The higher educational innovation subcommittee of the Policy Council recently approved three new courses to be implemented under the higher education sandbox at its recent meeting chaired by Prof. Dr. Anek Laothamatas, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI).
Prof. Dr. Anek Laothamatas remarked that Thai higher education system is progressing in a positive direction with two initiatives introduced by MHESI, namely the higher education sandbox and Thailand Academy of Sciences (TAS). The higher education sandbox provides a safe space for experimenting with new types of education that have not yet been regulated, whereas TAS serves as a platform equipped with enablers for universities and research institutes in Thailand to collaborate to drive social and economic development with STI and at the same time, improve higher education quality.
“We have revolutionized science education, allowing students to focus on their interest and have fun learning,” Minister Anek said. “Modern higher education is not all about research but must provide career opportunities.”
According to Prof. Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul, higher educational innovation subcommittee chairman, the three new courses are:
- A bachelor’s degree program in technology, focusing on renewable energy and electric vehicle by Chitralada Technology Institute emphasizes a co-creation and module-based education. Students will be able to earn salary for working on companies’ projects. The course is expected to produce 300 job-ready graduates.
- A bachelor’s degree program in business administration, focusing on innovation businesses by Chitralada Technology Institute aims to produce 90 graduates equipped with management skill to run BCG businesses. Implemented in partnership with the Federation of Thai SME and the National Innovation Agency (NIA), the course emphasizes a co-creation and module-based education with a mentorship system to help guide students, especially during the final six months during which students will have to set up and run real businesses.
- A master’s degree program in business administration, focusing on creative wellness businesses by Mae Fah Luang University is based on a public, private and university partnership, providing a module-based education and cooperative coaching. The course includes a study tour in China and has students design a wellness business plan and pitch to industry experts. The 10-month course is expected to produce 90 graduates to supply to the wellness industry.
Minister Anek commented that workers specializing in EV and EV conversion are in high demand and that MHESI should ramp up its effort to produce manpower to supply to the industry by working with vocational colleges, universities and industry to launch more sandbox programs. He also offered a suggestion that the business administration course should incorporate knowledge on Thai culture and emphasize revenue generation and business growth. All sandbox courses should respond to requirements and real demand from the industry, making sure that higher education is able to help drive the economy.
