On 26 June 2024, MHESI-NXPO organized UHC Learn & Share 1st, a knowledge-sharing forum on the university holding company (UHC) mechanism. The forum, titled ‘From Blueprint to Reality of New Establishments,’ was held at NXPO’s Co-Working Space and online.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Nirada Werasopon, Assistant to the President at NXPO, outlined the forum’s objective as a gathering of universities recently establishing university holding companies. Following the announcement of the Prime Minister’s Office Regulations on the Public-Private Joint Investment in Research and Innovation Utilization Projects in 2023, many universities are interested in the UHC initiative as a key strategy to foster innovation-driven enterprises (IDEs). This forum aimed to facilitate policy communication, knowledge sharing and networking to support UHC implementation.
Mr. Anont Tanaset, NXPO Policy Specialist, provided an overview of the UHC mechanism. A UHC is a private entity established separately from a university to manage investments in innovative businesses and spin-off companies. It also supports industry by providing access to university’s facilities and resources. Guidelines, roadshows and workshops have been developed to assist universities in establishing and operating UHC.
Presentations were made by representatives from Prince of Songkla University (PSU), King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL), Thaksin University, and Maejo University, with NXPO Division Director Ms. Manunya Chunhavuthiyanon and Mr. Anont Tanaset moderating.
Assist. Prof. Dr. Jumphon Chuenjitsiri, Vice President for Legal and Academic Services at PSU, discussed PSU Holding, which has one subsidiary company, and plans for four new companies this year. He highlighted the 3C components attributing to the successful implementation: Coaching, Connection, and Cash. Identifying the university’s strengths and beneficiaries is crucial for determining business lines and ensuring socio-economic impact.
“We hope to see more UHCs established to drive the national economic growth,” remarked Dr. Jumphon. He assured audience members that there are many experts available to guide new comers.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Rutchanee Gullayanon, Executive Vice President for Research and Innovations at KMITL, described KMIT Ladkrabang Holding Company Limited and its mission to engage with industry, motivate faculty members to innovate, and support the university’s vision to be the “World Master of Innovation”. She highlighted the need for policy support from the university council, operational advice for faculty and students, and financial resources.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Samak Kaewsuksaeng, Vice President for Research and Innovation at Thaksin University, introduced TSU Enterprise, focusing on the grassroots economy, creative economy and BCG to drive an area-based development. Courses were organized during the first year operation to educate and engage faculty members and researchers, with a focus on social innovation and grassroots economy. Areas of focus were identified for TSU Enterprise’s business development, including craft, cosmetics, community tourism and culture tourism.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chaiyot Sumritsakun, Acting Vice President of Maejo University, remaked that the university began establishing its UHC in 2019 and registered it in 2024 under the name MAGROW Holding with two subsidiary companies at present. Through MAGROW Holding, Maejo University aims to: 1) accelerate its innovation development, emphasizng agricultural technology, 2) bring together faculty members and students to drive innovation, 3) cultivate an innovation system, and 4) foster startups and SMEs. He identified success factors for establishing the UHC, including the collaboration of staff from various departments, regulations, successful UHC models, conducive ecosystem, frontier research groups, and support from top executives and their forward-looking vision.
