NXPO has recently entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with six other organizations to advance the implementation of electric buses for public transportation and employee shuttle fleets in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). Collaborative partners in this initiative include the Eastern Economic Corridor Office of Thailand (EECO), the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Chiang Mai University, the Export–Import Bank of Thailand (EXIM Bank), the Thai Renewable Energy Association (RE100), and the Clean Energy for Peoples Foundation (CEP). The signing ceremony took place on 28 September 2023 at the EECO Headquarters. 

NXPO President Dr. Kittipong Promwong remarked that this MoU signifies a pivotal moment for Thailand, not only in promoting the electric vehicle (EV) industry but also in advancing towards a low-carbon city. The initiative will support domestic manufacturing of electric buses, with the goal of 120,000 units of Thai-made electric buses intended for domestic market and export to other ASEAN countries. 

As the secretariat of the National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council (Policy Council), NXPO has played a vital role in formulating public policies that support human capital and scientific development. A platform has been established to bolster workforce development in target industries. Through this platform, more than 50,000 individuals have participated in the upskilling and reskilling programs, and 5,000 high-skilled employments have been certified. To incentivize companies to invest in employee development and STEM worker employment, tax incentives are provided. Enterprises can claim a 250% tax exemption for training expenses and a 150% tax exemption for employment expenditures. 

This collaboration aims to reduce Thailand’s greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It also facilitates technology transfer between academia and industry, supports green businesses, and promotes a low-carbon society.  

NXPO’s role in this collaboration is to devise a capacity development plan for EV manufacturers and businesses in the supply chain, as well as to facilitate the knowledge and technology exchange between academia and industry.