Thailand has taken another step towards preparing its younger generation for the evolving global workforce through the successful organisation of the One Stop Open House 2026, a large-scale event aimed at exposing youth to education, technology and career opportunities.
Permanent Secretary of Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), Professor Dr Supachai Pathumnakul, said the three-day programme successfully brought together stakeholders from education, industry and government to support youth development and future workforce readiness.
The event, held across an exhibition space exceeding 11,000 square metres, featured more than 70 activity booths and attracted over 200,000 participants nationwide, both physically and through online platforms.
Supachai said the initiative created a platform where young people could discover new learning pathways, explore emerging career sectors and gain a deeper understanding of industries shaping the future economy.
“This programme is not merely an exhibition but a platform that inspires young people to develop skills and knowledge needed in a rapidly changing world,” he said.
Deputy Permanent Secretary Waraporn Rungtrakarn, along with senior officials from the ministry, attended the event to observe the range of activities designed to strengthen collaboration between educational institutions, research bodies and the private sector.
Participants were exposed to various fields including artificial intelligence, aerospace technology, innovative entrepreneurship and the creative economy, reflecting growing interest among Thai youth in high-value and future-focused industries.
The event also featured demonstrations, technology showcases, hands-on workshops and career counselling sessions, allowing participants to interact directly with experts and gain practical exposure to real-world applications.
In addition, information on scholarships, academic programmes and training opportunities was made available to help students and young professionals plan their future educational and career pathways.
Supachai said MHESI continues to focus on aligning academic curricula with the evolving needs of industry through experiential learning, internship programmes and collaboration with private sector partners and local communities.
He noted that such initiatives are crucial in building a strong ecosystem where education, innovation and labour market demands are closely connected.
“The goal is to ensure that our youth are equipped not only with academic knowledge but also practical competencies that match the requirements of future industries,” he said.
The Open House also emphasised the importance of lifelong learning, highlighting that continuous skills development is essential as technological advancements and industrial transformations reshape the employment landscape.
Thailand’s higher education sector is currently undergoing modernisation to remain competitive in the digital era, with MHESI working closely with the National Higher Education Commission (NHEC) to strengthen governance, university management and international competitiveness.
Supachai said the success of the One Stop Open House 2026 would not only be measured by attendance numbers but also by its long-term impact on participants’ skills, aspirations and career readiness.
He expressed hope that the knowledge and inspiration gained during the event would encourage young people to pursue opportunities in innovation, research and advanced industries.
Supachai also invited the public to attend the upcoming Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Fair scheduled for August, which is expected to offer another major platform for learning, innovation and career exploration.
-HR HUB
