On 19 November 2025, MHESI-NXPO, together with partner organizations, hosted a signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on human resource development for the electric vehicle (EV) industry (EV–HRD). The partnership was formed among six organizations: Office of National Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO), the Department of Skill Development (DSD), the Office of the Vocational Education Commission (OVEC), the Thailand Professional Qualification Institute (TPQI), the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT), and the Program Management Unit for Human Resources & Institutional Development, Research and Innovation (PMUB).
Executives signing the agreement included Dr. Siriporn Pittayasophon, Vice President of NXPO; Mr. Somchart Suparee, Deputy Director-General of DSD; Ms. Banchalak Luesawat, Advisor on Vocational Education Standards for Business and Services, OVEC; Mr. Nithiwuch Siripariyapong, Deputy Director General of TPQI; Mr. Suroj Sangsnit, President of EVAT; and Dr. Rattapoom Tuchinda, Deputy Director of PMUB.
The event was attended by more than 100 representatives from government, academia, and industry. Delivering congratulatory remarks at the ceremony were Ms. Pennapa Kanchana, Dr. Surapong Ermuthai, and Mr. Sibmuenchai Pothisin.
Representing the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. (MHESI), Ms. Pennapa stated that the partnership reflects the collective effort of the public sector, academia, and industry to develop talent across the entire EV value chain—from education and research to the production of highly skilled personnel capable of adapting to rapid technological change. She emphasized that MHESI plays a vital role in applying knowledge, science, research, and innovation to strengthen new education models that provide real industry experience. This collaboration supports Thailand’s ambition to become a regional EV hub, achieve the EV30@30 and net-zero 2050 targets, and develop Thai talent ready to compete globally.
Representing the Ministry of Education, Dr. Surapong affirmed OVEC’s commitment to developing vocational students, teachers, and workers with skills aligned to the fast-growing EV sector. OVEC will work with NXPO to design curricula and enhance teacher competencies to meet industry needs, while also supporting lifelong learning and flexible programs for the current workforce in collaboration with DSD. OVEC will also partner with EVAT to strengthen practical training and workplace readiness for vocational students during the EV industry transition. He noted that this “strategic partnership” will elevate Thailand’s labor competitiveness, support economic growth, and position the country for leadership in the EV sector.
Representing the Ministry of Labor, Mr. Sibmuenchai highlighted the ministry’s commitment to continuous workforce development through both upskilling and reskilling, ensuring readiness for a full-scale transition to the EV industry. DSD has introduced competency development programs for the next-generation automotive sector, including training on battery and charging systems, and EV maintenance. He stressed that the collaboration brings all sectors together to build a skilled workforce that meets industry standards and can adapt to evolving technology and labor market demands—creating new opportunities and strengthening Thailand’s pursuit of EV industrial sustainability.
In her remarks, Dr. Siriporn noted that this five-year collaboration unites the public sector, academia, and industry to prepare Thailand for the future EV landscape. The partnership will support the development of new talent within the education system, upskill the current workforce, and enhance the capabilities of employees through jointly developed degree and non-degree programs, specialized training, internships, and competency and professional certifications. She emphasized the focus on Upskill – Reskill – Newskill to establish a learning ecosystem that aligns with real industry needs and strengthens Thailand’s position as a leader in the EV sector. NXPO will play a central role in connecting stakeholders, providing policy support, and driving funding mechanisms to ensure tangible outcomes.
This collaboration marks a critical step in strengthening Thailand’s workforce development ecosystem for the modern automotive sector, improving national competitiveness, and laying a strong foundation for long-term sustainable growth.
