The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) has partnered with the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) and Mahanakorn University to sign a historic MOU with Lumentum, a Silicon Valley technology giant. This agreement establishes the foundation for Thailand's photonics industry, aiming to elevate the country from an end-stage manufacturing base to a global upstream chip design hub supporting AI infrastructure and data centers.
MHESI welcomed the CEO of Lumentum, a leading Silicon Valley technology company, to sign a historic cooperation agreement with NSTDA and Mahanakorn University. The collaboration aims to build Thailand’s photonics industry by developing highly skilled personnel and smart laboratories, with the goal of making Thailand a world-class chip designer rather than merely a contract manufacturer.
On 8 April 2026 GMT+7 Professor Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) witnessed the signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on semiconductor and photonics cooperation among three key sectors: Lumentum, a global leader in photonics equipment; the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA); and Mahanakorn University of Technology. The event took place in the press conference room on the first floor of the Phra Chom Klao Building, MHESI Secretariat Office (Yothi). Attendees included Dr. Pantheemsak Arunee, Deputy Permanent Secretary of MHESI; Michael Herliston, President and Managing Director of Lumentum; Dr. Prong Kongsapto, Senior Director and Chief of Staff of Lumentum - NSTC; Professor Dr. Chookit Limpijumnong, Director of NSTDA; and Associate Professor Dr. Panavee Pokaiyudom, President of Mahanakorn University of Technology.
Professor Dr. Supachai stated that this collaboration with Lumentum is a critical component under MHESI’s semiconductor industry development strategy. The goal is to propel Thailand beyond being just an end-stage manufacturing base to becoming a global innovation center and high-skilled talent hub in the upstream supply chain.
"The core of our policy is to create a sustainable semiconductor ecosystem through a Triple Helix mechanism that concretely connects policy, research, and industry sectors. MHESI focuses on reforming manpower development in photonics and advanced electronics by producing highly competent graduates and upskilling/reskilling the existing workforce to meet the future needs of industries such as AI and cloud infrastructure."
"Additionally, we emphasize upgrading research infrastructure, such as the TMEC laboratory and the national training center at Mahanakorn University, turning them into sandboxes for applied innovation. This partnership confirms that Thailand is ready to be a strategic partner with leading global technology companies, collaboratively driving 'Made in Thailand' innovations proudly into the world’s digital infrastructure," said the MHESI Permanent Secretary.
Mr. Michael said that as a photonics technology leader powering global AI and data center infrastructure, Lumentum recognizes Thailand’s potential as a key base in the new supply chain. This collaboration opens doors to real-world experience through industry projects and internships, allowing Thai students and researchers to engage with advanced laser and optical device technologies applied in international industries.
Dr. Prong said,"The strength of this partnership lies in creating an integrated learning ecosystem. We will jointly develop academic curricula at both degree and non-degree levels focusing specifically on photonics and advanced electronics to prepare workforce training that meets the expanding industry's demand for skilled professionals to support economic growth."
Professor Dr. Chookit emphasized the research role, saying,"NSTDA, through the TMEC center, will serve as the microelectronics research infrastructure and applied research hub, bridging policy with practical implementation. The cooperation with Lumentum will elevate Thailand from an assembly role to becoming a designer and innovator in upstream technology, which is central to the country's competitive strategy in the digital economy era."
Meanwhile, Associate Professor Dr. Panavee stated,"As the main agency producing skilled personnel through the National Semiconductor Training Center (MUT-NSTC), we are ready to extend knowledge toward applied research and enhance research laboratories in partnership with industry to ensure Thailand’s learning environment aligns with global manufacturing standards."
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