The Labour Minister assigned his Assistant to commence the first Skills Competition in Automation and Robotics, to enhance the skill level of the workforce in technology, innovation, and other areas to support future industrial growth.
On December 24, 2020, at 14.00 hours, Labour Minister Mr. Surchart Chomklin assigned Assistant to the Labour Minister Mr. Surachai Chaitrakulthong to preside over the commencement of the first Skill Competition in Automation and Robotics to promote the development of skills at the youth level in the EEC area. The competition aims to promote cooperation between government agencies and private sectors and publicize the missions of the Manufacturing Automation and Robotics Academy (MARA). The skills competition is for youths under the age of 22 years, divided into 35 teams from 13 vocational colleges and one higher education institute. There are four competing fields consisting of mechatronics, PLC, mechanical drawing with a three-dimensional computer, and DOBOT robot. He also observed the skills competition in the four branches, observed training activities and skills assessments at the Chonburi Institute for Skill Development 3 and the Manufacturing Automation and Robotics Academy. The Department of Skill Development’s Director-General Mr. Tawat Benchatikul, also joined the occasion at the Manufacturing Automation and Robotics Academy, Muaeng, Chonburi.
The government under the leadership of Prime Minister and Minister of Defense General Prayuth Chan-ocha, and under the supervision of Deputy Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan, the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) has been designated as one of the key mechanisms to drive the 20-year national strategy and the Thailand 4.0 policy. It focuses on the development of 12 target industries that use technology and innovation in production to increase labour productivity and national competitiveness. The development of human resources to meet the developments of the EEC area is an important factor in achieving the government’s goals. Thailand is currently affected by Covid-19. As a result, the manufacturing and service sectors were greatly affected. Additionally, many organizations have begun to use automated production and robotics to replace people. It is therefore imperative that government agencies and private sectors work together to promote the development of a skilled Thai workforce to have the knowledge and capabilities to support modern technology in both the form of Upskill and Reskill, as well as creating mutual perception to provide unity in the work of labour development.
“I have confidence that the Skills Competition in Automation and Robotics today is an activity that is extremely important for the preparation of a new workforce. It encourages youths to be able to apply their knowledge and ability to apply modern technology efficiently and quickly and to truly meet the needs of manpower development in the area,” concluded Mr. Surachai.
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Division of Public Relations
24 December 2020
