Thailand’s IEAT and NSTDA Partner to Drive Smart Factories and Sustainable Industrial Growth
泰國工業區管理局 (IEAT) 與國家科技發展署 (NSTDA) 合作，推動智慧工廠和永續工業成長
Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) and National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to accelerate the use of science, technology and innovation across Thailand’s industrial estates, aiming to boost sustainability and global competitiveness. The agreement, formalised at IEAT headquarters under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry, focuses on advancing artificial intelligence (AI), automation, robotics and the Internet of Things (IoT) to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) transition into Smart Factories. IEAT Governor Mr Sumet Tangprasert said modern manufacturing depends on advanced automation to improve efficiency, accuracy and cost control, while strengthening supply chains and business linkages between SMEs and multinational corporations in key sectors such as automotive, electronics and processed food.
NSTDA Director Professor Dr Chookiat Limpichamnong said the partnership aligns with national policy to promote the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economy and an innovation-driven growth model, leveraging NSTDA’s research infrastructure and expert networks to enhance productivity and workforce readiness. Initial implementation will begin with pilot projects and business-matching activities in four industrial estates—Lat Krabang, Northern, Laem Chabang and Bang Pu—to deliver tangible benefits and encourage wider adoption of Smart Factory practices. Complementing this effort, Thailand is also expanding smart innovation in related fields such as construction and quality assurance, including the modernisation of ready-mixed concrete testing laboratories with digital data systems and automated monitoring, reinforcing the country’s push toward a more resilient, technology-enabled industrial ecosystem.
https://opengovasia.com/thailand-smart-innovation-for-a-future-ready-industrial-ecosystem/?c=in
編按：泰國工業區管理局(IEAT) 與國家科技發展署 (NSTDA) 簽署備忘錄，旨在透過人工智慧、機器人、自動化和物聯網技術加速智慧工廠的普及和永續性的產業成長，並為汽車、電子和食品等關鍵產業的中小企業提供支援。該合作符合泰國的生物循環綠色經濟政策，將在四個工業園區啟動試點，以提高生產力、勞動力素質和全球競爭力。
Thailand Emerges as ASEAN’s Top PCB Manufacturing Hub amid Investment Surge
投資激增，泰國成為東協頂級PCB製造中心
Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) reports that Thailand’s printed circuit board (PCB) industry is attracting strong investment inflows as global demand rises from artificial intelligence, data centres and advanced electronics. Between 2022 and June 2025, more than 180 PCB-related projects applied for investment promotion, representing a combined value exceeding THB200 billion, reflecting production relocation trends and growing foreign investor confidence in Thailand as a regional base. In the first nine months of 2025 alone, the electrical appliances and electronics group — covering PCBs, hard disk drives, electronic parts, battery cells and smart appliances — recorded 382 applications worth over THB180 billion, underlining broad-based expansion across the electronics value chain.
Thailand’s competitiveness is supported by advanced manufacturing infrastructure, reliable power supply, strong logistics links and a skilled workforce capable of adapting to new technologies, while its integrated supply chain connects PCB production with fast-growing sectors such as electric vehicles, semiconductors, AI data centres and medical devices. Strategic incentives from the BOI, including corporate income tax exemptions of up to 13 years and cost-reduction measures, have further strengthened investor appeal. One of the main industry clusters is 304 Industrial Park, which offers high-capacity utilities, including on-site power generation of 893 megawatts and industrial water capacity of 344,000 cubic metres per day. More than 14 PCB manufacturers and supply-chain firms have already invested there, with the 3,200-hectare site providing ample space for future expansion by major producers and raw-material suppliers.
https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/business/investment/40062873
編按：泰國正迅速成為東協領先的印刷電路板（PCB）製造中心。在人工智慧、資料中心和先進電子產品需求的推動下，2022年至2025年中期，泰國已批准超過180個專案，總價值超過2,000億泰銖。憑藉強大的基礎設施、高素質的人才和泰國投資促進委員會（BOI）的優惠政策，像304工業園區這樣的主要產業聚落正吸引全球投資者，拓展電動車、半導體和醫療器材等產業的供應鏈。
Thai Industry Warns of Export Impact as Trump Imposes Temporary 10% Global Tariff
川普實施10%臨時性全球關稅，泰國業界警告出口受阻
Kriengkrai Thiennukul, president of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), said a recent ruling by the US Supreme Court blocking “reciprocal tariffs” was not unexpected for Thai businesses, as the court had delayed its decision several times under the US checks-and-balances system. While the ruling stated that such tariffs were not a direct presidential power and must end, Kriengkrai warned that Donald Trump has since turned to other legal tools, including Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, to impose a temporary 10% global tariff on worldwide imports. The measure can last up to 150 days unless extended by Congress, and although it has brought short-term stability, Kriengkrai said structural trade risks remain as Washington still has other mechanisms at its disposal.
Kriengkrai said the tariff would affect Thai exports in two main ways. Electronics products such as hard disk drives, printed circuit boards and integrated circuits, along with automobiles and parts, electrical appliances, and gems and jewellery, would face the full 10% levy, hurting competitiveness in key US markets. In contrast, agricultural and fisheries products such as rice, durian and mangosteen are exempted, as higher food prices would worsen US inflation. He added that Thailand must closely monitor potential future actions under Section 301, which could target issues such as intellectual property, subsidies or currency movements. During the 150-day window, Thailand still has room to negotiate for relief by proposing increased imports of US goods such as natural gas or aircraft, but success will depend on US domestic politics. Kriengkrai concluded that despite temporary easing, the trade war is not over, and Thai industry must remain flexible, diversify markets and prepare for ongoing volatility.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/trade/40062803
編按：泰國產業領袖警告稱，根據《貿易法》第122條，為避免加劇美國通膨，川普政府對全球農產品除外的商品加徵10%的臨時關稅，將損害泰國電子產品、汽車、家電和珠寶的出口。泰國工業聯合會強調，儘管泰國可能在150天的期限內透過談判獲得減免，但結構性貿易風險仍然存在，需要多角化經營和靈活應對，以因應持續的市場波動。
Thailand Approves Major Chinese Investment to Build First Humanoid Robot Component Hub in EEC
泰國批准中國投資，在東部經濟走廊打造首座人形機器人零件中心。
Board of Investment (BOI) has approved more than 10 billion baht in investments from five Chinese companies to establish Thailand’s first humanoid robot component production base in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). BOI Secretary-General Narit Therdsteerasukdi said the project will strengthen Thailand’s high-tech supply chains while opening new opportunities in robotics and automation. The investments are expected to create over 1,000 high-skilled jobs and generate local sourcing worth 45 billion baht, in line with the BOI’s local content policy, reinforcing Thailand’s position as a leading industrial hub in Southeast Asia.
The five firms—Hangzhou Seenpin Electromechanical Transmission, Beite Technology, Sanhua Intelligent Drives, Tuopu Technology and Xusheng Group—will produce key components such as planetary roller screws, ball screws, actuators and lightweight robot body parts across Chon Buri, Chachoengsao and Rayong. Sanhua will also build on its earlier automotive investments supplying clients including BYD, Volvo and Tesla. The BOI said the initiative aims to position Thailand as a hub for the fast-growing global humanoid robot market, which is forecast to expand rapidly and move toward large-scale commercial production by 2027.
編按：泰國投資促進委員會（BOI）批准五家中國企業投資超過100億泰銖，在東部經濟走廊建立泰國首座人形機器人零件製造中心，預計將創造1000個高技能職位，並促進本地採購。該計畫將生產致動器和輕型機器人本體等關鍵零件，使泰國在2027年全球商業擴張之前，成為東南亞機器人領域的領導者。
NECTEC Urges Thailand to Become Technology Co-Creator to Safeguard Competitiveness and Security
泰國國家電子與電腦技術中心敦促泰國成為技術共同創造者，以維護競爭力和安全性
National Electronics and Computer Technology Centre (NECTEC) has warned that Thailand’s heavy reliance on foreign technology could undermine national security and long-term competitiveness, calling for a strategic shift from being a technology “user” to a “co-creator”. Dr Chai Wutiwiwatchai, NECTEC’s director, said global volatility has made technology a decisive factor in economic strength, and overdependence on external platforms poses growing risks. Reflecting on NECTEC’s 39-year role as the nation’s technological pioneer, he highlighted achievements ranging from building Thailand’s digital foundations through ThaiSARN and early commercial internet services to establishing the Thai Microelectronics Centre (TMEC), the only wafer fabrication facility in ASEAN, and supporting national IT development, e-commerce and digital government initiatives.
Looking ahead, Dr Chai said NECTEC will focus on developing future technologies that enhance sustainable quality of life and international competitiveness. Priority areas include smart farming through the HandySense Bfarm platform, low-carbon infrastructure via EV charging management systems, and the expansion of medical AI and rapid disease-screening tools to enable proactive public health surveillance. The agency is also laying the groundwork for AI testing laboratories and standards to build trust and ethics in digital systems, while continuing projects such as Traffy Fondue, Thai School Lunch and TPMAP with the National Economic and Social Development Council. Dr Chai stressed that technology has become a matter of national survival, urging collaboration across sectors to ensure Thailand can stand on its own with home-grown innovation in an increasingly uncertain global environment.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/tech/40062757
編者按：泰國國家電子與電腦技術中心（NECTEC）警告: 泰國對外國技術的依賴會危及國家安全和競爭力，敦促泰國從技術「使用者」轉變為技術「共同創造者」。展望未來，該機構將優先發展智慧農業、低碳基礎設施、醫療人工智慧和符合倫理的數位系統等領域的創新，以強化泰國在不確定的全球環境下的韌性，並推動本土創新。
Hong Kong Positions Itself as Global Gateway for Thai Innovators during Bangkok Visit
香港創新科技及工業局長在曼谷之行中將自身定位為泰國創新者通往全球的門戶
Sun Dong, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, visited Thailand from January 27–29 to strengthen cooperation in innovation and technology (I&T) between the two economies, highlighting Hong Kong’s role as a strategic gateway for Thai innovators seeking global expansion. Speaking in an interview, Professor Sun said digital transformation has made I&T central to economic resilience and long-term growth. The visit featured a flagship seminar titled “Building growth and resilience for the future: Hong Kong as the strategic hub for technology, innovation and investment”, co-organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok, Invest Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Thai-Hong Kong Trade Association, where Hong Kong’s 2022 Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint and HK$30 billion in funding schemes were presented as tools to commercialise research and attract frontier-technology investment.
Professor Sun said Hong Kong’s strengths — including world-class universities, three major I&T parks, five R&D institutions and the InnoHK platform linking global research partners — make it an ideal launchpad for Thai companies into the Chinese Mainland and wider markets. He noted Hong Kong is home to over 5,200 start-ups and has attracted around 500 leading I&T firms, supported by its low-tax regime, open business environment and strong logistics network. Describing Thailand as a natural partner under the Thailand 4.0 vision, he pointed to complementary strengths in healthtech, agritech and greentech, and called for deeper collaboration in R&D, talent exchange and start-up scaling. During the visit, the delegation met groups including the Federation of Thai Industries and Digital Economy Promotion Agency, and visited Mahidol University and True Digital Park, with Professor Sun concluding that combining Thailand’s digital momentum with Hong Kong’s global connectivity could build a more resilient and prosperous future.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/tech/40062394
編按：香港創新科技及工業局長孫東訪問泰國，旨在深化雙邊在科技領域的合作。他表示，香港擁有強大的科學研究基礎設施、完善的融資體系和新創企業網絡，是泰國創新者走向全球的門戶。孫東強調了雙方在醫療科技、農業科技和綠色科技領域的互補優勢，並指出，結合泰國的數位化發展動能與香港的國際鏈結，將能增強泰國的韌性，促進全球擴張，實現長期成長。
Thailand and EU Move to Align Green Industry Goals, Target Mid-2026 FTA Conclusion
泰國與歐盟攜手協調綠色產業目標，力爭在2026年中期達成自由貿易協定
Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, Thailand’s Industry Minister, has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to concluding Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations with the European Union by mid-2026, despite the transition to a caretaker government. At a high-level meeting on 16 February 2026 with Luisa Ragher, the EU Ambassador to Thailand, Thanakorn said the Ministry of Industry remains fully operational and focused on policy continuity. Discussions centred on aligning Thailand’s manufacturing sector with European environmental standards under a “Push-Fight-Pull-Persist” framework, aimed at restructuring the economy to ensure a stable and attractive environment for European investors.
The minister outlined a three-pronged strategy covering decarbonisation through carbon-neutral and net-zero targets with a focus on the EV supply chain, regulatory alignment with EU rules such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and Regulation on Shipments of Waste (RSW), and leveraging the EU’s €300 billion Global Gateway initiative to attract investment into Thailand’s S-Curve industries. Ambassador Ragher noted Thailand is the EU’s third-largest trading partner in ASEAN and highlighted the natural alignment between Thailand’s Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economic model and the EU’s green transition agenda. She encouraged further regulatory streamlining, saying reduced bureaucracy would enhance Thailand’s appeal to EU investors and help accelerate progress toward a landmark trade agreement.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/trade/40062624
編者按：泰國工業部長重申在2026年中期前完成與歐盟自由貿易協定談判的計劃，重點在於政策的連續性以及促使泰國製造業與歐洲環境標準接軌。該戰略強調脫碳、監管與歐盟規則保持一致，以及善用歐盟的全球門戶計劃，而歐盟則強調其與泰國生物循環綠色模式的協同效應，並呼籲簡化監管以吸引投資。
Thailand Urged to Strengthen Green Finance and Trade Resilience amid Global Economic Shifts
泰國應該在全球經濟格局變化中加強綠色金融和貿易韌性
International Institute for Trade and Development (ITD), in partnership with Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Harvard Club of Thailand, has called for faster development of green financing frameworks and deeper local currency markets to safeguard economic resilience. Speaking at a high-level seminar reviewing United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)’s Trade and Development Report 2025, officials warned that rising global subsidies and protectionism are reshaping trade rules. Rujikorn Saengchantr of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said industrial subsidies exceeded US$100 billion in 2023, signalling a shift away from WTO principles and intensifying pressure on export-driven economies like Thailand.
Rujikorn outlined a three-pronged strategy: diversifying free trade agreements with partners such as the EU and South Korea, avoiding over-dependence by expanding engagement with China, India and emerging regions, and managing domestic risks including labour shortages through regulated employment schemes for displaced workers. Panelists including Asian Development Bank and the World Bank Group stressed the need for climate-adaptation revenue models and reforms in intellectual property frameworks so developing economies can capture more value from innovation. The forum concluded that strengthening green finance, regulatory capacity and market diversification will be critical for Thailand to maintain competitiveness and regional leadership as global trade dynamics become more volatile.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/economy/40062611
編按：國際貿易與發展研究所（ITD）與泰國各部會及合作夥伴一致認定: 泰國應加快綠色金融體系的建構，擴大本國貨幣市場，增強經濟韌性，以對抗日益抬頭的全球補貼和貿易保護主義。專家強調，泰國應努力實現貿易協定的多元化，管控勞工風險，並改革氣候和智慧財產權政策，以協助泰國在全球貿易動盪格局下，持續保有競爭力和領先地位。
Greatech Shares Jump on Strong Order Book and Data Centre Exposure
受強勁訂單量及資料中心業務成長帶動，馬來西亞Greatech股價上漲。
Greatech Technology Bhd surged in early Friday trading after analysts highlighted improved earnings visibility driven by a stronger order book. The stock climbed as much as RM2.23 before ending the session up 14 sen, or 7.11%, at RM2.11, valuing the group at RM5.31 billion. Trading volume reached 45.1 million shares, making it among the most active counters of the day. The rally came despite weaker fourth-quarter results, with net profit falling to RM5.07 million from RM51.62 million a year earlier and revenue easing to RM170.73 million, although analysts said the figures were ahead of expectations and pointed to a brighter outlook.
In a research note, AmInvestment Bank said Greatech’s order book jumped 44% quarter-on-quarter to RM1 billion, largely supported by data centre projects now making up about 50% to 55% of outstanding jobs. It expects the order book to reach around RM1.5 billion next quarter, providing earnings visibility for up to two years and marking a strategic shift from solar and e-mobility toward data centre solutions such as power modules, networking and cooling systems. Phillip Capital also raised its target price and earnings forecasts, citing better execution, while cautioning on production capacity constraints. Bloomberg data showed most analysts maintained ‘buy’ recommendations, with an average 12-month target price of RM2.47, as the stock trades at a PER of 37.1 times, near the lower end of its historical range.
https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/794302
編按：儘管季度業績疲軟，分析師強調獲利前景改善，Greatech Technology Bhd股價仍因成交量強勁上漲7.11%至2.11令吉。此次上漲主要得益於其訂單量激增44%，達到10億令吉，其中資料中心專案佔據主導地位。預計下一季訂單量將達到15億令吉，同時在太陽能和電動車以外的領域持續成長。
Malaysia Builds Low-Latency Digital Backbone to Power Real-Time AI
馬來西亞建構低延遲數位骨幹網，為即時人工智慧賦能
Malaysia is accelerating investments in data centres, internet exchanges and satellite connectivity as artificial intelligence (AI) shifts from pilot projects to full-scale deployment. In McKinsey’s 2025 global survey, 62% of organisations reported experimenting with agentic AI, highlighting growing demand for faster, more reliable computing infrastructure. For latency-sensitive applications such as robotics, industrial automation and intelligent transport, experts say performance depends on placing computing power closer to users. Malaysia’s data centre capacity is expected to expand sharply by 2030, driven by rising enterprise and regional demand, with hubs such as Johor and Cyberjaya emerging as key growth areas.
Satellite broadband is also becoming part of the country’s mainstream digital ecosystem. Local partners working with SpaceX’s Starlink are extending high-speed connectivity to remote and underserved regions, while government-linked initiatives aim to strengthen domestic satellite and ground-station capabilities. At the international level, DE-CIX and the German Aerospace Center, in collaboration with the European Space Agency, are developing technologies to integrate terrestrial and satellite networks into a single low-latency system. Analysts say these developments position Malaysia to support real-time, AI-driven services across industries, from finance and logistics to healthcare and smart manufacturing.
https://businessnews.com.my/ai-growth-with-connectivity-infrastructure
編按：馬來西亞正在迅速擴展資料中心、網路交換中心和衛星連接，以支援即時人工智慧應用，柔佛州和賽城預計在 2030 年前成為關鍵樞紐。與 Starlink 的合作以及整合地面和衛星網路的國際伙伴關係的建立，旨在提供低延遲基礎設施，使馬來西亞能夠為從物流到醫療保健等各個行業的 AI 驅動服務提供支援。
Chipbond Opens US$200 Million Advanced Semiconductor Facility in Penang
Chipbond在檳城啟用價值2億美元的先進半導體工廠
Chipbond Technology Corporation has officially opened its new advanced manufacturing facility, Chipbond Technology Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., at Valdor Industrial Park in Batu Kawan, Penang, marking a major milestone in its global expansion. The project involves an investment of nearly US$200 million (about RM800 million) and is expected to strengthen Malaysia’s position in the global outsourced semiconductor assembly and test (OSAT) value chain. The plant will provide advanced processes such as wafer bumping, wafer-level chip-scale packaging (WLCSP) and testing, with an initial capacity of 10,000 wafers and 100 million WLCSP units per month, as well as support for flip-chip packaging.
Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, chief executive of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority, said the facility would expand Malaysia’s OSAT ecosystem through deeper technology transfer and the development of high-skilled local talent. InvestPenang chief executive Dato’ Loo Lee Lian, representing Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, said the investment aligns with Penang’s shift towards advanced packaging under the National Semiconductor Strategy, reinforcing the state’s role as a regional hub. Chipbond chairman Wu Fei Jain added that the new plant underlines the group’s commitment to ensuring stable global supply. Internal qualification of the facility is expected to be completed by end-2025, with customer qualification scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2026.
編按：Chipbond Technology Corporation在馬來西亞檳城啟用價值2億美元的先進半導體工廠，該工廠採用晶圓凸塊、晶圓級晶片封裝（WLCSP）和覆晶封裝等尖端工藝，提升了馬來西亞在全球OSAT(委外封測代工)價值鏈中的地位。該廠預計於2025年底完成內部認證，並於2026年初完成客戶認證。工廠的啟用將有助於技術轉移和人才培養，並鞏固檳城作為馬來西亞國家半導體戰略下區域中心的地位。
UPSI, Proton Explore Strategic Collaboration on Electric Vehicle Education
UPSI與Proton探討在電動車教育領域的策略合作
Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) has received a courtesy visit from the top management of Proton Holdings Berhad as both sides move to explore strategic collaboration in Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) and New Energy Vehicle (NEV) technologies. UPSI Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff said the engagement focused on aligning the national automotive industry with higher education, including proposals to establish Malaysia’s first EV Learning and Demonstration Centre at a university, develop BEV-focused academic modules, and provide hands-on training linked to Proton’s e.MAS technology. He said the initiative reflects UPSI’s commitment to embedding green technology into its curriculum while producing graduates equipped with technological and environmental competencies.
Proton Deputy Chief Executive Officer Datuk Abdul Rashid Musa said universities are key partners in accelerating Malaysia’s electric mobility ecosystem, noting that industry-academia collaboration is essential to prepare a future-ready workforce. Discussions also covered the “Industry in Campus” concept and the possible establishment of a Proton Training Center @ UPSI, alongside plans for an EV technology showcase zone, community awareness centre and training-of-trainers programmes covering safety, diagnostics and aftersales services. Both parties said the proposed cooperation would strengthen talent development, improve graduate employability and support Malaysia’s transition towards sustainable and competitive automotive technologies.
編按：馬來西亞蘇丹伊德里斯教育大學（UPSI）和寶騰汽車（Proton）正在探索策略合作，昇化電動車教育，建立馬國首座電動車學習及示範中心、開發聚焦於純電動車的學術模組，以及提供寶騰e.MAS技術的現場培訓實作。此次合作旨在透過「產業在校園」的理念、建立培訓中心和發展社區宣傳活動，提升畢業生就業能力，促進人才培養，並支持馬來西亞汽車產業轉型至具永續性的技術發展。