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カバーストーリー/COVER STORY

Although

Thailand currently faces issues with a lack of
skilled labor to serve the industry, there may be an
oversupply of human resources in the future as

robots are increasingly replacing the labor force
with more productivity and less human error in

manufacturing processes.

Somwang Boonrakcharoen, president of the Thai-German Institute Since the world economy is in a recessionary period, every industry
said that it can create opportunities and threats to manufacturers has been affected including the automotive industry. Somwang
depending on their ability to adjust. The need for automation has suggested that entrepreneurs should not focus only on one industry
increased in manufacturing decreasing the need for manual labor. but on all industries to keep up with the government’s policy. “There
Unlike Industry 3.0 where machines had individual functions, are opportunities in every crisis,” said Somwang. The automotive
machines in Industry 4.0 connect and work together for a more parts industry may change direction focusing on aerospace,
fully automated production line from receiving raw materials to machinery and medical devices with their existing technology;
delivering finished goods. The functions of manual labor have however, higher quality standards must be applied in production.
shifted to controlling or solving unexpected problems. Innovation is a key to finding new markets.

“When products become smarter, factories and human resources Over the last 20 years, the Thai-German Institute has brought latest
must also be more knowledgeable,” said Somwang. Although technologies to support our dynamic industry. As the new president,
Thailand currently faces issues with a lack of skilled labor to serve Somwang intends to support all interested parties including the
the industry, there may be an oversupply of human resources in the government, private sector and its employees. To satisfy the private
future as robots are increasingly replacing the labor force with more sector, it must improve competitiveness through QCD (Quality, Cost,
productivity and less human error in manufacturing processes. Delivery). Labor and technology are significant keys to achieving
The labor force has consequently adjusted by upskilling in problem this purpose especially in human resources from mindsets to skills.
solving and knowledge in the age of Industry 4.0 where both hard These are necessary steps to improve in moving forward to the new
and soft skills are necessary. Hard skills include skills to handle age of Industry 4.0.
modern technology such as 3D printing, Internet of Things and Big
Data. For soft skills, Thai labor still lack the four C’s which include You will see more services from the Thai-German Institute to support
critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity. “Those and strengthen our industries in technology and human resources.
who can adjust will benefit from this change while the rest will be The government’s Thailand 4.0 and S-curve are directions that the
unemployed,” Somwang explained that this could be the situation Institute supports.
in the near future. Got a question ? Please scan QR code on page 61

14 Asia Pacific Plant Management