Yossanan Partners with MIT to Advance AHA Thailand Using AI for National Learning Platform

On May 8, 2025, at the National Innovation Agency (NIA), Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Yossanan Vongswasdi held a seminar titled 'AI: The Invisible Architect of Future Industry' to exchange policies and strategies for promoting Thailand's artificial intelligence technology industry. The event featured MIT Media Lab scientist and AI researcher Phat Bhattanuthorn, an expert in Human-AI Interaction.

Yossanan stated that AI is critically important to Thailand's future, making it essential for the country to urgently prepare across all dimensions to systematically accommodate AI and encourage Thai people to think boldly and pursue new initiatives.

"What we need isn't just technology or resources, but heroes and inspiring stories that spark social progress with confidence," Yossanan said. "If Thailand commits seriously and consistently, we can see concrete results within 3-4 years."

AI is not merely a single technology branch but a core link connecting other major industries, particularly biotech, medicine, and drug development. AI development also impacts the semiconductor industry and transforms the entire industrial structure.

Therefore, the most critical issue isn't just technological development, but preparing people and human capital for major changes so everyone can use AI as a tool for personal and national development.

"For this reason, the 'AI for All' concept is being promoted to give all Thai people access to and use AI extensively in economics, education, public health, and social development, making AI a true force driving the country across all dimensions," Yossanan explained.

Yossanan announced that the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation will collaborate with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in two major projects:

1. An Advanced Research linkage project on AI and humans between Thailand and MIT to establish 'AHA Thailand' as a central hub attracting universities and tech startups to drive national development in human capital and science and technology.

2. The 'Learning Lab' project in collaboration with OpenAI to identify AI models best suited to Thai children's learning, creating a blueprint for developing people of all ages—from children to workers needing reskilling and upskilling to retirees—enabling them to adapt to technology and contribute to national productivity.

This educational research will form the foundation for developing policies and creating a national learning platform.