On November 7, 2024, Miss Somjai Taphaopong, Consul General of Thailand in New York, accompanied by Miss Katesuda Thongna, Consul, and staff from the Royal Thai Consulate-General, visited the Institute for Materials and Manufacturing Research (IMR) at Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. Established in 2006, IMR is a leading interdisciplinary institute focusing on materials research. In 2022, with support from Intel Corporation and in collaboration with nine academic institutions in Ohio, IMR launched the Center for Advanced Semiconductor Fabrication Research and Education (CAFE) with an aim to advancing next-generation semiconductor fabrication technologies and cultivating a skilled workforce to support Intel’s investment in semiconductor manufacturing facilities in New Albany, Ohio.

 

     During the visit, Consul General and her delegation received a briefing on IMR’s operations, toured the CAFE facility, and discussed potential collaboration opportunities that could benefit Thailand’s digital skilled workforce to support the development of semiconductor industry in Thailand.

 

     Later that evening, the delegation met with 23 Thai students and faculty members at Ohio State University. The Consul General shared information about the Consulate’s missions and consular services as well as engaged in discussions on how students could enhance their expertise and gain practical experience through internships with leading U.S. companies, preparing them to contribute to Thailand's future development.