On 26 May 2025, NXPO and the Eastern Economic Corridor Office of Thailand (EECO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly enhance the investment ecosystem and workforce development for target industries in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). The signing ceremony was presided over by Dr. Chula Sukmanop, Secretary-General of EECO and Dr. Surachai Sathitkunarat, President of NXPO.
This MoU outlines a collaborative framework between the two agencies to conduct data analysis on industry demand and potential, design strategic measures and initiatives, monitor technology trends, and promote investments in advanced technologies. The partnership aims to strengthen the EEC’s investment ecosystem and workforce readiness through science, technology, and innovation policy mechanisms.
In his remarks, Dr. Chula outlined EECO’s policy directions for investment ecosystem development and workforce planning for the EEC’s target industries, along with operational priorities under this partnership.
Dr. Surachai, meanwhile, emphasized NXPO’s role as MHESI’s policy think tank, responsible for both higher education and science, research, and innovation policies.
“NXPO is currently placing strong emphasis on a demand-driven approach, working closely with industry to shape policies and prioritize workforce development. Key initiatives include the Higher Education Sandbox, an innovative education model, and the STEMPlus platform, which connects talent with over 10,000 new job opportunities and has facilitated the upskilling of 445,967 individuals under the Thailand Plus Package. NXPO has set a target to increase the proportion of highly skilled workers to 25%,” Dr. Surachai stated.
This collaboration will focus onS-curve industries, including biofuels and biochemicals, aviation and logistics, digital industries, and medical hub, covering activities in these areas:
- Assessing the potential and strategic positioning of target industries within the EEC and supporting the formulation and implementation of investment policies.
- Promoting the investment ecosystem for target industries in the EEC, including supporting investment in advanced technologies and fostering academia-industry partnerships to advance technology investments and support workforce development.
- Developing databases of scholars and high-skilled talent relevant to the target industries and formulating workforce development plans aligned with industry demands.
The signing of this MoU marks an important milestone for both agencies in jointly establishing strategic positioning for investments and workforce development policies to support the EEC’s target industries.
Photo credit: EECO
