Bangkok--15 Jul--Asian Institute of Technology
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is expanding in Thailand, and will focus on human resource development in the field of engineering and science. Visiting the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) on 14 July 2016, a three-member JICA delegation explored AIT's expertise and offerings, and hoped that the two organizations can work toward human resource development in the region.
Chief Representative of JICA in Thailand, Mr. Hiroo Tanaka stated that JICA is concentrating on the transportation sector, particularly on high-speed railways. Stating that Thailand is an equal partner in international development, Mr. Tanaka remarked that JICA considers Bangkok to be a crucial hub in the ASEAN region. JICA is inviting engineers, researchers, policy makers and technocrats from neighbouring countries to participate in training programs, he added. Mentioning that JICA has worked with the the Thai Government on various projects, he added that both AIT and JICA have similar goals and targets and could work together.
Welcoming the delegation, AIT President Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai recalled the long-standing partnership between JICA and AIT. Stating that AIT is working on cross border and transboundary issues, Prof. Worsak said: "AIT is in a strong position to assist donors agencies in implementing their projects." Many regions in the world have started looking towards the East, and AIT can act as a Gateway connecting to the ASEAN region, Prof. Worsak remarked.
Mr. Tanaka was accompanied by Mr. Yojiro Miyashita, Representative from JICA, and Mr. Masanori Takenaka, Senior Program Officer. AIT was represented by Prof. Kazuo Yamamoto, Vice President for Administration; Mr. Surendra Shrestha, Vice President for Development; Dr. Hiroyuki Konuma, Senior Advisor to the AIT President; Prof. Voratas Kachitvichyanukul, Dean, School of Engineering and Technology (SET); Prof. Kyoko Kusakabe of School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD); Dr. Teerapat Sanguankotchakorn, Dr. Djoen San Santoso and Dr. Punchet Thammarak of SET; Dr. Nophea Sasaki and Dr. Loc Thai Ngueyn of SERD; Dr. Shiro Ochi, Visiting Scientist, Geoinformatics Center; Dr. Louis Hornyak, Director, Center for Excellence in Nanotechnology; and Mr. Shawn Kelly, Director, and Ms. Sumana Shrestha of Office of External Relations (OEXR).
Photo caption: Mr. Hiroo Tanaka, Chief Representative of JICA in Thailand