TAIST-Tokyo Tech

Tokyo Tech's efforts to develop global leaders are not limited to Japan. They have expanded to Thailand in the form of TAIST-Tokyo Tech (hereinafter TAIST), the first Thailand Advanced Institute of Science and Technology established in collaboration with Thai institutions. Tokyo Tech is part of a joint graduate education program based on the strong ties between the two countries. TAIST has taken the initiative in creating solid networks in Asia.

TAIST lectures

Developing highly skilled researchers, engineers, and R&D personnel

Opening Day and Orientation Ceremony

TAIST was established in 2007 at the request of the Thai government. It aims to form research and development centers and produce talented technically innovative individuals who can solve problems caused by rapid industrialization and contribute to sustainable development. With support from alumni and the industrial sector both in Japan and Thailand, expectations for TAIST are high, and strong connections have already been formed throughout Asia.

Laboratory visits

Hands-on training

In cooperation with the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) and leading Thai universities, TAIST has produced highly skilled researchers, engineers, and R&D personnel. The program is operated under a cooperative framework via Tokyo Tech Thailand Office. Tokyo Tech primarily provides faculty members by dispatching them to Thailand and distance learning lectures, NSTDA offers facilities and scholarships, and Thai partner universities award master's degrees. Additionally, one academic supervisor from each organization — Tokyo Tech, NSTDA, and the partner university — is assigned to oversee each student's mandatory research project.

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Partner universities in Thailand : King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL) , King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) , Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (SIIT) , Kasetsart University (KU)

NSTDA center where TAIST lectures are offered

Currently, TAIST offers three programs which capitalize on Tokyo Tech's strengths and fit the needs of the Thai industrial sector:

Automotive Engineering Program (AE)
Information and Communication Technology for Embedded Systems Program (ICTES)
Advanced and Sustainable Environmental Engineering Program (EnvE)

All programs are conducted in English.

Since its establishment, TAIST has produced 129 graduates who gained employment not only with Japanese and Thai companies but also universities and research institutes in Thailand. Some went on to doctoral programs at western and Japanese universities, including Tokyo Tech. TAIST's skilled graduates will further strengthen ties between academia and industry, and between Japan, Thailand, and neighboring Asian nations.

TAIST Sports Day

IC-ICTES, an international conference organized by TAIST

Comments by a TAIST graduate

Dr. Salee at Tokyo Tech on graduation day

Atsawin Salee: King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL); Completed Automotive Engineering Program of TAIST
Why I chose TAIST: I entered the TAIST program because it gave me the opportunities that nobody else could provide. I found that I like cars and wanted to get a job in the automotive industry. TAIST not only gave me what I really wanted but also a big chance to prove I have the passion to be successful.
Advantages of the program: For me, one advantage was the knowledge and vision gained by learning directly from Tokyo Tech professors who have vast experience in their fields. I was also given the chance to improve my scientific, engineering, and technical skills as well as gain more experiences by doing research with the support of a top researcher from MTEC (a research institute of NSTDA) and my host university, KMITL. Finally, I was able to fulfill my skills and obtain a doctoral degree from Tokyo Tech. After finishing the TAIST program, I received a full scholarship and completed an integrated doctoral program in the Department of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering. I was a member of the Hirata Lab and studied there for four and a half years. That was a great experience because I was not only at a top university in Japan but I was also surrounded by a truly scientific engineering environment.
Prospects for the future: Currently, I work as a researcher at PTT Research and Technology Institute, PTT (Public) Co. Ltd. I could also say that everything I learned from TAIST and Tokyo Tech can be fully utilized in my job since my responsibilities are related to automotive technology. Apart from my job responsibilities, the skills and the way of thinking that I have learned are very useful right now. I have to integrate them appropriately in order to do my job well.

Message from the industrial sector

Mr. and Mrs. Taki at TAIST graduation ceremony

Hisao Taki: Founder and Chairman of Gurunavi, Inc.; As a Tokyo Tech alumnus, I take pride in supporting TAIST, a program which contributes to technical innovation in Thailand by developing talented individuals. I am deeply moved by the fact that many graduates are part of this outstanding progress in Thailand as I supported the implementation of the program nearly ten years ago.; I expect that many more students will engage in the promotion of science and technology in the region through the knowledge and skills they acquire in TAIST, and play important roles both in the planned ASEAN Economic Community and in individual nations the world over. I hope the program continues to thrive through the interaction between Japan and Thailand.

TAIST future prospects

On the basis of the solid track record of developing talented individuals in Thailand, TAIST will send Tokyo Tech students to Thailand and conduct a combined program of lectures and internships in the future. The program will produce Tokyo Tech students who will play active roles in the Asian region and the world. Raise your expectations high for TAIST!

Graduation ceremony

Tokyo Tech Thailand Office celebration

NSTDA building, the location of the office

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Published: June 2015