18 October 2018 – Thammasat University today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). The MOU proposes collaboration in four areas: Research and Development, Staff and Student Training, Research Enrichment Support, and Support and Development for the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). The signing took place in the Sanya Dhramasakti Conference Room of the Dome Building at Thammasat University.

According to Rector Gasinee Witoonchart of Thammasat University, this MOU represents a novel strategy for bringing the University’s student and staff development connectivity into line with the needs of the business sector. A further goal is the enhancement of research and innovation to gain economic advantages both domestically and in overseas markets. Thammasat will develop its Pattaya Campus to cement the university’s role in the future growth of the EEC.

Thammasat University and the FTI are planning the creation of a joint curriculum based at the Pattaya Campus. Collaboration between the university and local companies will include the creation of student internships. Existing collaborative arrangements have proved satisfactory both for students and entrepreneurs, and have helped to improve teaching quality. Following graduation, some students have taken up permanent employment with the company at which they undertook their internship.

Mr. Supant Mongkolsuthree, Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, welcomed the collaboration with Thammasat and the opportunity for industry to support Thailand’s education system, whether through research, the conducting of workshops, or student development. It is hoped that this collaboration will help address skill shortages in the workforce, while providing students with experience, expertise, and appreciation of the quality standards required by the industries of the future. It will also support the private sector, as intensifying competition and new technology are creating both new threats and new opportunities. Mr. Supant stated that the collaboration with Thammasat University will strengthen Thailand’s industrial base. As the current policy of the Thai government is to fully support the development of the EEC, great opportunities exist for collaboration between the public and private sectors and with education institutes to promote Thailand’s future.