Thai deal targets growth of domestic chip design

The Thai Embedded Systems Association (TESA) recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with global chip design software firm Synopsys as it works to build domestic chip design capabilities.

- SUCHIT LEESA-NGUANSUK

The platform aims to enable Thai production of its own chip products, utilising its existing manufacturing industry, supporting advanced research and contributing to the local assembly, testing and packaging sector.

The partnership can also cultivate local talent to compete to become a semiconductor hub in Southeast Asia, said Wiroon Sriborrirux, president of TESA.

"Thailand imports chips worth hundreds of billions of baht every year, yet we don't design our own chips. This need to change," he said.

The MoU represents a step forward in chip design for the nation, said Mr Wiroon.

Thailand will develop capabilities to contribute to the global Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) ecosystem as a designer and innovator, not just a consumer, he said.

Under the MoU on AIoT chip prototyping and curriculum development, Synopsys will provide electronic design automation tools, technical support, and the necessary resources to help Thailand's ecosystem, particularly university professors and industry partners to achieve the technical results needed for success.

This partnership represents a milestone in Thailand's goal to design its own chips, said Mr Wiroon.