Colum The New World: 10 New ‘EEC’ Learning Centers for the Better Future

Thai Post: Published on 1 October 2022

Apichart Thongyoo apichart@hotmail.com

When we make discussion on ‘Education and Personal Development’, not only should we mention how knowledge, skills, and quality of human resources for education and career acquired inside the classroom be developed, but also how skills and knowledge preferred by the outside world are required. We need to realize and be aware of how the knowledge of the world whether in technology and career skills for practical use are needed so we as citizens will be able make use of that skills that we have to improve ourselves and transform the country as a whole. Thus, enhancing the quality of the citizens in terms of education and professional trainings would certainly drive us to the better quality of life. It could be assumed that in our 21^st century era, major impacts of economy, technology, science, and engineering give all of us a chance to learn things without barriers. We could adjust, adapt and improve the learning environment to suit us with ease which could in turn develop us into better workforce continuously. Getting good education at present doesn’t always require money anymore. The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Development Plan under scheme of Thailand 4.0 will be there for you to help improve develop and enhance your education and career opportunity. EEC aims to build a better economic infrastructure and drive Thailand to reach its full potential with an emphasis on 12 fields such as automation and robotics, aviation and logistics, biofuel and biochemicals, and digital. Regarding education focus, enhancing the learning ecosystem will be emphasized since production of skilled and qualified workers for the job market is crucial for every single industry. As a matter of fact, education provision for all ages is equally important. Building collaborative partnership between academic institutions and the 12 industries will help train skilled graduates for the future workforce and drive innovation so as collaboration in developing academic credit bank program, learning modules, and training courses.

EEC plans to acquire and use qualified and skilled workforce to transform into 4.0 indusrty both administratively and practically with the collaborative support of academic institutions including higher education and vocational sectors and private sectors.

Currently, there are 10 EEC modern learning network centers in various branches, also known as EEC network centers. The first EEC center established was EEC Automation Park at the Faculty of Engineering, Burapha University by the collaboration between Mitsubishi Electric together with the Eastern Economic Corridor Policy Commission (EEC) and Burapha University in order to bring expertise and readiness in factory automation as well as to provide training and deliver knowledge to work force. The second center known as High Value Tourism Development Center or ENTOUR was establish at the Faculty of Business, Burapha University to develop personnel competency for modern tourism industry and aids in its growth. EEC HDC in collaboration with Faculty of International Maritime Studies, Kasetsart University opened the third EEC center, also called ENMATE, which is considered as one of the best merchant marine training centers in Thailand with the objective of developing and supporting workforce into merchant marine industry. Establishment of EEC center for Railing System Development Center (ENRAIL) was completed by the collaborate partnership among EEC, Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, and Chon Buri Technical College to help drive railing system industry including, manpower production and technological development. Center of Logistics (Enloc) located in Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok emphasizes on constructing, developing, and enhancing railing system for the railing industry. Joining hands between King Mongkut’s university of Technology Rayong and EEC, Center for Welding and General Engineering was founded to help support the manpower in engineering sector. Medical Hub, Thammasat University Pattaya was developed to help drive healthcare industry through medical technology for digital healthcare service including diagnosis and treatment. Another 3 EEC centers including EV conversion (EV con) Center, Mechatronics Center (ENMEC), and Aviation center were also established. Under the partnership, Electrical Engineering Department of Burapha University and MHESI agreed to establish a center for electrical vehicle conversion to support the private sector while ENMEC Center was set up between collaboration between Faculty of engineering and Rajamangala Univeristy Tawan-ok and EEC to support mechatronics personnel development. The last center owing to the partnership between Sattahip Technical School from the department of aviation and EEC was established to help produce aviation workforce and aircraft materials to support Thailand’s aviation industry.

In collaboration among academic institutions and public agency, all 10 Centers  are established  driven to help provide highly-qualified and skilled workforce to serve all 12 industries for strong, sustainable, and balanced growth of Thailand.