By AIT Public Affairs
16 May 2023 – The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a collaborative framework for institutional cooperation.
The MoU highlights their shared objectives and a mutual desire to collaborate on education, training, and research initiatives.
The key points of the MoU include:
- Collaboration on Programs and Projects: AIT and SEARCA will collaborate on various programs, projects, and related activities that align with their complementary objectives.
- Exchange of Scientific Materials and Information: Both institutions will engage in the exchange of scientific materials, publications, and information to foster knowledge sharing.
- Written Agreements for Joint Undertakings: SEARCA and AIT will execute separate written agreements for any specific joint undertakings, outlining the sharing of responsibilities and implementation details.
During the meeting, several collaborative ideas were discussed, including capacity-building programs, joint research and innovation projects, organizing conferences and workshops, and the exchange of experts in areas of common interest. Both institutions also expressed interest in exploring the eligibility of AIT for membership in the Southeast Asian University Consortium for Graduate Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Prof. Shobhakar Dhakal, Vice President for Academic Affairs at AIT, emphasized the growth and development opportunities brought by this collaboration. He expressed confidence in the partnership, stating, “Through shared experiences and mutual exchange, we can unlock our full potential and achieve our desired goals. We eagerly look forward to further exploration and fruitful outcomes.”
Dr. Glenn B. Gregorio, Director of SEARCA, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting its potential to enhance agricultural technology and cultivate a mutually beneficial partnership. He emphasized the importance of meeting industry demands and driving innovation by exploring new areas of cooperation and investing in the training of scholars.
SEARCA, established in 1966 by the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO), is a non-profit organization hosted by the Philippine government on the campus of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines. It plays a vital role in promoting agricultural research and education across the Southeast Asian region.
