Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET): Lessons Learned from Singapore and U.S.A. and Implications for Public Management in Thailand

Abstract

This paper presents a review of the research literature on public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the field of technical vocational education and training in Singapore and the U.S.A., two countries selected due to their notably successful programs in this domain. The paper also examines the current role of PPPs in Thai technical education and training as well as points out the urgency of strengthening this mechanism to meet workforce needs in the industrial sector with a national strategy. Finally, the paper discusses the lessons learned from the selected cases in Singapore and the U.S.A. and the implications for policies in Thailand. The paper deploys a qualitative research methodology with data collection based on literature reviews, round-table discussions, and in-depth interviews.

Research findings indicate that Thailand is in an early stage of implementing PPPs to strengthen Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in comparison to the two case studies from Singapore and the U.S.A. Key recommendations derived from the study include strengthening government leadership and practitioners, decentralization and empowerment of local actors, active engagement of private stakeholders, long-term strategic planning and implementation of human resource development which aligns with national social and industrial master plan, and instilling a culture of evidence-based policies and practices.