Global Industry Leaders, Policymakers, and Academics Converge in Bangkok to Build Regional Semiconductor Ecosystems
The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and Zhen Ding Technology Holding Limited (ZDT) successfully co-hosted the AIT-ZDT Forum Workshop-1: "Regional Development in the Semiconductor Age" on 13 November 2025 in Bangkok.
The forum gathered more than 100 industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, and academics to discuss how semiconductors are shaping regional development, technological sovereignty, and talent ecosystems in the 21st century.Executive Remarks
In his opening address, Prof. Pai-Chi Li, President of AIT, emphasized the centrality of semiconductors and PCBs to today's digital and AI-driven economy. "Semiconductors and PCBs form the backbone of today's technological landscape. AIT is committed to working closely with ZDT to co-develop industry-embedded curricula, create problem-driven research programs, and expand regional talent pipelines. With multisectoral support, we aim to strengthen the semiconductor supply chain and position Thailand and ASEAN as key contributors to the global ecosystem," he stated.
Mr. Charles Shen, ZDT Chairman, reaffirmed ZDT's commitment to driving innovation and talent development in Thailand and beyond. "Today's forum marks the start of a meaningful collaboration between ZDT and AIT. By pairing ZDT's industrial leadership with AIT's global academic excellence, we look forward to building a resilient and sustainable PCB and semiconductor ecosystem in the region," he noted.
Keynotes and Expert Insights
The forum featured distinguished speakers and thought leaders offering in-depth perspectives on semiconductor technology, market dynamics, and Asia's growing influence in global supply chains.
Prof. Burn J. Lin, Former Vice President in Research at TSMC and Dean of the NTHU College of Semiconductor Research, delivered a keynote titled "Free Market and Semiconductor Technology." He underscored the industry's interdependence and the need for open collaboration."No single country can advance semiconductor innovation alone. Progress depends on shared expertise, diverse talent, and a free-market environment that fosters continuous research and technological breakthroughs," he emphasized.
Dr. Chen-Fu Chien, President of ZDT highlighted ZDT's advancements in smart manufacturing and PCB innovation, noting the company's pivotal role in enabling AI, 5G, and next-generation electronics. He stressed that the AIT-ZDT partnership aims to cultivate talent and promote Asia's leadership in the heterogeneous integration of the semiconductor ecosystem.
Prof. Siddharth K. Jabade, AIT Vice President for Administration and Development, spoke on "Semiconductor Industry and Regional Development," emphasizing academia-industry collaboration as a catalyst for ASEAN's transition from downstream assembly to upstream innovation.
Leaders Dialogue Panel
The panel featured Dr. Chen-Fu Chien; Assoc. Prof. Chiranut Sa-ngiamsak from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI); Prof. Manukid Parnichkun, Vice President for Academic and Research at AIT; and Dr. Wutthinan Jeamsaksiri from MTEC-NSTDA and THPCA. The session was moderated by Mr. Voravate Chonlasin, Executive Director of AIT Extension.
The dialogue explored opportunities to strengthen Asia's semiconductor and PCB value chains through coordinated policy frameworks, demand-driven research, and talent development initiatives. Panelists discussed Thailand's "Semiconductor Sandbox," advanced packaging opportunities, and the strategic importance of fostering innovation-led growth.
Looking Ahead
The AIT-ZDT Forum marks the first in a series of workshops dedicated to advancing dialogue on semiconductor innovation, digital transformation, and regional collaboration. Upcoming sessions will address advanced packaging, supply chain resilience, and AI-enabled manufacturing.