The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation has introduced the renowned Japanese engineering and technology education model “KOSEN” to Thai universities, aiming to develop advanced technology personnel to support future industries and drive the new economy.
On 16 May 2026 GMT+7, Captain Phatdarasmi Thongsaluaykorn, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, announced progress in advancing the government's new economic development strategy. She said the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation has recently elevated cooperation with Japan by promoting the expansion of the “KOSEN” curriculum to develop advanced technology personnel for future industries such as space, semiconductors, and synchrotron technology, contributing to the country's long-term New Growth Engine.
The “KOSEN” model is a Japanese engineering and technology education system focused on producing highly skilled technical personnel with practical abilities that meet industry demands. This curriculum is globally recognized. Previously, Yotsanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, discussed with the Japanese Ambassador to Thailand cooperation on expanding the KOSEN program into one or two more higher education institutions and pushing for curriculum accreditation equivalent to Japanese standards to enhance the competitiveness of Thai youth in the global advanced technology industry.
Additionally, Thailand and Japan are expanding cooperation across multiple areas including space technology, satellite and IoT applications for disaster warning and response, monitoring climate change, and developing the digital economy—considered a key government strategy to elevate the country towards an innovation-based economy.
Meanwhile, Japan is preparing to sign a memorandum of cooperation on space technology between the Ministry of Higher Education and Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) to concretely advance collaboration on advanced technology between the two countries.
This collaboration reflects the government’s direction to invest simultaneously in “people” and “technology,” using education and innovation as new engines to drive the economy, provide Thai youth with access to global knowledge, and prepare the country to compete in future industries on the world stage.