On 1 October 2025, Professor Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), together with Dr. Wiparat De-ong, Executive Director of the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), NRCT executives, experts, and officials, visited the Advanced Semiconductor Engineering research laboratories at the Future Innovation Center, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Osaka, Japan.
Professor Dr. Heji Watanabe, Head of the Advanced Semiconductor Engineering research team, welcomed the delegation and led a tour of the clean room laboratory. The facility is designed to strictly control dust, particles, temperature, humidity, and vibration in order to support advanced research and the development of high-performance devices. Researchers working in the laboratory are required to undergo safety training and readiness assessments before using the facilities.
Professor Dr. Heji Watanabe also gave a briefing on the direction of Japan’s semiconductor industry. The Japanese government has placed strong strategic importance on the sector and has invested significantly to strengthen national capabilities and competitiveness. This includes promoting collaboration among government agencies, universities, and private companies, as well as establishing the Leading-edge Semiconductor Technology Center (LSTC) as a hub for advanced semiconductor research and development and supporting Rapidus in the development and production of world-class semiconductors.
On the same day, Professor Dr. Supachai and the delegation also visited the International Center for Biotechnology, where they were welcomed by Professor Kohsuke Honda, Director of the Center. The delegation met with Thai students and researchers currently studying and conducting research at The University of Osaka. They exchanged experiences on education, research, and daily life in Japan, as well as discussed challenges and recommendations for encouraging Thai researchers abroad to return and contribute to research development in Thailand.
This visit to The University of Osaka represents an important opportunity for NRCT, under MHESI, to promote new research and learning opportunities for Thai researchers and students, while strengthening Thailand’s research ecosystem and supporting its long-term development.