On 27 February 2026, NXPO welcomed a delegation from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), led by Ms. Ayako Inagaki, Senior Director of the Human and Social Development Sector Office. The NXPO delegation was headed by Dr. Surachai Sathitkunarat, President, and Prof. Dr. Surin Khomfoi, Vice President. The meeting aimed to advance strategic collaboration in driving policies on higher education, science, research and innovation in alignment with Thailand’s national development priorities.
Dr. Surachai outlined NXPO’s vision and strategic direction as Thailand’s national higher education and science policy agency. He highlighted the development of a new policy framework to serve as the foundation for the Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Plan 2028–2032. The framework integrates foresight methodologies, the Mission-Oriented Innovation Policy (MOIP) approach, and the Triple Helix Model to ensure coherent implementation and sustainable, system-wide impact. NXPO is also active in pursuing international collaboration with the United Nations and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), promoting knowledge exchange and policy advancement to support the Sustainable Development Goals and Thailand’s transition toward net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, NXPO prioritizes the advancement of Thailand’s strategic industries, including semiconductors and advanced electronics, agriculture and food, and medical and healthcare industries.
Ms. Inagaki emphasized that emerging and frontier technologies will be key growth drivers across the region, particularly semiconductors and advanced electronics, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, cybersecurity, and clean energy. She underscored that strong science, research and innovation policies—coupled with strategic human capital development—are essential to accelerating tangible progress in these areas.
Prof. Dr. Surin stressed that highly skilled human capital development is fundamental to strengthening both Thailand and the region. In semiconductors and advanced electronics, NXPO has formulated a five-year workforce development plan and established partnerships with leading international institutions, including Arizona State University and Imperial College London. In sustainable food production, collaborations between Thai and international universities have been initiated to develop curricula on future food. In healthcare, workforce development frameworks have been broadened to cover medical services, health and wellness tourism, and food sciences—supporting Thailand’s ambition to become a regional healthcare hub.
ADB expressed appreciation for the longstanding and close cooperation with NXPO, particularly in semiconductor and advanced electronics workforce development—an area with significant potential to enhance Thailand’s competitiveness. ADB reaffirmed its commitment to continuing and expanding collaboration into additional sectors that can strengthen Thailand’s capabilities through science, technology, and innovation.
The partnership between ADB and NXPO also extends to collaboration with the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) to align workforce development with targeted industry needs, attract foreign investment within global value chains, and enhance Thailand’s competitiveness on the international stage. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to leveraging higher education, science, research and innovation as key drivers of Thailand’s long-term sustainable development.
