BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand is expanding international cooperation in semiconductor development through two agreements involving NXP Thailand and the University of Twente in the Netherlands. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Prof. Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat and Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Sjoerd Sjoerdsma witnessed the signing ceremony on October 14. The agreements support the government’s Siam Silica program, aiming to develop specialized talent, advance research, and expand Thailand’s role in regional semiconductor supply chains.
The first agreement, between NXP Manufacturing (Thailand) and Siam Silica, covers education, research, and workforce development in semiconductors and advanced electronics. The second, between Mahanakorn University of Technology and the University of Twente, provides for academic collaboration, student and researcher exchanges, and joint studies. The partnerships will also support curriculum development, internships, professional training, and access to specialized laboratories and equipment.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Patdarasm Thongsaluaykorn said the cooperation would help prepare Thai graduates and professionals for the technical demands of the semiconductor industry. The government has also discussed potential research and manufacturing expansion with NXP, including possible investment incentives through the Board of Investment. However, no decision has been made to increase production capacity in Thailand. Thailand is also exploring cooperation with European institutions in photonics and advanced semiconductor packaging while considering a proposed ASEAN Chips Act to improve regional supply chain coordination. (NNT)
