Picture courtesy of Khaosod

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) has agreed to deepen cooperation with China to develop high-level talent in three priority fields: artificial intelligence, smart agriculture and food science. The move aims to strengthen Thailand’s workforce and innovation capacity through joint education and research initiatives with Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School (Tsinghua SIGS).

The agreement was discussed on 6 January 2026 at MHESI in Bangkok, chaired by Prof Dr Supachai Pathumnakul, Permanent Secretary of MHESI. The talks focused on exchanging policy approaches to higher education and innovation, developing human resources, creating joint curricula and expanding student and researcher exchange programmes.

The Chinese delegation was led by Prof Dr Wu Qianyuan, Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs at Tsinghua SIGS. Thai officials attending included Ms Phenpanha Kanchana, Inspector General of MHESI, and Dr Laksan Samansin, Director of the International Affairs Division at the Office of the Permanent Secretary.

Prof Dr Supachai said Thailand seeks to jointly develop skilled personnel and knowledge with Tsinghua SIGS through joint curricula, collaborative research and visiting professor and exchange programmes. He highlighted plans to encourage Thai university lecturers to attend short-term training courses at Tsinghua SIGS, with the aim of transferring advanced knowledge back into Thailand’s teaching and research systems.

The cooperation will focus on three key areas: artificial intelligence (AI), smart agriculture and food science and technology. These fields are seen as critical to supporting modern industry, food security and technological competitiveness in Thailand and the wider region.

Prof Dr Supachai also proposed exploring the feasibility of establishing a Tsinghua SIGS campus within one of Thailand’s special economic zones. The proposed campus would serve as a regional base for producing highly skilled personnel and for linking education, research and industry between Thailand and China.

Prof Dr Wu Qianyuan said Tsinghua SIGS is ready to expand deep cooperation with Thailand across education, research and industrial linkages. He noted opportunities for postgraduate students at master’s and doctoral levels to work and conduct research with leading Thai private-sector companies, including Charoen Pokphand Group (CP) and SCG.

The initiative aligns with MHESI’s policy to act as a central coordinator in driving human resource development and innovation cooperation between the two countries. Both sides see the partnership as a way to support long-term economic and technological growth.

Khoasod reported that Tsinghua SIGS was established in 2019 in Shenzhen as part of China’s “University City” strategy. The initiative brings together Tsinghua University, Peking University and Harbin Institute of Technology to create a global education hub with a strong interdisciplinary focus.

Key Takeaways

• Thailand and Tsinghua SIGS agreed to deepen cooperation in AI, smart agriculture and food science.

• Plans include joint curricula, research collaboration and exchanges for students and academics.

• A potential Tsinghua SIGS campus in Thailand is being explored within a special economic zone.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2026-01-07

 

 

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