Thailand’s IEAT and NSTDA Partner to Drive Smart Factories and Sustainable Industrial Growth
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
Editor’s Note: Thailand’s IEAT and NSTDA have signed an MoU to accelerate smart factory adoption and sustainable industrial growth through AI, robotics, automation, and IoT, supporting SMEs in key sectors like automotive, electronics, and food. The partnership aligns with Thailand’s Bio-Circular-Green economy policy, launching pilot projects in four industrial estates to enhance productivity, workforce readiness, and global competitiveness.
Thailand Emerges as ASEAN’s Top PCB Manufacturing Hub amid Investment Surge
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
Editor’s Note: Thailand is rapidly becoming ASEAN’s leading hub for printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing, with over 180 projects worth more than THB200 billion approved between 2022 and mid-2025, driven by demand from AI, data centres, and advanced electronics. Supported by strong infrastructure, skilled talent, and generous BOI incentives, major industry clusters like 304 Industrial Park are attracting global investors and expanding supply chains across sectors such as EVs, semiconductors, and medical devices.
Thai Industry Warns of Export Impact as Trump Imposes Temporary 10% Global Tariff
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
Editor’s Note: Thai industry leaders warn that Donald Trump’s temporary 10% global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act will hurt exports of electronics, automobiles, appliances, and jewellery, though agricultural products are exempt to avoid worsening US inflation. The Federation of Thai Industries stresses that while Thailand may negotiate relief during the 150-day window, structural trade risks remain, requiring diversification and flexibility to withstand ongoing volatility.
Thailand Approves Major Chinese Investment to Build First Humanoid Robot Component Hub in EEC
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.
Editor’s Note: Thailand’s BOI has approved over 10 billion baht in investments from five Chinese firms to establish the country’s first humanoid robot component hub in the Eastern Economic Corridor, creating 1,000 high-skilled jobs and boosting local sourcing. The project will produce key parts like actuators and lightweight robot bodies, positioning Thailand as a Southeast Asian leader in robotics ahead of expected global commercial expansion by 2027.
NECTEC Urges Thailand to Become Technology Co-Creator to Safeguard Competitiveness and Security
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
Editor’s Note: NECTEC has warned that Thailand’s dependence on foreign technology poses risks to national security and competitiveness, urging a shift from being a technology “user” to a “co-creator.” Looking ahead, the agency will prioritize innovations in smart farming, low-carbon infrastructure, medical AI, and ethical digital systems to strengthen resilience and home-grown innovation in an uncertain global environment.
Hong Kong Positions Itself as Global Gateway for Thai Innovators during Bangkok Visit
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
Editor’s Note: Hong Kong’s Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Sun Dong, visited Thailand to promote deeper I&T collaboration, presenting Hong Kong as a global gateway for Thai innovators with strong research infrastructure, funding schemes, and start-up networks. Highlighting complementary strengths in healthtech, agritech, and greentech, he emphasized that combining Thailand’s digital momentum with Hong Kong’s connectivity could drive resilience, global expansion, and long-term growth.
Thailand and EU Move to Align Green Industry Goals, Target Mid-2026 FTA Conclusion
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
Editor’s Note: Thailand’s Industry Minister has reaffirmed plans to conclude FTA negotiations with the EU by mid-2026, focusing on policy continuity and aligning Thai manufacturing with European environmental standards. The strategy emphasizes decarbonisation, regulatory alignment with EU rules, and leveraging the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, while the EU highlights synergies with Thailand’s Bio-Circular-Green model and calls for streamlined regulations to attract investment.
Thailand Urged to Strengthen Green Finance and Trade Resilience amid Global Economic Shifts
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
Editor’s Note: The International Institute for Trade and Development (ITD), alongside Thai ministries and partners, has urged Thailand to accelerate green finance frameworks and expand local currency markets to strengthen resilience against rising global subsidies and protectionism. Experts emphasized diversifying trade agreements, managing labour risks, and reforming climate and intellectual property policies to help Thailand maintain competitiveness and leadership amid volatile global trade dynamics.
Greatech Shares Jump on Strong Order Book and Data Centre Exposure
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
Editor’s Note: Greatech Technology Bhd shares rose 7.11% to RM2.11 on strong trading volume, as analysts highlighted improved earnings visibility despite weaker quarterly results. The rally was driven by a 44% jump in its RM1 billion order book, now heavily supported by data centre projects, with forecasts pointing to RM1.5 billion next quarter and sustained growth beyond solar and e-mobility.
Malaysia Builds Low-Latency Digital Backbone to Power Real-Time AI
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
Editor’s Note: Malaysia is rapidly expanding data centres, internet exchanges, and satellite connectivity to support real-time AI applications, with Johor and Cyberjaya emerging as key hubs by 2030. Partnerships with Starlink and international initiatives integrating terrestrial and satellite networks aim to deliver low-latency infrastructure, positioning Malaysia to power AI-driven services across industries from logistics to healthcare.
Chipbond Opens US$200 Million Advanced Semiconductor Facility in Penang
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.
Editor’s Note: Chipbond Technology Corporation has opened a US$200 million advanced semiconductor facility in Penang, Malaysia, boosting the nation’s role in the global OSAT value chain with cutting-edge processes like wafer bumping, WLCSP, and flip-chip packaging. The plant, expected to complete internal qualification by end-2025 and customer qualification in early 2026, will enhance technology transfer, talent development, and reinforce Penang’s position as a regional hub under Malaysia’s National Semiconductor Strategy.
UPSI, Proton Explore Strategic Collaboration on Electric Vehicle Education
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.
Editor’s Note: UPSI and Proton are exploring a strategic collaboration to advance electric vehicle education, including plans for Malaysia’s first EV Learning and Demonstration Centre, BEV-focused academic modules, and hands-on training with Proton’s e.MAS technology. The partnership aims to boost graduate employability, talent development, and support Malaysia’s transition to sustainable automotive technologies through initiatives like an “Industry in Campus” concept, training centres, and community awareness programmes.