SKY ICT Public Company Limited (SKY ICT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University, to establish academic collaboration, research, and innovation development in the aviation industry. This partnership supports Thailand’s national strategic policy to become a regional aviation hub.
The collaboration encompasses curriculum development, knowledge sharing, real-world business experience integration into classrooms, training and internships, joint research initiatives, and the production of high-quality graduates, particularly in fields related to digital technology, smart airports, and aviation security systems.
Mr. Sithidej Mailarp, Chief Executive Officer of SKY ICT Public Company Limited (SKY), stated that the aviation industry is experiencing a resurgence following the COVID-19 pandemic. Within the ASEAN region, Thailand possesses outstanding potential—thanks to its airports, strategic location, and transportation infrastructure. However, one critical area that remains lacking is a workforce equipped with advanced skills aligned with emerging aviation technologies such as AI, cybersecurity, smart airport systems, and automation.
“This collaboration with Kasetsart University is, at its core, an investment in people—the most essential resource in today’s digital economy,” Mr. Sithidej emphasized. “We hope this model becomes a sustainable blueprint for bridging the gap between the business sector and academic institutions.”
As a leading airport technology provider, SKY ICT is committed to offering students from Kasetsart University opportunities to learn, participate in research, and gain hands-on experience. In today’s and tomorrow’s airports—operations are driven by data and automation to deliver seamless and convenient travel experiences. Therefore, we need professionals who understand both technical systems and the expectations of travelers.
“This partnership serves as a platform to empower the younger generation to become future leaders driving Thailand’s aviation technology sector forward,” he concluded.
Mr. Sitthidet Mailap, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sky ICT Public Company Limited (SKY)
This collaboration aims to deliver long-term impact by developing a skilled workforce that meets the needs of the aviation industry while enhancing Thailand’s competitiveness to stand among the world’s leading aviation hubs. The partnership includes joint efforts in curriculum development, internships, research, and pilot projects in key areas such as Implementation of biometric systems in airports, Data analysis for forecasting passenger traffic, Development of digital twins for airport management and Enhancing cybersecurity for aviation systems.
Several of these pilot initiatives have already begun to take shape—most notably, the SKY-KU Aviation Lab and Learning Center, a flagship project under this MOU, which is expected to be completed by early December 2025.
The facility will be designed as a fully immersive, real-world simulation lab that mirrors the passenger experience in a modern airport. It will be equipped with technologies including:
– Check-In and Boarding System (CUPPS: Common Use Passenger Processing System)
– Self Check-In Kiosks (CUSS: Common Use Self-Service)
– Self Bag Drop and Self Boarding Gate systems
– Demonstration videos of the Airport Operational Database (AODB) and Baggage Reconciliation System (BRS)
– A dedicated Passenger Journey Simulation Zone
The SKY-KU Aviation Lab and Learning Center will serve as a modern, hands-on learning space for both undergraduate and graduate students. It will offer opportunities for real-world system testing, exposure to advanced aviation technologies, and a foundation for conducting research and developing innovations that propel the future of the aviation industry.
Professor Wanchai Yodsudjai, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Kasetsart University, stated that students will have the opportunity to gain real-world experience through internships with leading companies and collaborative projects with aviation experts. These experiences will help graduates become job-ready and competitive at the international level.
The core elements of the collaboration focus on three key areas:
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Workforce Development: Covering all levels from diploma and bachelor’s degree to postgraduate studies, aimed at producing skilled workers and specialized professionals for the aviation industry.
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Shared Resources and Knowledge: Encouraging the exchange of expertise, data, research materials, equipment, and facilities, as well as the co-development of academic curricula.
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Research and Innovation: Supporting research activities, the development of new technologies, and the incubation of innovations to strengthen national production capabilities and global competitiveness.
Professor Wanchai Yodsujai, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University
Dr. Nawathat Kongsamut, Head of the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating that developing talent with expertise in aviation technology is essential in today’s fast-evolving industry landscape.
Global trends clearly show that airports and airlines worldwide are increasingly adopting automation, digital technologies, and AI to enhance operational efficiency—whether through self check-in systems, e-gates, flight information management systems, or even the use of big data to predict passenger demand.
Therefore, equipping students with technological skills, along with a practical understanding of real-world industry applications, is the key to enhancing Thailand’s competitiveness in the regional and global aviation arena.
The Department of Aerospace Engineering is fully committed to working with SKY ICT to nurture a new generation of graduates who are well-prepared to meet the demands of the future job market.
Dr. Navatath Kongsamut, Head of the Department of Aerospace Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University
Sky ICT Public Company Limited (SKY) operates primarily by providing information systems to support operations related to the aviation industry, as well as travel management systems and passenger travel data for those entering and leaving Thailand. The company also offers platforms related to travel and tourism for visitors coming to Thailand. SKY provides comprehensive IT services in the form of IT solutions, offering a wide range of products and services that customers need to apply in their businesses. The company builds customer confidence through its professionalism.