Chulalongkorn University launches SQ² center to transform Thailand into a regional quantum hub.
Chulalongkorn University launches "Siam Quantum Square Center," aiming to elevate Thailand to a regional hub, and collaborates with IBM, the Graduate School, and QTFT to develop curricula and prepare Thai businesses for the quantum era.
On January 26, 2569, in a world where traditional computers are reaching their limits, a new frontier of science will emerge. "Quantum technology" It is becoming a crucial battleground that will determine the country's competitiveness. Most recently, on January 26, 2569, Chulalongkorn University announced a significant step with the launch of... "Siam Quantum Square Center" (Siam Quantum Square or SQ²) officially.
This launch is not merely the establishment of a typical research institution, but a proactive announcement of a strategy to elevate Thailand from being just a "user" to a "technology owner," joining forces with global giants like IBM and leading institutions to prepare Thai businesses for the ultimate digital transformation era.
Professor Dr. Pranart Pothiyaraj, Dean of the Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University. It's worth noting that while many may view quantum mechanics as something distant, the fundamentals of quantum have been embedded in daily life for a long time, whether in smartphones, solar panels, or MRI machines in hospitals.
However, the arrival of... "Quantum computers" This is a true turning point. With computational power far exceeding that of current supercomputers, it can solve humanity's most complex problems. At the same time, it has the potential to decrypt all currently used digital cryptography, directly impacting national security and the global economy.
Siam Quantum Square (SQ²) was established with support from the Reinventing University project under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, with four key missions:
- Human resource development: Developing a new generation of experts to supply the global quantum labor market.
- Global research: Focusing on creating knowledge that is truly patented in Thailand.
- Networking: Linking the public sector, private sector, and international research institutions to prevent technological barriers.
- Social communication: Making quantum technology easily accessible to the general public.
A key strength of SQ² is its application of theory to real-world industrial use cases through collaboration with leading organizations such as:
- finance: In collaboration with SCBX, we are developing Quantum Optimization to manage investment portfolios for maximum efficiency.
- High-tech industry: Partnering with Western Digital to research future data storage technologies to support the growth of cloud and AI.
- Automotive: We are preparing to expand our collaboration with Denso and the AIST institute from Japan to apply Quantum AI to the automotive parts business.
- Cybersecurity: Researching quantum cryptography to create a data encryption system that offers complete protection against eavesdropping.
Furthermore, academically, SQ² collaborates with world-class institutions such as CERN and EPFL in Switzerland to study high-energy physics through Quantum AI, which will help humanity gain a deeper understanding of the mysteries of nature.
Furthermore, to address the workforce shortage, Chulalongkorn University has launched specialized international master's and doctoral programs in quantum technology. It is also collaborating with IBM Thailand, the Graduate School, and QTFT (a leading Thai quantum startup) to offer short courses and executive training programs. These programs aim to equip organizational leaders with the knowledge to adapt and strategize effectively in the quantum era, with the ultimate goal of establishing Thailand as a regional hub.
Professor Dr. Pranart emphasized in conclusion that quantum chip technology shares its roots with semiconductors, which will sustainably strengthen Thailand's existing industries.
The emergence of Siam Quantum Square is therefore not just an academic achievement, but also the laying of a new economic foundation that will enable Thailand to stand proudly on the global innovation map.
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