Bangkok: The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation is set to propel new economic engines for Thailand by introducing the "KOSEN" curriculum from Japan into Thai universities. This initiative aims to cultivate advanced technology personnel to support future industries and drive economic growth.
According to Thai News Agency, Lieutenant Colonel Patthadarasmi Thongsalooykorn, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, detailed the progress in advancing the government's economic development strategy. The Ministry has enhanced its cooperation with Japan to expand the "KOSEN" curriculum, intending to develop skilled personnel for sectors such as aerospace, semiconductors, and synchrotrons. This move is part of a broader strategy to establish a New Growth Engine for the country.
"KOSEN" represents a Japanese model of engineering and technology education, designed to produce highly skilled technical personnel focused on practical applications within the industrial sector. This curriculum is internationally recognized. Discussions have been held between Professor Dr. Yotsanun Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, and the Japanese Ambassador to Thailand regarding the expansion of the KOSEN program to phase 2, which will potentially involve 1-2 additional higher education institutions. The aim is to align the curriculum with Japanese standards, thereby boosting the competitiveness of Thai youth in global high-tech industries.
In addition to educational collaboration, Thailand and Japan are broadening cooperation in areas like space technology, satellite utilization, IoT for disaster warning and response, climate change monitoring, and digital economy development. These efforts align with the government's strategy to transition the country towards an innovation-based economy.
A memorandum of understanding on space cooperation is also in preparation, involving Japan's Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation and its Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). This agreement aims to enhance cooperation in advanced technology between the two countries.
This collaborative effort underscores the government's strategy of investing in both human resources and technology. By leveraging education and innovation as new economic drivers, the initiative seeks to provide opportunities for Thai youth to gain international knowledge and prepare the nation for competition in future global industries.