Bangkok:Thailand is fostering collaboration with Japanese universities, including Kyoto University and Osaka University, to advance research in artificial intelligence and semiconductors.
According to Thai News Agency, the initiative was announced by Professor Dr. Yotsanu Wongsawat, Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, during discussions with Yasuto Tachikawa, President of Kyoto University, and Professor Atsushi Kumanoko, President of Osaka University. The aim is to elevate Thai research by promoting future technologies.
A significant development in this collaboration is the signing of a Letter of Intent between the National Research Council of Thailand and Kyoto University. This agreement focuses on joint research funding, exchange of researchers and experts, and sharing of academic resources to enhance the research network between the two countries. Kyoto University has identified Thailand as a potential research base in the region, with plans to provide a Regulatory Sandbox for testing and developing new technologies suited to the Thai context, with prospects for further application across Southeast Asia.
The partnership with Kyoto University will prioritize advancements in semiconductor technology and the use of AI in materials science. The objective is to expedite the discovery and development of new materials through AI-driven data analysis, minimizing the sole dependence on laboratory experiments.
Thailand has also proposed creating a materials database with Japan using Federated Learning technology. This initiative includes linking Kyoto University's AI4M-hub research center's database with Thailand's "Siam Silica" project to foster the growth of the semiconductor industry.
Collaboration with Osaka University will expand existing projects with Mahidol University in tropical diseases and vaccines to a national scale. The focus will be on future technologies such as medical AI, physical AI, IC design, biosensors, and quantum computing. Both sides are also preparing to establish a joint research fund and an online system to facilitate collaboration between Thai and Japanese researchers, as well as attracting more Japanese students to conduct research in Thailand.
Professor Dr. Yotsanun emphasized the urgency of building networks and advancing Thailand's scientific infrastructure. This includes acquiring essential tools and utilizing high-cost equipment through resource-sharing to enhance national research efficiency. The AI4M-hub, part of the Kyoto Institute of Advanced Research, is dedicated to applying AI in material design for the energy sector. Osaka University has been collaborating with Thailand on infectious diseases and vaccines since 2010.