ASU and Thailand advance semiconductor collaboration through workforce development initiatives
Representatives from Arizona State University, Mahanakorn University of Technology and partners at the MUT National Semiconductor Training Center in Bangkok meet to advance workforce development initiatives under the Thai-U.S. Alliance for Semiconductor Excellence.
As Thailand accelerates efforts to strengthen its semiconductor ecosystem, Arizona State University and Thai partners are expanding collaboration to support the country’s innovation and workforce development goals.
The partnership, led by Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) and Mahanakorn University of Technology (MUT), builds upon the memorandum of understanding signed in September between ASU and MHESI. The agreement outlines a shared commitment to advance education, research and workforce development in microelectronics and related technologies.
“This partnership between Thailand and ASU represents more than a collaboration — it is a shared journey to build the talent, knowledge and innovation that will drive our semiconductor future,” said Professor Supachai Pathumnakul, permanent secretary at MHESI.
“By combining Thailand’s national vision with ASU’s world-class expertise, we are creating an ecosystem where education, research and industry move forward together. ASU will play a vital role in complementing Thailand’s efforts to develop a strong and sustainable semiconductor ecosystem.”
From vision to implementation
One of the first joint initiatives under this collaboration is the participation of 21 Thai faculty and professionals in ASU’s Semiconductor Ecosystem Master Class, a six-week executive program delivered by the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.
The eight-week course, which began Oct. 20, offers a comprehensive overview of the semiconductor industry covering design, fabrication, packaging, testing and global supply chain strategies while emphasizing collaboration between academia, government and industry.
“The Semiconductor Ecosystem Master Class provided a comprehensive overview of the semiconductor industry’s interconnected value chain — from design and fabrication to packaging and testing — led by exceptional instructors from leading industries and professional organizations,” said Associate Professor Chiranut Sa-Ngiamsak, assistant to the president for research and innovation at Khon Kaen University.
“The program deepened our understanding of the global ecosystem and demonstrated how academia and industry can work hand in hand to advance Thailand’s semiconductor development with a systems perspective.”
MUT President and Associate Professor Panavy Pookaiyaudom said, “As the core institution driving Thailand’s semiconductor talent development, MUT’s National Semiconductor Training Center has had the privilege of collaborating closely with leading international partners and learning from their strategic approaches to advancing the semiconductor industry.
“These experiences have revealed how much potential Thailand still has to elevate its education, research and industrial capabilities. With MHESI’s forward-looking vision and strong leadership, Thailand is well positioned to become a key driving force in Southeast Asia’s semiconductor ecosystem.”
The master class represents one of four flagship activities planned for the 2025–2026 academic year under ASU’s collaboration plan with MHESI. Additional initiatives are:
- Thailand Government and Industry Leaders Workshop, a one-day national convening to align strategy, workforce priorities and investment opportunities.
- In-country Semiconductor Microcredentials, a four-day technical training for engineers and technicians that combines lectures, hands-on labs and industry site visits.
- Semiconductor Curriculum Accelerator, an eight-week program helping Thai faculty design and launch semiconductor-aligned courses within their institutions.
“Our respective visits and the formalizing of our partnership represent not the beginning, but the next chapter in our partnership, and we are honored to continue working alongside Dr. Pathumnakul and Dr. Pookaiyaudom to support Thailand’s advancing semiconductor ecosystem,” ASU Associate Vice Provost Jeff Goss said. “At ASU, we serve as the epicenter of U.S. microelectronics efforts and are proud to extend that expertise to international partners and build connections that strengthen innovation, workforce development and academic excellence.”
Together, these four pilot programs will engage over 200 Thai participants during the initial six-month phase, serving as the foundation for a broader, multiyear strategy that will reach thousands of students, faculty, and professionals. The initiative directly supports Thailand’s efforts to position itself as a regional hub for semiconductor manufacturing, packaging and advanced technologies.
Next steps toward long-term impact
These pilot programs mark the beginning of a broader initiative — the Thai-U.S. Alliance for Semiconductor Excellence — a long-term partnership among ASU, MHESI, MUT, the Thailand Board of Investment and the Thailand Microelectronics Center (TMEC).
“The Thailand Board of Investment is proud to support this strategic partnership between Arizona State University and Mahanakorn University of Technology to advance collaboration in the semiconductor sector,” said Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary general of the Thailand Board of Investment. “This initiative aligns closely with Thailand’s national road map for the semiconductor and advanced electronics industries, which emphasizes strengthening workforce capabilities and attracting high-value investments in cutting-edge technologies.”
As part of this alliance, Thailand and ASU will establish centers of excellence focused on semiconductors and advanced packaging, microelectronics and embedded systems, and AI-integrated smart manufacturing. The Thailand Microelectronics Center will serve as a regional training and innovation hub, providing hands-on technical training, research facilities and collaboration spaces to support industry growth across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
“The close collaboration between the Thai Microelectronics Center, Arizona State University and Mahanakorn University of Technology to establish a regional training center in Southeast Asia marks a crucial milestone,” said Adisorn Tuantranont, director of the Thailand Microelectronics Center. “This effort is essential to elevate Thailand and the region beyond merely being the world’s hub for IC assembly, testing and packaging, and into the higher-value, upstream segment of the semiconductor supply chain, specifically wafer fabrication.”
The collaboration underscores Thailand’s commitment to global competitiveness and ASU’s mission to expand access to education and research that fuel innovation worldwide.
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