Peng Shen Technology, a remarkable joint venture between Saha Group and Zhen Ding Tech Group (ZDT), is setting new benchmarks in the PCB manufacturing industry. Nestled within the expansive grounds of Saha Group’s Industrial Park in Kabin Buri, Prachin Buri Province, the state-of-the-art plant spans over 300 rai (approximately 118 acres). The first phase of this ambitious project comes with a hefty investment of about 10 billion baht, with projections to exceed 50 billion baht by 2030. What sets Peng Shen apart is its mission to establish a smart PCB manufacturing factory, thereby boosting market share and serving as a crucial production base for the ZDT Group.
More than just a colossal factory, Peng Shen Technology is devoted to nurturing local talent within Thailand’s blossoming PCB manufacturing sector. Through strategic collaborations with five prominent Thai educational institutions, Peng Shen is not only aiming to bolster the country’s share in global PCB production but also propelling it to the industry’s pinnacle.
During the MOU signing ceremony, Siriporn Pittayasophon, Ph.D., Senior Strategist and Acting Director of the National Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO), highlighted the pivotal role of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI) in this endeavor. Emphasizing the ministry’s commitment to advancing human resources in semiconductors and advanced electronics, Siriporn conveyed the importance of this alignment for driving Thailand toward a sustainable technological future. This strategic initiative is poised to attract investors and cultivate a skilled workforce tailored to the needs of Thailand’s advanced electronics industry.
Commenting on the collaboration, Mr. Vorayos Thongtan, President of Saha Pathana Inter-Holding Public Company Limited (SPI), noted the increased complexity and demand for PCBs due to rapid technological advancements in AI, electric vehicles, and the Internet of Things (IoT). While China leads the global PCB production, followed by Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan, Thailand stands as the premier PCB manufacturing hub in ASEAN. This makes it a magnet for foreign PCB investors, thanks to the continued expansion and relocation of production bases to Thailand. Peng Shen Technology’s establishment marks a significant milestone in ZDT Group’s ASEAN expansion, enhancing Thailand’s potential to emerge as a leading PCB production country globally.
The significance of building infrastructure to support manufacturers goes hand in glove with the necessity of developing skilled PCB personnel. The collaboration between Peng Shen Technology and five esteemed educational institutions, namely King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL), King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB), Kasetsart University, National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), and Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (SIIT), Thammasat University, underscores Thailand’s commitment to becoming a global PCB production hub.
Mr. Darren Xiao, President of Peng Shen Technology Co., Ltd., announced that the company will kick off its first production phase in Thailand in 2025, creating a demand for over 1,000 highly skilled personnel by 2027. Peng Shen has already laid the groundwork by providing scholarships to 20 Thai students for internships at ZDT’s Huai’an factory in Jiangsu Province, China, under a two-month Summer Internship Program. This initiative not only offers real-world exposure to students but also fosters technological prowess and enhances Thailand’s competitiveness in the PCB industry.
The signing ceremony held on June 27, 2024, saw the participation of noted representatives from the five collaborating educational institutions. Attendees included Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Suchat Siengchin, President of King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok; Asst. Prof. Rutchanee Gullayanon, Ph.D., Executive Vice President for Research and Innovations at King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang; Assoc. Prof. Ladawan Puangchit, Ph.D., Vice President for Academic Affairs at Kasetsart University; Asst. Prof. Pornprom Suthatorn, Ph.D., Director of the Innovation and Transformation Centre at NIDA; and Assoc. Prof. Warut Pannakkong, Ph.D., Deputy Director for International Affairs and Corporate Relations at SIIT, Thammasat University. The pilot project aims to foster collaboration in developing local talent for Thailand’s PCB manufacturing industry.
This collaboration seeks to achieve five pivotal objectives:
- Developing national industry policies through collaboration.
- Training and developing skilled PCB personnel.
- Teaching PCB-related vocational subjects and training industry experts.
- Facilitating student internships, both domestically and internationally.
- Organizing factory visits, offering career guidance, and promoting job opportunities.
With Peng Shen Technology spearheading these cooperative efforts, the organization is resolute in its mission to advance science and technology for the betterment of humanity while upholding environmental conservation. The future looks brighter with Peng Shen driving towards a harmonious balance between technological innovation and environmental stewardship.
Currently, Saha Group boasts four strategically positioned industrial parks, each offering robust support for rapid business growth:
- Kabin Buri District of Prachin Buri Province
- Si Racha District of Chon Buri Province
- Mueang Lamphun District of Lamphun Province
- Mae Sot District of Tak Province
It’s great to see major investments in Thailand’s tech sector. This could be a huge opportunity for local talent.
Absolutely! But I hope Peng Shen isn’t just another foreign company exploiting cheap labor.
That’s a valid concern. However, the collaboration with local educational institutions is promising. Could mean real opportunities for Thai students.
Even if the collaboration sounds good, it needs to be more than just window dressing. Accountability is key!
Plus, if this drives environmental damage, it might do more harm than good.
This investment is fantastic news for Thailand. Asia is definitely becoming the tech capital of the world.
Not to burst your bubble, but is Thailand’s infrastructure ready for this scale of investment?
Thailand has progressively developed its infrastructure. Although there might be challenges, they seem geared up for this expansion.
Good points. Hopefully, Peng Shen’s investment encourages further infrastructure improvements.
Why are foreign companies always the ones making these massive investments? What about local Thai companies?
Local companies might not have the same access to capital and technology. It’s about leveraging what each side can bring to the table.
Fair, but it’d be nice to see local giants stepping up too.
Hopefully this doesn’t lead to another tech bubble in Thailand like we’ve seen elsewhere.
The risk of a bubble exists, but with strategic planning and sustainable growth, it can be mitigated.
True, but careful monitoring by the Thai government will be crucial.
Involving educational institutions is a smart move. This creates a direct pipeline of talent for the industry.
It sounds good in theory, but how well will it work in practice? Will students gain real skills?
That depends on the quality of internships and practical training offered. Hopefully, they meet high standards.
Focusing on environmental conservation sounds nice, but I’ll believe it when I see it.
Exactly. Corporate promises on the environment often fall short when profit is the main goal.
Thailand becoming a PCB production hub could really change the game in ASEAN. Excited to see where this leads.
The focus on AI, electric vehicles, and IoT will drive demand for skilled labor in new technologies.
Yeah, but they need to ensure that training programs stay updated with the latest tech trends.
Environmental sustainability should always be priority number one. Development must be mindful of ecological impact.
Will these tech advancements translate into better job opportunities and wages for the common Thai worker?
Given the rise of tech and industry, it’s pivotal for governments to create policies that fairly distribute the benefits.
Thailand stands on the cusp of a significant technological transformation, promising immense developmental prospects.
Let’s hope these investments translate into tangible improvements for everyday people, not just corporate profits.
Strategic alignment with educational institutions is brilliant. It not only supports industry needs but also enhances academia.