It is not only about factories. Not only about machines. It is about “people.”
According to Thailand’s National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO), the country will require more than 1 million skilled workers in targeted industries over the next five years. Among the most critical sectors are Advanced Electronics and Semiconductors, which alone are expected to demand more than 200,000 professionals, ranging from technicians and engineers to system designers and high-level researchers.
The real question is: Is Thailand ready?
🔹 Ms. Panisa Hanphattanan, Senior Director of Future Skill Development and Higher Education Innovation at NXPO, emphasized that the challenge today is no longer simply about producing more graduates. It is about producing “the right talent for real industry needs.” To bridge the gap between industry demand and educational supply, NXPO is driving skill mapping initiatives and redesigning education models through:
✅ Module-based Learning
✅ Sandwich Courses
✅ Work-integrated Learning
✅ Higher Education Sandbox Programs
These models aim to help students gain practical experience while studying, collect industry-recognized certifications, and enter the workforce faster. Some programs may even allow students to graduate within just three years, equipped with both academic qualifications and real industrial experience.
At the same time, the government is introducing strong incentives through the Thailand Plus Package to encourage private sector participation in workforce development.
📌 150% tax deduction for hiring STEM professionals
📌 Up to 250% tax deduction for approved workforce upskilling and training programs
Because the future of the electronics industry will not be determined only by who builds the biggest factories. It will be determined by who develops the strongest talent ecosystem.
🌏 This is why THECA 2026 is becoming more than just an exhibition. It is evolving into a platform where industry, education, policy makers, and next-generation talent come together to shape the future of PCB, Semiconductor, and Advanced Electronics industries in Thailand and across Asia.
One of the key highlights will be the Workforce Pavilion, showcasing:
• Future-ready education models
• Industry-academic collaboration
• Sandbox programs
• Government support mechanisms
• Emerging opportunities for Thailand’s electronics workforce
Because a strong supply chain cannot exist without a strong talent chain.
What kind of talent do you think Thailand should prioritize developing first to stay competitive in the next wave of global electronics investment?
🗓 THECA 2026 + Power2Motion | 26-28 August 2026 | BITEC Bangkok
📍 Innovating PCB and Advanced Electronics with Next-Gen Packaging
Register Now – Free Visitor Pass Only at https://thecaregistrations.com/Registration/ChooseTypeRegis.aspx?codeInv=THECA2
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