Thailand Launches Two EU-Backed Higher Education Reform Projects
Thailand has launched two EU-funded higher education reform projects—BRIDGE and BrighT—designed to create scalable prototypes for nationwide university system improvements rather than isolated curriculum changes. BRIDGE focuses on developin
Dr. Panth Permsakcdi revealed on August 3 that the Erasmus+ Programme has approved funding for two education cooperation projects: BRIDGE and BrighT. Both projects aim to create prototypes for reforming Thailand's higher education system that can be scaled nationwide in the future, rather than simply developing individual university curricula.
The two projects serve complementary roles. BRIDGE, led by Burapha University and funded with €694,302.81 over three years, focuses on producing highly skilled workforce by creating interdisciplinary curricula linking science, engineering, and management to develop "scientist leaders" capable of driving innovation and managing change. BrighT, headed by Mahidol University and receiving €883,556.83 over four years, aims to strengthen universities' role in advancing Thailand's Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG) model through management systems, curriculum development, and industry partnerships.
Dr. Panth emphasized that BRIDGE addresses a gap in Thai science and engineering education by moving beyond narrow specialization to develop leaders who work across disciplines, understand business, and create innovations with industry partners. BrighT establishes national governance mechanisms including a BCG Higher Education Council, develops BCG competency frameworks aligned with Europe's GreenComp standard, and creates five regional centers of excellence to strengthen provincial universities and reduce urban-rural inequality.
