Date: 6 August 2569 Rajamangala University of Technology Isan by Associate Professor Dr. Kosit Sriputhon The Rector led the university's executive team, consisting of: Assistant Professor Chuchai T. Siriwattana Advisor to the President on Electric Vehicles Assistant Professor Dr. Anek Charoenpakdee Vice President for Strategy, Policy and Planning, overseeing strategy for electric vehicles. Professor Dr. Prachuap Inrawong Assistant to the President and Director of the RMUTI Electric Vehicle Institute and...Assistant Professor Dr. Rungphet Kongnok The Deputy Director of the RMUTI Electric Vehicle Institute, in charge of Student Affairs and Special Projects, met with [the relevant party/group]. Mr. Wichai Thongtaeng The Chairman of the Board of Directors of Grand Asset Hotels and Properties Public Company Limited and former Chairman of the Council of Rajamangala University of Technology Eastern Region met at Phyathai 2 Hospital in Bangkok to discuss avenues for collaboration in developing human resources in electric vehicles (EVs), creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem for energy transition startups, and elevating the university to become a national innovation hub for energy transition.
Regarding the development of international-level human resources, discussions focused on establishing a Global Tech Talent Pipeline through the network of nine Rajamangala University of Technology campuses and collaboration with vocational institutions. This includes developing a seamless 7-year continuous curriculum from secondary to bachelor's degree levels, coupled with a Credit Bank system and enhanced skills in advanced technology and Chinese language. This aims to support the expansion of target industries, particularly the printed circuit board (PCB) and electric vehicle (EV) industries. During the discussions, both sides exchanged views and defined a framework for cooperation to propel Thailand towards becoming a hub for clean energy and electric vehicle industries. Key points of agreement were highlighted as follows:
The first point is to promote the conversion of internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles (EV Conversion), especially in the commercial transport truck sector, which has high greenhouse gas emissions and fuel costs. Both sides agreed that Thailand should accelerate the development of knowledge, standards, and personnel in EV conversion to support the transition of the logistics sector. They also agreed to promote Rajamangala University of Technology Isan as a center for research, testing, certification, and training curriculum development for electric truck conversion, which will help reduce transportation costs, increase competitiveness, and support the country's carbon reduction goals.
Another important aspect is the creation of entrepreneurs in the Energy Transition sector. This focuses on developing a clean energy entrepreneurial ecosystem through the establishment of a Solar Technology Transfer Center at Rajamangala University of Technology Isan. This center will serve as a model for developing short courses, training, technology transfer, and entrepreneurship in solar power generation systems, energy storage systems, and energy management. The goal is to expand this initiative to all campuses of Rajamangala University of Technology Isan and then to a network of all nine Rajamangala University of Technology campuses, thereby creating a new generation of skilled personnel and entrepreneurs who can successfully pursue careers and build businesses in the clean energy sector.
Furthermore, discussions were held on developing an Innovation Hub for Energy Transition that would connect teaching, research, academic services, and industry. This aims to foster startups and spin-offs capable of commercializing research findings, creating added economic value, and supporting the country's goal of developing a green economy.
Mr. Wichai Thongtaeng He stated, “Thailand is undergoing a significant transition in its energy and industrial sectors. Human resource development must go hand-in-hand with entrepreneurship and innovation. Universities should not merely produce graduates, but must become centers for technology creation, knowledge transfer, and the development of new businesses that meet the country's needs. I believe that Rajamangala University of Technology Isan has the potential to be a model for developing an Energy Transition Ecosystem, especially in the conversion of trucks into electric vehicles and the transfer of solar energy technology, which will create positive impacts on the economy, the environment, and human resource development in the long term.”
side Associate Professor Dr. Kosit Sriputhon It was stated, “Rajamangala University of Technology Isan is committed to being a center for developing human resources, technology, and innovation to support the country's energy transition. This will be achieved through integrated collaboration with the private sector in developing curricula, research, and entrepreneurship in the Energy Transition sector. The results will be expanded through the university's four campuses and linked to the network of all nine Rajamangala University of Technology campuses to jointly drive national development towards a low-carbon economy and sustainable growth.”
This discussion marks a significant step in establishing collaboration between Rajamangala University of Technology Isan and the private sector to drive the country's Energy Transition strategy. The focus is on developing human resources, upgrading technology, and creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem in clean energy. This will be achieved through projects promoting electric truck conversion (EV Conversion) and establishing a solar cell technology transfer center. The aim is to expand these initiatives to all four campuses of the university and its network of nine Rajamangala University of Technology campuses, leading to innovation, the development of new entrepreneurs, and enhanced national competitiveness towards a green economy and sustainable development in the future.
Photo – Paithoon Kenthao
News – Panitpicha Buwarachadecha
