On 23 January 2025, executives from NXPO and the Program Management Unit for Human Resources & Institutional Development, Research, and Innovation (PMU-B) met with representatives from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to explore collaboration opportunities in highly skilled workforce development in response to global trends. The discussion was led by Dr. Surachai Sathitkunarat, President of NXPO and Acting Director of PMU-B, alongside NXPO Vice President Prof. Dr. Surin Khomfoi and PMU-B Deputy Director Dr. Pavadee Aungkavattana. The ADB delegation included Mr. Fook Yen Chong, Senior Specialist, as well as ADB consultants Assist. Prof. Dr. Suvaluk Asavasanti and Ms. Anittha Jutarosaga.
During the meeting, Mr. Fook Yen Chong outlined ADB’s mission, emphasizing its role in providing loans and financial support for development initiatives. He highlighted key areas of focus, including overcoming the middle-income trap (MIT), addressing challenges posed by aging societies, and navigating transformative technologies such as electric vehicles, digital transformation, and semiconductors. While its previous projects in ASEAN included countries such as the Philippines and Indonesia, ADB is interested in launching initiatives in Thailand.
Dr. Surachai underscored NXPO’s role in policy research and strategic development under MHESI. He emphasized the importance of the semiconductor and advanced electronics industries as critical sectors for Thailand’s future and identified highly skilled workforce development in these fields as a promising area for collaboration with ADB.
Prof. Dr. Surin discussed ADB’s broader role beyond Asia, exploring potential opportunities for joint projects. Dr. Pawadee highlighted PMU-B’s strategic focus on funding initiatives for highly skilled workforce development, particularly in the semiconductor and advanced electronics industries, aligning with the shared priorities of NXPO and ADB.
The discussions concluded with a mutual agreement to jointly develop initiatives aimed at fostering a highly skilled workforce in these critical industries.
