Thailand’s leading energy company, PTT Public Company Limited founded VISTEC under the leadership of former CEO, Dr. Pailin Chuchottaworn. Their vision was to create a higher-education research institute dedicated to science and technology that would foster exceptional scientists and become a hub for cutting-edge knowledge and innovation in Thailand. PTT commenced the Science and Technology Institute Project in Rayong in celebration of the auspicious occasion of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s 60th birthday. The project led to the founding, in 2015, of the Rayong Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (RAIST), which later became Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology.

While PTT continues to provide full support in research funding, university infrastructure, research facilities, teaching equipment, and human resources, VISTEC is autonomous and academically independent. This ensures professional management of academics and research, and helps attract exceptionally talented faculty, students and researchers to achieve world-class academic excellence. VISTEC is thus well-positioned to fulfill its founders’ vision to help Thailand become a knowledge-based economy focused on sustainable growth and development.

Founders of VISTEC also include subsidiary companies of the PTT group including GC, PTTEP, IRPC, ThaiOil, GPSC, OR, as well as Thailand’s two largest banks, Kasikornbank and SCB bank.