โครงการ aFTi ปลุกกำลังคนด้าน AI หนุนอุตสาหกรรมไทยก้าวสู่ยุคดิจิทัลอย่างยั่งยืนaFTi Project Empowers AI Workforce to Support Sustainable Digital Transition in Thai Industry

On Thursday, November 20, 2025, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) in collaboration with the National Science, Research and Innovation Office (NSPO), the Artificial Intelligence Engineering Institute (AIEI) of Prince of Songkla University (PSU), and Amazon Web Services (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (AWS) held an event summarizing the outcomes of the project "Building AI Workforce for Industrial Entrepreneurs and Industrial Software Service Providers (aFTi)" at the Grand Ballroom, Carlton Hotel, Sukhumvit.

Assistant Professor Dr. Wannarat Santiamornthata reported on the progress of the aFTi project, stating that the project successfully linked AI technology developers with industries that require practical applications to collaboratively solve problems and develop immediately applicable solutions. It also enhanced workforce skills through training in both theoretical and practical settings, thereby strengthening Thailand's AI Ecosystem in multiple dimensions.

Mr. Kriangkrai Tiaranukul, President of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), stated that the world is rapidly transitioning to Digital and AI. Therefore, FTI has established “Go Digital & AI” as a key strategy under the “4 GO” policy to prepare entrepreneurs, especially SMEs, for future competition. The aFTi project was initiated to develop knowledge and create a skilled workforce, which has received significant interest from the industry, reflecting a readiness to leverage AI to enhance production efficiency and strengthen the country's competitiveness.

“FTI is pleased to play a key role in the success of this project to enhance the potential of the Thai industry to step confidently into the AI era. This marks an important beginning in the creation of knowledge, building networks, and developing Digital and AI capabilities. The project is designed to align with the precise needs of the manufacturing sector. FTI is ready to drive collaboration with project partners for future initiatives to strengthen the Thai industry and push the Thai economy toward S-Curve and New S-Curve industries that focus on high value creation through technology and innovation, alongside environmental considerations for sustainable growth,” Mr. Kriangkrai concluded.

Associate Professor Dr. Nopporn Leepreecha, Deputy Director of the National Science, Research and Innovation Office (NSPO), stated that the incorporation of AI into the industrial sector is vital for enhancing Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This collaboration is focused on upgrading high-skilled AI workforce capabilities to enable the industrial sector to create high-quality AI solutions that directly generate economic value for the country. The government’s role in driving knowledge development, innovations, and funding sources for Thai entrepreneurs will further enhance production efficiency, reduce costs, and create high-skilled labor, which is a key factor in enhancing the country's competitiveness sustainably.

Dr. Rathaphum Too Jinda from the Bureau of Human Resource Development and Management for Graduate Education Research and Innovation (RDI) stated that RDI plays a crucial role in developing high-skilled AI personnel through various dimensions including: supporting scholarships and research for researchers and high-level personnel in digital technology and AI, developing advanced training curricula and projects to enhance skills according to industry needs, promoting in-depth research and innovation, such as AI for target industries, creating infrastructure and research ecosystems to support workforce development, and fostering international collaboration to elevate standards to an international level. Examples of related projects include the development of a new generation of AI researchers, research grants to create AI platforms for the manufacturing industry, and collaborative projects with international universities for technology transfer in AI, all aiming to prepare Thailand for competition in the innovation-based economy and the industries of the future.

Mr. Watson Thirapatthapong, Country Manager of Amazon Web Services (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (AWS), stated that the company prioritizes the development of AI skills among Thai personnel by transferring knowledge from world-class experts, supporting infrastructure for real experimentation, and investing in building the AWS Asia Pacific (Bangkok) Region data center to drive the use of Generative AI and advanced cloud technologies in industry, aiming to create a strong and sustainable innovation ecosystem in partnership with government and educational institutions to enhance the competitiveness of Thailand’s digital economy on a global scale.

In addition, the event featured a special discussion on the topic "Before and After Implementing AI in Industry: Positive Experiences to Share from Participants of the aFTi Project," reflecting that many entrepreneurs faced challenges regarding understanding AI, lack of connectivity with solution developers, and shortage of specialized personnel. However, after participating in a project that emphasized practical learning and AI solution creation, entrepreneurs were able to produce real, usable AI solutions in their production lines, upskill their technology teams, and develop knowledge that could be self-extended. These outcomes prove that incorporating AI in factories enhances competitive efficiency and lays a vital foundation for Thai industry to confidently advance into the Digital and AI era.

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Published by the Corporate Communication Department, Federation of Thai Industries, Tel. 02-345-1051