Building Thailand’s Microelectronics Talent
Semiconductors sit behind many of the technologies people use every day — from smartphones and electric vehicles to AI systems, industrial automation and connected devices.
Building a stronger semiconductor industry therefore requires more than manufacturing capacity. It requires engineers, researchers and specialists who understand the technologies behind it.
During an official visit to Arizona State University (ASU) on 8–9 September 2025, representatives from Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation and MAHANAKORN met with ASU to expand cooperation in microelectronics education, research and workforce development.
The visit resulted in a memorandum of understanding designed to strengthen long-term collaboration between Thailand and ASU in this strategic technology sector.
Education, Research and Industry Working Together
One of the central ideas behind the collaboration is that semiconductor talent cannot be developed by universities working alone.
Curricula need to respond to technology changes.
Research needs connections with real industrial challenges.
Students need opportunities to understand how what they learn connects with the wider semiconductor ecosystem.
The collaboration therefore brings together government, universities and industry to explore academic programs, research initiatives and workforce-development models that can support Thailand’s growing microelectronics sector.
The wider discussions have also involved organisations across Thailand’s semiconductor ecosystem, including the Thailand Semiconductor Industry Association, Thailand Printed Circuit Association and Thailand Microelectronics Center.
Learning from Arizona’s Semiconductor Ecosystem
Arizona has developed a significant semiconductor and advanced-manufacturing ecosystem, making the visit an opportunity to look beyond the classroom and study how education connects with industry at scale.
A roundtable during the visit included representatives from companies and organisations such as Intel, Microchip, Siemens, Deca, Benchmark, the Arizona Commerce Authority and the City of Chandler’s economic-development team.
These conversations focused on how international cooperation could contribute to Thailand’s microelectronics strategy and future workforce.
For students, this wider perspective matters.
A career in semiconductors may involve much more than chip design. Opportunities can extend across embedded systems, electronics, AI, manufacturing, automation, testing, packaging and advanced research.
From Partnership to Future Capability
The September agreement became part of a broader Thailand–ASU semiconductor initiative focused on building talent and innovation capacity.
Subsequent plans include areas such as semiconductors and advanced packaging, microelectronics and embedded systems, and AI-integrated smart manufacturing, alongside hands-on training and research collaboration.
For MAHANAKORN, involvement in this ecosystem creates another connection between engineering education in Thailand and the global technology networks where semiconductor innovation is taking place.
The goal is not simply to study where the industry is today.
It is to help prepare the people who will move it forward.
Where Could You Take It Next?
Students interested in microelectronics, semiconductors and intelligent technology can begin building relevant foundations through:
Communication & Electronics Engineering
Develop knowledge in electronic circuits, communication systems and technologies directly connected with advanced electronics, embedded systems and semiconductor applications.
Explore Communication & Electronics Engineering →
Computer & AI Engineering
Build foundations in computing, artificial intelligence and data for intelligent systems increasingly powered by advanced semiconductor technology.
Explore Computer & AI Engineering →
Process & Industrial Engineering
Explore industrial systems, process improvement and technologies relevant to advanced manufacturing and increasingly automated production environments.
Explore Process & Industrial Engineering →
For students interested in taking advanced technology further through research:
Explore Postgraduate Research →
The semiconductor industry begins with technology, but its future depends on the people prepared to design, improve and build it.