Bangkok--29 Jan--Penner-Madison International Education Fair 2008 and the 4th India & International Premier Schools Exhibition officially start at QSNCC AFAIRS, India’s leading educational exhibition organizer, today celebrates its success in pushing into reality the official opening of its twin events; the International Education Fair (IEF) 2008 and the 4th India & International Premier Schools Exhibition (IIPSE), on 26-27January 2008 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, Thailand. "We are so proud to be able to bring to Thailand these two premium educational events, which provide a single venue for students and parents to see their opportunities of studying overseas and be better informed about world-class institutes participating here," Mr. Sanjeev Bolia, AFAIRS’ CEO, said. Over 25 renowned Indian and foreign international and co-educational schools are participating in the 4th IIPSE. Offering primary, middle and secondary level education, these schools will come from across Mussoorie, Darjeeling, Dehradun, Nainital, Delhi, Kolkata, Rajasthan, Kerela and many other cities. Over 35 legendary colleges and universities from India—among them North Eastern Hill University-Shillong, Nirma University-Ahmedabad, Saurashtra University-Rajkot, Acaharya Institutes-Bangalore, Thapar University—Patiala, and Bijapur Medical College—Bijapur—will provide extensive information about undergraduate, postgraduate, professional and vocational courses, at the IEF 2008. “Also expected from the two exhibitions are new businesses with private companies and educational institutes in Thailand which will likely lead to joint educational programs and even the establishment of new campuses,” Mr. Bolia added. He also said that Thailand has a huge potential to be the market for Indian educational institutes with more than 25,000 students traveling annually to India for that purpose. He expressed belief that the two-day events would likely attract about 2,500 to 3000 visitors during the two days, both expatriate Indians and Thais. Indian educational institutions, including over 400 universities and 18,000 colleges, have been widely known to deliver top notch education at affordable rates. India's emphasis on providing quality educational system has lead to Indian-educated students being highly regarded as intellectually superior, computer savvy, fluent in English and more diligent. “Japanese parents have also shown preference for Indian international schools than the local ones for their children. Indian educational system has more demanding standards and gives children an edge in competitive exams. It emphasizes on memorization, learning more at an early age, stressing on English, Maths, Science, computers and valuing ethics and discipline,” Mr. Bolia said. Afairs organizes the two exhibitions in association with Starcraft Exhibition with the support of TCEB (Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau), a public organization set up by The Royal Decree on the Establishment of the Convention and Exhibition Bureau to promote Thailand as the key regional destination for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions — or MICE. “TCEB has so far supported the hosting of IEF and IIPSE 2008, believing that the event not only enhances Thailand’s potential to become a globally recognized and preferred MICE destination in Asia but also strengthens the industry through training and education. We believe that this show is a platform for local educational institutes to meet with the international potential business partners and this could lead to joint programs developed for the most effective system in Thailand," Mrs. Jaruwan Suwannasat, TCEB’s Acting Director for Exhibition said. Believing in the exhibitions' potential to attract international visitors with Thailand becoming gateway to neighboring ASEAN countries, Mrs. Jaruwan also added that the two education fairs will also indirectly stimulate the education sector in Thailand. The University of Cambridge International Examinations is the Platinum Sponsor for the 4th IIPSE & IEF event, while the Thai-Indian Association and Radio Bangkok. Net are its web and radio partners. About AFAIRS AFAIRS is India's Leading Independent Organizer of Thematic Exhibitions and Trade Fairs with more than 15 years of experience in organizing high value Industry specific Exhibitions and Trade Fairs in various parts of India with “Education & Career” as our core competency. We are headquartered at Kolkata and have wide representation in various parts of India. Our associates in New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bhubaneswar and Ranchi bring in a wealth of information from far and diverse market clusters and act as a great support in market development. Our associates from abroad help us in mobilizing participation from overseas and updating us about the latest trends and requirement in their respective countries for Indian students applying abroad for education. About Starcraft Exhibition In 2004, STARCRAFT EXHIBITION, was established to provide the exhibition & event management industry with an organization dedicated to providing a superior complete event management solution & execution services.Founders and subsequent professionals are industry experts who understand the unique requirements and individual needs of the various customers as well as the visitors to the exhibitions. The team is well versed in organizing and managing International Exhibitions, Symposia and Conventions. We keep a close tab on the market situations, significant trends and business opportunities. In the short span of its existence starcraft have developed home grown insights and experience of organizing international fairs in countries like UAE, East Africa, Sri Lanka etc. Media Contact: Sanjeev Bolia Ekarin Petsiri AFAIRS Penner-Madison & Company Limited Tel: +91 33 2286 5770-71 Tel: +662 716-5246 ext. 103 Fax: +91 33 2286 5788 Fax: +662 716-5250 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]