Bangkok--24 Jul--Asian Institute of Technology
The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and the Royal Thai Armed Forces’ National Defence Studies Institute have established a partnership to develop research and academic programs, resources cooperation and organize social activities for the next five years.
Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai (7th from left), AIT President, and General Suraphan Wongthai (5th from left), Commandant of the National Defence Studies Institute on 23 July 2015 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at AIT to initiate joint cooperation in a number of areas.
Both institutions agreed to develop joint academic programs in existing and emerging fields. The agreement also includes the development of joint research projects as well as connecting national strategies and national security with various sciences and technologies.
The MOU opens up fellowship opportunities for qualified staff from both institutions, and enables organizing seminars and special lectures. The deal is expected to increase the educational options available to armed forces staff and students.
On resources cooperation, both institutions agreed to share their human and physical resources, including the exchange of faculty and experts to deliver academic lectures, the use of audiovisual equipment, computer and information systems, and academic search capabilities between the libraries of the partner institutions.
At the signing ceremony, AIT President Worsak said the cooperation under the MOU aims to bring out the potential and strengths of both institutions. “The joint force agreement will surely help Thailand respond to the rapidly changing world,” he said, stressing that the international Institute has always been grateful to its host country.
The president added that the MOU is the result of the coordination of Prof. Emeritus Sahas Bunditkul, Chairperson of AIT Executive Committee, who has liaised with the National Defence Studies Institute since November 2014 to define areas of mutual interest for cooperation of benefit to Thailand.
“AIT has always encouraged Thai citizens to study at AIT, by providing many options and assistance to good students, such as granting fellowships, and especially by providing outstanding students with HM King’s and HM Queen’s Scholarships to study for Master’s and Doctoral degrees,” President Worsak noted.
“AIT is considered as a well-known and widely recognized educational institute. This MOU will build up our educational network and jointly develop human capital for the organizations which will further benefit the development of society and the country,” General Suraphan said.
The partners also agreed to facilitate the organization of academic and social activities. Both parties will organize joint learning activities, and develop educational curricula for the benefit of society, the agreement states.
“The Royal Thai Armed Forces realizes the importance of the development of academic potential and strengths as well as strengthening good relationships with various educational institutes. On behalf of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, I would like to thank the AIT President and all faculty members who put their trust in the Royal Thai Armed Forces and participated as the witness for this cooperation. I do hope that the relationship between Royal Thai Armed Forces and AIT will be further strengthened in order to jointly develop the country to be secure, and for the Thai people to be prosperous and sustainable,” General Suraphan added.