As Thailand accelerates efforts to strengthen its semiconductor ecosystem, Arizona State University and Thai companions are increasing collaboration to help the nation’s innovation and workforce development objectives.
The partnership, led by Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) and Mahanakorn University of Technology (MUT), builds upon the memorandum of understanding signed in September between ASU and MHESI. The settlement outlines a shared dedication to advance schooling, analysis and workforce development in microelectronics and associated applied sciences.
“This partnership between Thailand and ASU represents more than a collaboration — it is a shared journey to build the talent, knowledge and innovation that will drive our semiconductor future,” mentioned Professor Supachai Pathumnakul, everlasting secretary at MHESI.
“By combining Thailand’s national vision with ASU’s world-class expertise, we are creating an ecosystem where education, research and industry move forward together. ASU will play a vital role in complementing Thailand’s efforts to develop a strong and sustainable semiconductor ecosystem.”
From imaginative and prescient to implementation
One of the primary joint initiatives below this collaboration is the participation of 21 Thai college and professionals in ASU’s Semiconductor Ecosystem Master Class, a six-week government program delivered by the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.
The eight-week course, which started Oct. 20, provides a complete overview of the semiconductor business masking design, fabrication, packaging, testing and international provide chain methods whereas emphasizing collaboration between academia, authorities and business.
“The Semiconductor Ecosystem Master Class provided a comprehensive overview of the semiconductor industry’s interconnected value chain — from design and fabrication to packaging and testing — led by exceptional instructors from leading industries and professional organizations,” mentioned Associate Professor Chiranut Sa-Ngiamsak, assistant to the president for analysis and innovation at Khon Kaen University.
“The program deepened our understanding of the global ecosystem and demonstrated how academia and industry can work hand in hand to advance Thailand’s semiconductor development with a systems perspective.”
MUT President and Associate Professor Panavy Pookaiyaudom mentioned, “As the core institution driving Thailand’s semiconductor talent development, MUT’s National Semiconductor Training Center has had the privilege of collaborating closely with leading international partners and learning from their strategic approaches to advancing the semiconductor industry.
“These experiences have revealed how much potential Thailand still has to elevate its education, research and industrial capabilities. With MHESI’s forward-looking vision and strong leadership, Thailand is well positioned to become a key driving force in Southeast Asia’s semiconductor ecosystem.”
The grasp class represents certainly one of 4 flagship actions deliberate for the 2025–2026 educational yr below ASU’s collaboration plan with MHESI. Additional initiatives are:
- Thailand Government and Industry Leaders Workshop, a one-day nationwide convening to align technique, workforce priorities and funding alternatives.
- In-country Semiconductor Microcredentials, a four-day technical coaching for engineers and technicians that mixes lectures, hands-on labs and business web site visits.
- Semiconductor Curriculum Accelerator, an eight-week program serving to Thai college design and launch semiconductor-aligned programs inside their establishments.
“Our respective visits and the formalizing of our partnership represent not the beginning, but the next chapter in our partnership, and we are honored to continue working alongside Dr. Pathumnakul and Dr. Pookaiyaudom to support Thailand’s advancing semiconductor ecosystem,” ASU Associate Vice Provost Jeff Goss mentioned. “At ASU, we serve as the epicenter of U.S. microelectronics efforts and are proud to extend that expertise to international partners and build connections that strengthen innovation, workforce development and academic excellence.”
Together, these 4 pilot applications will have interaction over 200 Thai individuals in the course of the preliminary six-month part, serving as the muse for a broader, multiyear technique that can attain 1000’s of scholars, college, and professionals. The initiative instantly helps Thailand’s efforts to place itself as a regional hub for semiconductor manufacturing, packaging and superior applied sciences.
Next steps towards long-term impression
These pilot applications mark the start of a broader initiative — the Thai-U.S. Alliance for Semiconductor Excellence — a long-term partnership amongst ASU, MHESI, MUT, the Thailand Board of Investment and the Thailand Microelectronics Center (TMEC).
“The Thailand Board of Investment is proud to support this strategic partnership between Arizona State University and Mahanakorn University of Technology to advance collaboration in the semiconductor sector,” mentioned Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary normal of the Thailand Board of Investment. “This initiative aligns closely with Thailand’s national road map for the semiconductor and advanced electronics industries, which emphasizes strengthening workforce capabilities and attracting high-value investments in cutting-edge technologies.”
As a part of this alliance, Thailand and ASU will set up facilities of excellence targeted on semiconductors and superior packaging, microelectronics and embedded programs, and AI-integrated sensible manufacturing. The Thailand Microelectronics Center will function a regional coaching and innovation hub, offering hands-on technical coaching, analysis amenities and collaboration areas to help business progress throughout the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
“The close collaboration between the Thai Microelectronics Center, Arizona State University and Mahanakorn University of Technology to establish a regional training center in Southeast Asia marks a crucial milestone,” mentioned Adisorn Tuantranont, director of the Thailand Microelectronics Center. “This effort is essential to elevate Thailand and the region beyond merely being the world’s hub for IC assembly, testing and packaging, and into the higher-value, upstream segment of the semiconductor supply chain, specifically wafer fabrication.”
The collaboration underscores Thailand’s dedication to international competitiveness and ASU’s mission to develop entry to schooling and analysis that gasoline innovation worldwide.