Collaborative Initiative to Boost Thailand's Digital Infrastructure
King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL) and Amazon Web Services (Thailand) Ltd (AWS) have launched a groundbreaking scholarship programme aimed at cultivating the next generation of digital engineers in Thailand. This initiative, titled the Advanced Data Center Engineering Excellence Scholarship Programme, is designed to enhance the country’s research and development capabilities while positioning Thailand as a regional leader in digital infrastructure.
The programme focuses on developing a master’s degree curriculum in data centre engineering. This tailored academic pathway aims to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in data centres and digital infrastructure, with an emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI)-driven solutions. By equipping students with advanced knowledge and practical skills, the programme ensures they are well-prepared to address the evolving needs of modern data centre operations.
Rising Demand for Digital Services
Thailand has seen a significant increase in the demand for digital services, including cloud computing, data processing, and AI-driven solutions. According to Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary-general of the Board of Investment (BoI), the country is experiencing exponential growth in generative AI and digital infrastructure. In the first half of this year alone, the digital industry attracted 89 investment applications, including 30 new data centres.
This surge in digital investments underscores Thailand’s ambition to become a leading destination for digital innovation in Southeast Asia. The country’s strategic geographical location, robust infrastructure, and expanding data centre capacity make it an attractive hub for global technology leaders.
Government Support and Incentives
To support this vision, the Thai government offers a range of incentives to attract digital investments. These include tax and non-tax benefits, financial support, and streamlined visa and work permit processes for digital professionals. These measures aim to create a conducive environment for global technology companies to establish and expand their operations in Thailand.
Additionally, the government is prioritizing human capital development through partnerships with higher education institutions. These collaborations ensure that Thailand has a sufficient number of skilled workers to drive digital transformation and support the increasing demand for cloud services and AI technologies.
AWS's Role in Shaping Thailand's Digital Future
AWS has played a pivotal role in advancing Thailand’s digital infrastructure. As the first hyperscaler to collaborate with the BoI, AWS is establishing a world-class hyperscale data centre in Thailand, marking a significant milestone in the country’s digital journey.
Saji PK, director of data centre operations for Asia-Pacific Japan and China at AWS, highlighted the importance of the scholarship programme. “Our mission is to develop specialised talent for Thailand’s growing digital infrastructure directly supporting Thailand 4.0, transforming the country into a high-income nation driven by innovation,” he said.
AWS is investing approximately US$5 billion in Asia-Pacific by 2037, with a focus not only on building data centres but also on nurturing human capital through initiatives like the scholarship programme.
Fostering Innovation and Sustainable Practices
The scholarship programme, developed in partnership with KMITL's College of Innovation and Industrial Management, includes a commitment of $100,000 to support 16 fund recipients. The curriculum emphasizes sustainable design principles, energy-efficient operations, and the application of AI in infrastructure management.
Mr. PK noted that there are significant research and development opportunities within Thailand to support data centre needs, including the potential commercialisation of Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) solutions.
Komsan Maleesee, president of KMITL, emphasized the importance of the programme in fostering agile researchers who can contribute beyond the academic sphere. Supoj Buapa, general manager of Total Maker Co Ltd and a PhD student at KMITL, has already developed local DCIM software and cold aisle containment smart cooling hardware for data centres.
Buapa reported that the cost of such cooling hardware is 30% lower than foreign alternatives, offering greater customisation to better serve the data centre industry.
Conclusion
Through this collaborative effort between KMITL and AWS, Thailand is taking significant steps toward becoming a digital powerhouse in Southeast Asia. With a focus on education, innovation, and sustainability, the country is well-positioned to lead in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.