On Monday 13 February 2023, R&D Project Manager Supannee Harncharnsiri and Engineering Director Panadda Jariampan led a team from Seagate Technology (Thailand) to visit VISTEC. 

The visitors were greeted by Professor Dr. Rattikorn Yimnirun of the School of Energy Science and Engineering (ESE) at the VISTEC Executive Board meeting room. It is so impressive to learn that half of the total global Seagate employees (over 15,000 employees) are stationed in Thailand at the Teparuk campus and Korat campus. Additionally, the Korat factory is the largest Seagate campus. The Korat campus manufactures three major hard drive components—Nano-Transducer, Nano-Recording Head, and Read/Write Pack—as well as final drive assembly.

The global data storage market growth can be attributed to factors such as the increased adoption of AI/ML, Cloud-based services, and analytics across enterprises. Also, the surge in demand for flexible infrastructure and elastic services creates opportunities for market expansion. Seagate R&D strives to provide high-tech solutions to the market. One proud R&D outcome that Seagate played a major role in developing is Heat Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR). The company has been putting together highly skilled, highly capable teams with an intense focus on their R&D and Operations. Seagate Technology (Thailand) welcomes applications for internship and job opportunities at the company, as well as opportunities for collaborations with research institutions.

During the visit, the Seagate team was briefed by Assistant Professor Dr. Pichaya Pattanasattayavong about research activities in his laboratory, particularly the deep technology of “Digital Temperature Indicator Label (DTI)” which is marketed by CLEANTECH & BEYOND. While still at the School of Molecular Science and Engineering (MSE), visitors were briefed by the brand-new staff member, Dr. Watcharaphol Paritmongkol, on “Hybrid Semiconductors”.

Readers can write to R&D Project Manager Supannee Harncharnsiri at Supannee.Harncharnsiri@Seagate.com for additional information. Students are also encouraged to send in their CVs and/or ask about hiring and intern information. Currently, two VISTEC graduates are working with Seagate Technology (Thailand). It is useful to note that a DPST student when employed by Seagate Technology (Thailand) would meet the Royal Thai government’s requirement after graduation, similar to working at a government institution.