The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI), through NXPO, recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) focused on the development of aviation professionals and innovation (NGAP-Digital Transformation) with six organizations. These organizations include the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), the Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC), the Program Management Unit for Human Resources and Institutional Development, Research and Innovation (PMU-B), Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Company Limited (AEROTHAI), the Thailand Professional Qualification Institute (TPQI) (Public Organization), and the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). The signing took place on 17 May 2024 at the Eastern Economic Corridor of Innovation (EECi) Headquarters in Wangchan Valley, Rayong Province. This collaboration aims to promote human resource development and innovation in aviation, positioning Thailand as the ASEAN Hub of Aviation.
NXPO President Dr. Kitipong Promwong emphasized the importance of developing aviation professionals and innovation to meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards if Thailand aspires to be an aviation hub. Currently, MHESI is implementing various platforms contributing to workforce development, including:
- Reskilling & Upskilling Platform: This platform offers training courses for workforce upskilling and reskilling, having trained 80,000 individuals. Employers can claim a 250% tax deduction on training expenses. Additionally, the platform promotes STEM employment, certifying 6,000 STEM positions eligible for a 150% corporate tax deduction.
- Higher Education Sandbox: This platform allows universities and industries to design educational programs that meet industry needs without conforming to current regulations. For instance, a new engineering program in computer engineering and digital technology offers certification modules. Students can obtain a certificate after the first year, enabling them to apply for jobs as full stack developers or continue their education to become data engineers or cloud administrators.
- Incubator and Spin-off Platform: This platform is suitable for AEROTHAI, which has developed TRL-9 technologies ready for commercialization. AEROTHAI will spearhead the “Project Lead the Way” initiative, with funding provided by PMUC and PMU-B, to develop innovations and commercialization, engaging young talent in the process.
This partnership will achieve three outcomes: innovation development, startup creation, and talent development.
The event featured a panel discussion on the partnership. The panelists included Dr. Chalothorn Boonlua, Director of Strategic Clusters Development Policy Division at NXPO; Dr. Oraphan Wiarachai, Senior Director of National Demand Driven Manpower Policy Division at NXPO; Associate Professor Dr. Paripok Phitsuwan, Deputy Director of PMU-B; Dr. Mali Chansuthorn, Director of Accreditations and Certifications Division at TPQI; Dr. Methee Sereearuno, Director of the Office of the President, AEROTHAI; Dr. Nopasit Chakpitak, President of AEROTHAI; Dr. Navatasn Kongsamutr, Member of Future Mobility Program Subcommittee at PMUC and Head of Air Transport Research and Consulting Centre, Kasetsart University; and Ms. Piyachat Kriwanit Burton, Division Director at EECi, NSTDA. The session was moderated by Dr. Charnwit Udomsakdigool from NXPO, and Mr. Surapol Kongpool from AEROTHAI.
Through this MOU, all parties will combine resources and efforts to drive aviation innovation development and commercialization. They will also promote manpower development at all levels, from undergraduate and graduate students to professionals, including entrepreneurs.
