contributors to the global semiconductor landscape.
Participants also engaged in interactive networking sessions and a knowledge market, fostering opportunities for strategic collaboration and regional partnerships.
Looking Ahead
The AIT–ZDT Forum marks the first workshop in a continuing series aimed at advancing dialogue on semiconductor innovation, digital transformation, and regional integration. Future sessions will focus on topics such as advanced packaging, supply chain resilience, and AI-driven manufacturing.
