Dear Industry Colleagues,

We are pleased to share a significant development from Thailand that underscores the accelerating convergence of advanced software engineering and HVAC technology. Global air conditioning leader Daikin Industries and Toyota Tsusho NEXTY Electronics, a specialist with deep roots in automotive-grade embedded systems, have joined forces to establish a new software joint venture in Bangkok. This collaboration aims to bring greater efficiency and reliability to the increasingly sophisticated software that powers modern air conditioning systems, a move that holds promising implications for intelligent HVAC, refrigeration, and cleanroom solutions.

Joint Venture Officially Launched, Focusing on Embedded Software

On May 20, 2026, Daikin Industries (Thailand) Ltd. (DIT) and Toyota Tsusho NEXTY Electronics (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (NETH) announced the establishment of their joint venture, Daikin Toyota Tsusho Electronics (Thailand) Co., Ltd. The new company was officially registered on April 27, 2026, with a registered capital of 40 million Thai Baht. DIT holds a 51% stake, while NETH holds 49%. Mr. Kunitaka Morimoto has been appointed as President, and the office is located at the Mercury Tower in Bangkok’s Pathumwan district.

The JV will be dedicated to developing embedded software for the air conditioning equipment designed and manufactured by DIT. Embedded software is the specialized code built into home appliances and industrial equipment that controls and operates all core functions. The goal of the new entity is to significantly shorten software development cycles, optimize costs, and solidify the foundation for future research and development capabilities.

Background and Strategic Intent: Responding to Escalating Software Complexity

In recent years, software development in the air conditioning sector has rapidly diversified and advanced, extending from device and controller embedded systems into realms such as cloud integration and data utilization. To accelerate the time-to-market of differentiated products and expand solution-based services that enhance customer value, strengthening software development capabilities and continuously securing and nurturing talent have become critical management priorities. Recognizing these challenges, DIT and NETH concluded that a deeper collaborative framework was essential to enhance development speed, efficiency, and talent cultivation, leading to the creation of the joint venture.

NETH brings nearly 20 years of embedded software development experience from the automotive industry, where software quality requirements are exceptionally rigorous. Notably, the software architecture currently being developed by DIT for its air conditioning systems is highly aligned with cutting-edge design philosophies from the automotive sector. Through the synergy created by this technological fusion, the two companies aim to further reinforce their research and development efforts.

Initial Focus on DIT Projects, Future Expansion Across ASEAN and Beyond

In its initial phase, the joint venture will undertake embedded software development projects commissioned by DIT. Going forward, the company plans to expand its business capabilities to meet the software development needs of Daikin Group’s air conditioning R&D bases in the ASEAN region and other territories. By systematically fostering the training and development of engineers and improving development speed and efficiency, the JV is committed to building a competitive software development framework and contributing to further value creation in the air conditioning industry.

Overview of the Partner Companies

• Daikin Industries (Thailand) Ltd. (DIT): Established in 1990, headquartered in Chonburi Province, and led by President Tsutomu Kurihara. Its business encompasses the R&D, manufacturing, sales, marketing, and servicing of air conditioning products.

• Toyota Tsusho NEXTY Electronics (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (NETH): Established in 2005, headquartered in Pathumwan, Bangkok, and led by President Takeo Murata. Its core businesses include embedded software development, electronics sales, and design and development support.

This deep collaboration between Daikin and NEXTY Electronics not only promises greater speed and quality assurance for embedded software in air conditioning, but its technological outcomes are also expected to positively impact precision environmental control and cleanroom air conditioning system optimization. These developments align closely with the industry innovation themes that the ARHC-ASEAN RHVAC & Cleanroom Industry Expo continues to champion. We will follow and report on their progress.

To stay informed about the latest technologies and market trends in the HVAC, refrigeration, and cleanroom industries, please visit the official ARHC-ASEAN RHVAC & Cleanroom Industry Expo website and follow our upcoming events.