Chiang mai: The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) has partnered with 19 institutions in Group 2 to produce highly skilled graduates in new, targeted industries that are in urgent demand in the labor market. The goal is to create 25,000 highly competent personnel, utilizing the Higher Education Development Fund to support Group 2 universities in becoming tangible innovation hubs.
According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry organized a seminar on policies and mechanisms for driving the Group 2 university network towards becoming a center of innovation and high-value economy. The seminar was attended by university presidents and administrators from all 19 universities in the Group 2 (Technology Development and Innovation Promotion) nationwide and was held at the Kantary Hills Hotel in Chiang Mai.
Professor Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul, Permanent Secretary of MHESI, delivered a special lecture outlining guidelines and mechanisms for driving innovative outcomes for Group 2 universities. He cited case studies of student enrollment statistics and the results of the Thai University Central Admission System (TCAS) Round 3 selection process from 2024-2026 to highlight the challenges in managing curricula amidst a declining student-age population. He posed the crucial question: "How can we ensure that the dwindling number of students enrolls in fields that truly meet the country's needs?" This is essential for industries like electric vehicles, automation, advanced semiconductors, food technology, and others in high demand.
The Ministry aims to encourage Group 2 institutions to utilize the 'Course Portfolio' classification framework as a strategic tool for educational reform. This includes maintaining flagship courses, upgrading core values, and implementing improvements in low-demand courses to align with modern trends like Fashion-Tech and Sustainable Materials. The aim is to create a skilled workforce to support the country's high-value economic structure.
Meanwhile, Dr. Panphomsak Arunee, Deputy Permanent Secretary of MHESI, delivered a lecture on "The Higher Education Development Fund: Driving Group 2 Universities," emphasizing the framework for operations in fiscal years 2027-2028. The goal is to develop human resources for the new economy, including creating 25,000 highly skilled personnel and 10,000 transformative leaders in 150 areas.
The new budget allocation model for the fund, approved by the Fund's Executive Committee, is divided into two forms: driving urgent national strategic issues and developing excellence in higher education institutions. These mechanisms will support Group 2 universities in developing excellence through key platforms and projects like BAP, CIOX, SEED, and AITP, aligning with their focus on teaching and practical application.
The Higher Education Development Fund is poised to drive Group 2 institutions and all higher education institutions nationwide to unlock their potential. The transition to this new budgeting and indicator system aims to ensure that investments directly contribute to curriculum reform and the creation of a tangible innovation ecosystem.