On October 6, 2024, Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister of of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), attended the opening of the 21st Science and Technology in Society Forum (STS Forum 2024) in Kyoto, Japan, under the theme “What do we need from S&T?”. This forum is recognized as the largest global platform for discussions on science and technology policy. During the opening ceremony, she delivered a keynote address, emphasizing the importance of preparing and developing a highly skilled workforce in artificial intelligence to support significant advancements in science and technology. She highlighted the need for STEM education, along with upskilling and reskilling initiatives to enable citizens to adapt to the rapid changes in today’s world. Additionally, she underscored the importance of collaborative efforts to address environmental issues and combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030.
The Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation participated in the S&T Ministers’ Roundtable Meeting, addressing the topic “Transformative
Science, Technology and Innovation Policy to Strengthen Innovation Ecosystems.” Accompanying her were Prof. Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, and Prof. Dr. Sukit Limpijumnong, President of the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA).
Ms. Supamas emphasized the crucial role of science, technology, and innovation in addressing the challenges of the modern world and expressed a commitment to enhancing the innovative ecosystem for sustainable growth tailored to the country’s context.
The Minister highlighted that the Thai government has implemented various projects to support the development of the innovation ecosystem, placing particular emphasis on human capital development, STEM education, digital learning, and skills necessary for future industries, such as artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, biotechnology, and renewable energy. She also underscored the importance of national research and innovation through collaboration among higher education institutions, industry, and research organizations, particularly in agriculture, healthcare, and the circular green economy. Moreover, she stressed the significance of fostering cooperation between the public and private sectors to accelerate innovation and problem-solving through innovation hubs and research groups.
The Minister further emphasized the importance of digital transformation and sustainable growth, noting that digital tools will play a key role in driving innovation and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
On the morning prior to the meeting, Ms. Supamas had breakfast with Ministers from many countries, representatives from each nation, and senior executives from Japanese organizations, totaling over 30 participants. Thailand expressed its commitment to developing scientific and technological cooperation both bilaterally and multilaterally for sustainable development in the future.
Meanwhile, Dr. Uracha Ruktanonchai, Executive Director of National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), was invited to participate in a plenary session on “Shaping the Future of Higher Education.” During the discussion, she shared insights on the role of research organizations in promoting higher education through research and human development.
She presented NSTDA’s vision, emphasizing the importance of developing science and technology personnel starting at the foundational level. She cited examples from Thailand, such as Junior Science Talent Project (JSTP), which aims to nurture scientific talent among middle and high school students, and the scholarship program in collaboration with the Tokyo Institute of Technology for master’s degree students. These initiatives are part of a broader effort to cultivate a new generation of quality professionals in fields such as electric vehicles and artificial intelligence, which are increasingly vital for future technologies.
In addition to the potential in science and technology, there is another essential capability that should be developed: social and environmental sustainability, along with soft skills such as responsibility and adaptability. These skills will enable our future workforce to keep pace with the rapidly changing technology and society.
Dr. Uracha emphasized that preparing for emerging technologies requires readiness across four dimensions: first, developing skills, particularly in higher education, to meet workforce demands; second, establishing infrastructure, including high-speed internet, cloud computing, and secure data management systems; third, enhancing awareness of relevant technologies and ethics; and finally, fostering collaborative networks among higher education institutions, research organizations, and the industry to promote effective partnerships.
“Thailand places great importance on artificial intelligence (AI), with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, under Minister Supamas, announcing the ‘MHESI for AI’ policy. The Prime Minister has established the National AI Committee to drive the action plan for AI development in Thailand, aiming to leverage its full potential across all dimensions,” Dr. Uracha said.