Program at a Glance

The Asia-Pacific region is a key economic and political hub, shaped by geopolitical shifts involving China, Japan, the U.S., and ASEAN, impacting trade and security. Climate change poses serious challenges, with the region highly vulnerable to natural disasters affecting economies and livelihoods. Demographic shifts, such as aging populations in Japan, South Korea, and China, contrast with rapid youth growth in other nations. The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a vital framework for integrating economic, social, and environmental aspects into curriculum development for sustainable progress. Thailand 4.0 aims to transform industries into a digital economy using AI, robotics, IoT, and Big Data. Curriculum development should focus on technology trends in the Asia-Pacific, fostering skills in innovation, digital literacy, and futures analysis. Key industries include next-generation automotive, robotics, aviation, and biotechnology. Sustainability is crucial, emphasizing green economy education, clean energy, and resource efficiency. International collaboration is encouraged through research and exchange programs. As automation reshapes jobs, the curriculum must develop critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability to keep graduates competitive. The curriculum addresses poverty and inequality in the Asia-Pacific by analyzing policies for economic and social equity while promoting quality education through flexible distance learning. It integrates future-oriented skills like digital literacy, critical thinking, and creativity. Key areas include public health policies, gender equality, and climate change education, focusing on mitigation and sustainability. Sustainable resource management and the circular economy support long-term development. International collaboration with academic institutions and global networks enhances knowledge exchange to advance sustainable development goals.

Key Features of the MAPS Program

The MAPS is a program focused on becoming a global leader in education, research and innovation, particularly in areas related to sustainable development and future readiness, building capacity in education, research and social service at the international level, responding to trends and changes in the modern world, developing human resources capable of applying knowledge to social development, conducting research that responds to social problems and promoting academic excellence at the international level.

Program Structure

Remedial courses for Plan 1 students. Students can take remedial courses at the same time as registering for thesis. Some courses may be waived with the approval of the advisor and the student must receive a grade of P (Pass).

APS501 Experiential Learning and External Engagement 1                 3     credits
APS502 Experiential Learning and External Engagement 2                 3     credits
APS503 Experiential Learning and External Engagement 3                 3     credits

                                                                                        Total     9     credits

 Academic Year 1

Academic Year 2

Note:

For APS681 Research Methodology, students are required to write up a Working paper and prepare and proposal for APS 800 Thesis.

Students are required to attend the thesis seminar and thesis examination that the program organizes outside Bangkok.

Students are required to present their thesis in the annual graduate seminar in their last semester after their thesis examination and are required to submit their presentation to the conference proceedings.

Career Prospects

The MAPS program can enhance your career and improve your employment prospects in government, private, and academic sectors. Knowledge and understanding of the Asia-Pacific region will increase opportunities for those who work or want to work in:

• Government sectors, including the ministries of foreign affairs, commerce, industry, finance, and education
• Private sectors, including multinational enterprises based in Thailand, and Thai companies who operate or want to operate in Asia-Pacific Region
• Academic sectors, including students who want to continue their further study in area studies or who want to learn more about the Asia-Pacific region

Scholarship Opportunity

MAPS Program is endorsed with the scholarship from various organizations. Our main sponsors for international students include Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), Thammasat University, PTT Public Company Limited, The Government Savings Bank, and EXIM Bank. A number of scholarships are offered on merit-based basis. Currently, there are two types of scholarship available for International students and one for Thai students.

1. MAPS –Royal Thai Government Scholarship supported by Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA). Applicants from the following countries are entitled to apply.
   • Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Lao PDR, and Vietnam
   • Availability: 6-8 awards (2018/19 Intake)
   Status: Open for Application until end of February 2016. Interest applicants should apply directly to the Royal Thai Embassy in their respective countries.
   
   
2. Thammasat University Scholarship supported by Thammasat University. Applicants from all over the world, with particular focus in ASEAN countries, are welcome to apply.
   • Availability: 10-12 awards (2018/19 Intake)
   • Applicants must apply directly to the Program. The program will nominate applicants to Thammasat University. However, applicants should know thatthe process will take some time and the announcement usually approach the beginning of the first semester due to the screening process
   Status: Open for Application. Please visit Admission Section for more information.
   
   

For all scholarships recipients, terms and Conditions may apply differently from one scholarship to another. For those who are eligible to apply for both TICA and TU scholarships (Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Lao PDR, Vietnam), you can request for more information via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Student Exchange Opportunity

Student Exchange program to Japan is available for self-funded students. Exchange program may differ from year to year. Term and Conditions may apply.