On 13 February 2025, NXPO, Thai universities and the Taiwan Printed Circuit Association (TPCA) held discussions to advance their partnership to develop a skilled workforce for the printed circuit board (PCB) industry. This initiative aims to support the growth of the electronics sector, attract foreign investment, and enhance Thailand’s competitiveness as a regional PCB manufacturing hub. The meeting was attended by Prof. Dr. Surin Khomfoi, Vice President for Human power Strategy in Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation System at NXPO; Ms. Panisa Harnpathananun, Director of Higher Education Innovation and Future Skills Development Division at NXPO; Mr. David Lai, Secretary General of TPCA; Dr. Sampan Silapanad, President of Thai Association for Cooperative Education (TACE); Ms. Suphanaree Pho-Ong, Investment Promotion Officer from the Board of Investment (BOI); and representatives from Kasetsart University, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok, and Ubon Ratchathani University.
The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration networks to align workforce development with industry demands, particularly in training engineers and technicians for the advanced electronics sector. The PCB industry is projected to require up to 2,000 engineers by 2027.
As part of this initiative, TPCA has invited relevant stakeholders to participate in the Thailand PCB Talent Matching event, scheduled for 5 March 2025, at Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel. The event will facilitate partnerships between universities and PCB manufacturers, present curriculum development and training strategies tailored to industry needs and provide students and graduates with opportunities to connect with over 10 leading companies.
Collaboration between NXPO, TPCA, and Thai universities began in 2024, focusing on workforce development aligned with labor market demands and investment from Taiwan’s PCB industry. In November 2024, TPCA partnered with King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Khon Kaen University, and Suranaree University of Technology to conduct a PCB workshop, featuring speakers from Taiwan and leading companies. The workshop provided insights into industry trends and in-demand job roles, attracting over 300 students. The success of this initiative underscores Thailand’s potential as a PCB technology and innovation hub in Southeast Asia, while also enhancing educational programs and increasing employment opportunities for Thai graduates.
In 2025, TPCA plans to expand cooperation with Kasetsart University, Ubon Ratchathani University, and King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok, focusing on intensive training programs and internships, paving the way for Thai students to enter the rapidly growing PCB industry.
This partnership represents a significant step in strengthening Thailand’s advanced electronics ecosystem, positioning the country as a global player and key investment destination. Through collaboration between government agencies, academia, and industry, the Thailand-Taiwan partnership will drive Thailand toward becoming a regional hub for technology and innovation. Developing a highly skilled workforce is crucial to advancing the economy, expanding employment opportunities, and enhancing Thailand’s global competitiveness.
