Bangkok--25 May--Asian Institute of Technology
The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) significantly expanded its relationships with universities and research institutes in China last week by signing three agreements in Beijing aimed at scholarships for Chinese students, faculty secondment from top universities in China, and potential joint academic programs for high speed railways.
Led by AIT President Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukuchai, AIT signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) each with the Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) and the China Scholarship Council (CSC), and renewed its agreement with Beijing Jiaotong University (BJTU).
The agreement with BIT, which was signed on 6 May 2016 by Prof. Worsak and Prof. Zhang Wei, Chairman of the University Council, BIT, seeks to facilitate student exchange, secondment of young faculty members from BIT to AIT, and a combined International Summer Camp for undergraduate students at both institutes.
Prof. Zhang Wei is an AIT alumnus, having graduated with an MBA and a Doctorate in Management of Technology from AIT's School of Management in 2000. He also holds an important position in the Communist Party of China.
The MoU with the China Scholarship Council signed on 7 May 2016 between Prof. Worsak and Dr. Liu Jinghui, Secretary-General of CSC provides for 10 annual doctoral scholarships for Chinese students to study at AIT.
The new agreement will extend the PhD scholarship benefit from three to four years in duration. Any Chinese nationals who meet AIT's admission criteria can be nominated.
Dr. Liu encouraged AIT to explore more institutional partners in China for offering dual or joint degree programs, and assured that CSC can provide grants for Chinese faculty members to conduct joint research supervision. Post-doctorate fellows may also apply through the CSC program. She also suggested that AIT participate in CSC-organized exhibitions planned for October this year in four cities in China.
The agreement with BJTU envisages a dual professional master degree program in high speed railways offered by the two institutes.
BJTU has already initiated a program for 20 overseas students sponsored by China's Ministry of Commerce, while AIT is also planning a program in emerging railway technologies. The two institutes agreed to work towards offering a dual degree program, with the first year of studies at AIT concentrating on coursework, followed by a second year of advanced laboratory study and professional practice at BJTU.