In March 2025, Bangkok became the backdrop for a remarkable celebration: the graduation of 2,603 talented recipients of the Equitable Education Fund (EEF) Thailand’s High Vocational Innovation Scholarships. This was not just a ceremony; it marked a defining moment for Thailand’s future workforce. Policymakers, industry leaders, and scholarship representatives gathered to acknowledge the immense promise these graduates hold in solving Thailand’s critical skilled labor shortages. “These graduates are now poised to fill critical gaps in sectors like nursing and dental assistance, mechatronics, and robotics, driving the country’s progress forward,” stated Dr. Kraiyos Patrawart, the EEF’s Managing Director, in his opening remarks.
“For the EEF,” he continued, “this graduation represents the culmination of a mission to bridge the educational gap and create pathways for social mobility.” The High Vocational Innovation Scholarship initiative has so far empowered thousands of disadvantaged and underprivileged youth, providing them with more than just a diploma. “These vocational courses create tangible, life-changing opportunities that allow recipients to break free from the cycle of poverty,” said the Managing Director. Through securing stable employment, not only do these graduates gain vital life skills, but they also fuel their personal development and their ability to contribute to their communities.
With 2,603 graduates to date, the initiative stands as a testament to the power of public-private partnerships in addressing the country’s skills gap. According to an evaluation by Thammasat University’s Faculty of Economics, the initiative’s Social Return On Investment (SROI) has been an impressive two to four times the initial investment. Yet, the true value lies beyond financial metrics; it is the young professionals who are now equipped with market-ready skills, committed to creating positive change. As Dr. Kraiyos Patrawart emphasized, “While Thailand’s average of 9.32 years of schooling, equivalent to Grade 9, surpasses that of Vietnam and Indonesia, leading to higher per capita incomes, it still lags behind nations such as Malaysia and South Korea, where 11 to 13 years of schooling correspond to higher per capita incomes. This gap highlights the power of education as a driving force for national prosperity.”
Similarly, Dr. Niwet Hemwachirawarakorn, a respected value investing expert, drew a striking parallel between investing in education and investing in the stock market. “These students are like ‘Super Stocks’—individuals, often from disadvantaged backgrounds, who are now blossoming into skilled professionals,” he remarked. Their contributions to society proved more valuable than any financial return. “Their growth, both personal and professional, far exceeds expectations,” added the VI expert, with many institutions—including the Bank of Thailand’s “BOT 50 Year Foundation” and the Stock Exchange of Thailand Foundation—investing in this initiative, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
Education is, indeed, the most powerful investment, one that yields returns not only in financial terms but also in new opportunities and knowledge. Despite the financial challenges they face, students in the initiative exhibit extraordinary creativity in their pursuit of higher education. “Creativity is about refusing to give up, about thinking in new ways to transform your life,” explained Hemwachirawarakorn. For these students, each step forward is a testament to their resilience and determination, with their success serving as a catalyst for change in both their personal lives and their communities.
The EEF’s High Vocational Innovation Scholarship has become a gateway to transformation for many students, offering them the chance to chase their dreams and rewrite their futures. “I graduated without relying on my family’s finances, and now I can support them. It gave me the future I always dreamed of,” reflected Bunga Hannarong, who studied at Chitralada Vocational School and interned at The Veranda restaurant in Mandarin Hotel Bangkok. Similarly, Wattana Daengmongkol, who grew up in foster care and faced financial struggles, described receiving the scholarship as a pivotal moment. After studying Mechatronics and Robotics, he now works at AIC Company in partnership with Michelin Thailand, with plans to become a teacher and offer others the same opportunities he was given. “It felt like a chance to shine, and I want to offer others the opportunities I was given,” he said.
Wasana Suriyacharoen, who once had to abandon her nursing dreams due to financial constraints, saw the scholarship as her second chance. “I decided to try again, and the scholarship helped me overcome my fears and reach my goals. I’m proud of how far I’ve come,” she said, now working as a nursing assistant and planning to pursue a nursing degree. These stories, though unique, all reflect the profound impact of the EEF’s initiative. For every recipient, the scholarship is not merely a stepping stone to employment; it is a life-changing opportunity that enables them to shape their futures, uplift their families, and make a meaningful contribution to their communities.
The High Vocational Innovation Scholarship is more than just a lifeline for individuals; it is a catalyst for broader societal transformation. By equipping graduates with the skills needed to fill critical gaps in industries ranging from healthcare to technology, these scholarships are not only addressing immediate labor shortages but are also investing in the future of Thailand’s economy. This investment in human capital offers long-term dividends, creating a workforce that is capable, innovative, and ready to meet the challenges of an ever-evolving job market. For these graduates, this initiative represents a pathway to breaking cycles of poverty, with the impact resonating far beyond the classroom, shaping entire communities, industries, and the national economy.
At the heart of the EEF’s approach is its comprehensive Education Security System, designed to ensure a seamless 20-year educational journey for all learners, from early childhood through to adulthood. The High Vocational Innovation Scholarship is just one component of this ambitious framework, which seeks to eliminate barriers to education and promote lifelong learning. By providing targeted support at every stage of an individual’s education, the system helps to create opportunities for students to grow, thrive, and contribute meaningfully to society. This holistic approach ensures that no one is left behind, fostering a cycle of continuous learning and development that uplifts both individuals and the country as a whole. As the EEF continues its mission, the importance of collaboration becomes clear—each contribution helps to fortify this essential system, ensuring a brighter, more equitable future for all.
All For Education is all about people; only when all is in for education is Education For All. Join the movement to reduce educational inequality. Support the EEF by donating to fund research, partnerships, and assistance for children, youth, and adults in need of educational support. Click the link to contribute today and help create a society where education is open and equal for all. Together, we can make a lasting impact.
