King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL) and Amazon Web Services (Thailand) Ltd (AWS) have jointly introduced the Advanced Data Center Engineering Excellence Scholarship Programme, aimed at cultivating the next generation of Thai digital engineers, boosting research and development, and positioning Thailand as a regional hub for digital infrastructure.
The initiative includes the development of a specialised master’s degree curriculum in data centre engineering to meet rising demand for skilled professionals in this field. The programme will also support advancements in AI-powered infrastructure.
From left to right: Mr Komsan, Mr Narit and Mr PK during the recent launch of the scholarship programme.
Thailand has rapidly emerged as a digital investment hotspot. According to the Board of Investment (BoI), 2024 saw the establishment of 34 data centres, with combined investments exceeding 350 billion baht. In the first half of 2025 alone, 89 digital industry investment applications were received, including 30 for new data centres.
BoI Secretary-General Narit Therdsteerasukdi noted that Thailand is seeing robust demand for cloud services, data processing, and AI-driven digital solutions. With its strong infrastructure and strategic location, Thailand aims to become Southeast Asia’s premier digital investment destination. The government supports this goal with attractive tax incentives, streamlined visa processes for tech professionals, and close collaboration with academic institutions to nurture local talent.
Mr Narit also highlighted Thailand’s readiness to support large-scale digital infrastructure, with 1,000 megawatts already allocated for data centre operations.
AWS, the first hyperscaler to partner with BoI on developing a hyperscale data centre in Thailand, is making a long-term investment of US$5 billion in the region through 2037 — covering both infrastructure and talent development. The scholarship programme reflects AWS’s commitment to shaping the future of digital infrastructure and supporting the goals of Thailand 4.0.
Saji PK, AWS’s Director of Data Centre Operations for Asia-Pacific Japan and China, said the programme will train future-ready talent through a curriculum focused on sustainable design, energy-efficient data centre operations, and the use of AI in infrastructure management. It is being developed in collaboration with KMITL’s College of Innovation and Industrial Management.
AWS is contributing copy00,000 (likely a typo; assumed to be US$100,000) to support 16 scholarship recipients under this programme.
KMITL President, Professor Dr Komsan Maleesee, emphasised that the initiative will help cultivate agile researchers and innovators ready to make an impact beyond academic settings.
Supporting this, Total Maker Co Ltd’s General Manager, Supoj Buapa — also a PhD candidate at KMITL — shared that he has already developed a locally made Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) software and smart cooling hardware. His cold aisle containment system is 30% cheaper than foreign alternatives, offering superior customisation tailored to local industry needs.
This scholarship initiative marks a key step in strengthening Thailand’s digital capabilities and talent pipeline as global demand for data centres and digital services continues to grow.
