Bangkok:Thailand's tech industry is set for a significant boost as NXP Manufacturing collaborates with Thailand to elevate the "Siam Silica" project on the global stage. This partnership aims to transform Thailand into a key ASEAN semiconductor hub.
According to Thai News Agency, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NXP Manufacturing (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and Siam Silica was signed during a ceremony attended by Professor Dr. Yotsanun Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, and Mr. Sjoerd Sjoerdsma, Minister of International Trade and Development Cooperation from the Netherlands. The event also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Mahanakorn University of Technology and the University of Twente.
Professor Dr. Yotsanun emphasized Thailand's robust manufacturing base in the electric vehicle and electronics sectors. He noted that domestic production of chips and components could reduce logistics costs and help position Thailand as a regional logistics hub. The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation is exploring the expansion of research and development and production capacities with NXP. The Thai government is prepared to support these initiatives through incentives and innovation development.
The collaboration includes a visit to the University of Twente, renowned for its semiconductor IC design expertise, which offers significant opportunities for training and developing Thai human resources. This aligns with the ASEAN Chips Act proposal aimed at establishing semiconductor supply chain protocols in Southeast Asia, with Thailand as the innovation hub.
Professor Dr. Yotsanun further explained that the agreements mark a critical step in enhancing human resource development and advancing the semiconductor industry via the Siam Silica project. The Thai government aims to act as a facilitator and attract further participation from leading companies and academic institutions.
Mr. Sjoerdsma expressed the Netherlands' enthusiasm for the cooperation, highlighting the importance of a skilled workforce in the semiconductor industry. The Siam Silica initiative aligns with the Dutch Brainport initiative, emphasizing the need for global talent to sustain industry growth.
The partnership originates from Professor Dr. Yoschanan's visit to Europe, which included discussions with the University of Twente and technology institutions in the Netherlands and Belgium. The goal was to assess Thailand's potential as a semiconductor hub, focusing on photonics and advanced chip assembly technologies. This effort will be supported by research networks and international funding to drive Thailand's economic growth through the semiconductor industry.