On 3 August 2018, the Royal Thai Embassy in Berlin, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, in cooperation with Thailand Professional Qualification Institute (TPQI), and the Office of the Vocational Education Commission (OVEC), organised the Thai – German Technical and Vocational Education and Training Forum: “Upgrading Professional Standards and Integrating Private Sector TVET” at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. Other activities included the TVET Open House and the Photo Competition.

          Mr. Damrong Kraikruan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, delivered the opening remarks. Mr. Nakorn Silpa-archa, Chairman of Thailand Professional Qualification Institute (TPQI), and Dr. Suthep Chittayawong, Secretary-General of the Office of the Vocational Education Commission (OVEC), Ministry of Education of Thailand also gave welcoming remarks. Prof. Dr. Hubert Ertl, Vice President and Director of Research, the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB), Germany, was the keynote speaker presenting on the topic of “Analysing the cost argument: What the data on cost and benefits of work-based training in Germany can tell us.” The Forum was aimed at exchanging views among key players and stakeholders on VET transition in Thailand. Deliberations at the Forum helped focus on upgrading occupational standards and professional qualifications, integration of vocational schools and private stakeholders, the role of the private sector in VET as well as the directions towards Thailand 4.0. More than 170 participants attended the Forum, including Thailand Professional Qualification Institute (TPQI), the Office of the Vocational Education Commission (OVEC), the Federation of Thai Industries, Thai-German Institute (TGI), German-Thai Chamber of Commerce (GTCC), vocational colleges and universities, and Thai and German companies.

          The outcome of this Forum proves that the Royal Thai Government attaches great importance to human capacity building, which is the heart of strengthening national competitiveness as stated in the 20-year National Strategic Plan and the building up of stable career and professional image of technical vocational education. To serve the innovation-driven society and the New Engine of Growth of the 10 Targeted Industries (First and New S-Curve), upgrading skilled workforce and competency is essential to match the market’s need. Moreover, this Forum is proof of the success of Germany in which human resource development is a long-term investment that gives tangible results. All stakeholders, in particular the private sector, need to integrate more on dual technical vocational education and training including confidence building and integration among all stakeholders for the sustainable development of dual vocational education.

          The TVET Open House and the Photo Competition were activities that helped foster TVET cooperation and network among agencies concerned and to raise young people’s awareness of VET and seamless cooperation between educational institutions as well as Thai and German companies. There were 49 students participating in the Photo Competition. The 9 awards were given to the winner, the first – third runner up, and consolation prize in recognition of the students’ spirit and the determination to persue their education. Germany is considered a true friend and main partner of Thailand in the strengthening of dual vocational education such as through the development of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Meister project and the signing of agreements on academic cooperation in various aspects.