July 18th, 2022 — Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) of Leiden University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate in areas of computer science, data science, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) that correspond with the industry’s demand in emerging technologies and digital era.
Leiden University is the first institution of higher education in the Netherlands (and one of the most reputed in Europe), founded in 1575. The university is recognized for its historical foundations and emphasis on the social sciences. Furthermore, the university has seven faculties, particularly, Archaeology; Governance and Global Affairs; Humanities; Law; Medicine/Leiden University Medical Center; Science; and Social and Behavioural Sciences.
LIACS is a center of excellence for multidisciplinary research and education in computer science and artificial intelligence (AI), performing research on several themes (Learning, Theory of Computing, Programming Education, Science-based business, Vision and Imaging, Systems and Security, and Media and Interaction). In addition, the center concentrates on studying theoretical foundations and formal methods and focuses on applications in the field of artificial intelligence and data science.
Earlier in November 2018, AIT and Leiden University also collaborated in the context of an Erasmus+ project (a curricula development on Data Science and Artificial Intelligence) with the success that led to the definition of an innovative curriculum based on the local industry needs — and the existing similar curricula in Europe, as well as in the Southeast Asia region.
During the MoU signing ceremony, AIT President Dr. Eden Woon remarked that this (MoU) will strengthen AIT and LIACS relationship and elicit stronger collaboration. While the Director of Education and Coordinator of International Relationships for LIACS, who is also a visiting Professor, Prof. Dr. Marcello Bonsangue, in response to the AIT President, highlighted, “I believe this partnership will benefit both institutions and that the two can explore future opportunities together.”
Meanwhile, the two institutes further discussed exchange opportunities (students, researchers, and teaching staff); joint supervision of Master’s or Ph.D. students; and the development of joint degree programs.
Participants in this MoU ceremony from AIT included AIT President Dr. Eden Woon; Dean, School of Engineering and Technology (SET) Prof. Dieter Trau, Director of Office of International Affairs (OIA) Mr. Shawn P. Kelly; Associate Dean of SET, who is also Head of ICT Department Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chutiporn Anutariya; and Deputy Director of Office of Public Affairs (OPA) Mr. Sanjeet Amatya — while representative of Leiden University was Director of Education and Coordinator of International Relationships for LIACS, who is also a visiting Professor, Prof. Dr. Marcello Bonsangue.
