The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS), in collaboration with King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) and a network of five universities, held a closing press conference for Phase 1 of the HigherEd for PWD project on March 5, 2025, at KMUTT Bangmod. The event was presided over by Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Social Development and Human Security, who officially closed the project. The initiative was funded by the Empowerment for Person with Disabilities Fund.
This project builds upon the “KMUTT Disability Training and Internship Program,” which has been running since 2014, by expanding its reach to a network of universities, including: King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Chiang Mai University, Khon Kaen University, Prince of Songkla University, and Suan Dusit University – Suphanburi Campus. The initiative aims to develop training and internship programs that align with local labor market demands. Previously, KMUTT trained 50 persons with disabilities per batch, but in the first year of the HigherEd for PWD project, opportunities were expanded to 300 participants nationwide.
The 6-step model, which KMUTT has spent over 10 years developing, enables network universities to design appropriate training programs. The model consists of: (1) Curriculum development in collaboration with employers, (2) Selection of participants, (3) Six-month training and internship program, (4) Employment support, (5) Mentorship and follow-up system, (6) Impact and return-on-investment analysis. This model ensures that persons with disabilities acquire skills that match real labor market demands while fostering sustainable employment opportunities.
