Bangkok--11 Dec--Asian Institute of Technology
Kurita Water and Environment Foundation (KWEF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) to jointly contribute towards improving water and environment conditions in the region.
The MoU was signed by KWEF and AIT on 1 December 2014 by KWEF President Dr. Fujino Hiroshi, and AIT President Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai.
The MoU focuses on human resource development, particularly on capacity building of young researchers. Activities planned under the agreement include provision of research fund for young researchers, and scientific workshops for exchanging information and sharing research outcomes.
Dr. Fujino Hiroshi stated that since 1949, Kurita Water Industries has worked towards development and protection of both water and the environment. In 1997, Kurita Water and Environment Foundation was established to contribute to the development of society and help restore a clean environment.
AIT President Prof. Worsak said that both water and environment constitute two or the focus areas for AIT. Both water and environment are cross-border issues, making Kurita and AIT ideal partners .
Dr. Fujino Hiroshi was accompanied by a senior delegation which included Prof. Ohgaki Shinichiro, President, Japan Water Research Center, and former Vice Chairman of AIT Board of Trustees. Prof. Motoyuki Suzuki, Emeritus Professor, The University of Tokyo, and Adjunct Professor, The Open University of Japan; and Dr. Kohji Nakamura, Secretary General, KWEF also joined the deliberations.
Kurita-GK Chemical Co., which had earlier announced support for an AIT student in its School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD) was represented by its President Mr. Takefumi Shimoda; Sales Division Director, Mr. Nopporn Tia; and General Manager Mr. Tanachai Nilkhiew.
AIT was represented by President Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai; Prof. Kazuo Yamamota, Vice President for Resource Development; Dr. Chettiyappan Visvanathan, Dean, SERD; Mr. Sanjeev Jayasinghe, Director, Fundraising; Dr. Gabrielle Groves, Head, External Relations and Communications Office (ERCO); Ms. Sumana Shrestha, Program Officer, ERCO; and Mr. Carol Guzman, Assistant Program Officer, ERCO.
Photo caption: Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai (left) and Dr. Fujino Hiroshi.