Bridging Two Systems – Adapting KOSEN's Japanese Engineering Education to Thailand
KOSEN's Japanese engineering education is being adapted to fit Thailand's educational system. Can this cross-cultural approach meet the growing demand for skilled engineers?
At a glance
Country
Japan - Thailand
KOSEN Japan Founded
1961
KOSEN-KMITL Founded
2019
Abstract
This case study explores the international expansion of Japan’s KOSEN engineering education model through its integration into Thailand’s academic landscape through the KOSEN-KMITL program. The program is a collaboration between the Japanese and Thai governments and King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL), initially to address the shortage of skilled engineers in the Thai workforce.
To align with Thailand’s educational standards, the model was adapted to align with local educational regulations and context. Based on primary interviews, the case study identifies key challenges such as degree recognition, cultural differences in teaching methods, and long-term financial sustainability. It also questions the need to balance the integrity of the original Japanese KOSEN system with local educational demands, offering broader insights into how traditional academic models can be scaled and adapted for international contexts.
Photo: Courtesy of National Institute of Technology (Thai KOSEN)
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