By Alistina Shrestha
September 8 2023: In a promising development, the School of Engineering and Technology (SET), and the National Institute of Informatics (NII) have started a journey to explore deeper collaboration in the fields of education and research. A recent meeting held at AIT’s School of Engineering and Technology (SET) brought together key representatives from both institutions to discuss exciting opportunities for cooperation.
From the National Institute of Informatics (NII), Japan, Professor Emmanuel Planas, the Acting Director of the Global Liaison Office, led the delegation. From AIT, the notable attendees included Professor Sangam Shrestha, Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology and Co-Director of the Global Water & Sanitation Center, Dr. Chutiporn Anutariya, Associate Dean and faculty of Information and Communications Technology (ICT)Department, Dr. Tanujjal Bora, faculty of Industrial Systems Engineering Department and the Director of the Center of Excellence in Nanotechnology (CoEN), Ms. Chitrini Mozumder, Coordinator of the Student Support Unit in SET, and Ms. Alistina Shrestha, Manager – Marketing, Recruitment, and Digital Strategy.
The meeting, held on September 8, 2023, was preceded by a seminar for students interested in joining NII for internships. Professor Emmanuel Planas, Acting Director of the Global Liaison Office at NII, took the opportunity to introduce NII, shedding light on its internship program, selection criteria, and even cultural insights about Japan, including its renowned cuisine. The seminar served as an informative platform, piquing the students’ interest and enthusiasm for the NII internship program. During the seminar and Prof. Planas and Dr. Sarawut Ninsawat, Head of ICT Department actively responded to numerous queries from the students, providing valuable insights and information about NII’s offerings and opportunities. Their engagement added depth to the seminar, enhancing the students’ understanding of the NII Internship Program and other collaborative initiatives.
Prof. Planas visited the Center of Excellence in Nanotechnology after the seminar with students. There, he engaged in discussions with Dr. Tanujjal Bora. Their conversation revolved around the potential for collaboration in research projects within the Bio-Nano Material Science and Engineering Program. They explored opportunities for joint projects that align with the research interests of both institutions.
Among the key agenda items discussed during the subsequent meeting in the SET meeting room was the NII Internship Program, which offers AIT students valuable opportunities for real-world experience. Quotas were discussed regarding internships for AIT students at NII.
Another significant point of discussion was the Research Exchange Program. Both institutions have expressed interest in reinvigorating this program, which has proven successful in the past. The initiative will potentially expand to include collaborations across various departments and programs within SET.
The meeting also touched upon the revival of a Dual Degree Program, allowing students to complete part of their education at each institution. Drawing inspiration from successful models with French universities, this program seeks to enrich the educational experiences of students from both institutions. Notably, NII currently has no Dual Degree Program with any university in Thailand.
Collaboration in the form of a Student Exchange Program is also on the horizon. AIT students will have the unique opportunity to interact with peers from renowned universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, fostering a global exchange of knowledge.
To take these promising collaborations forward, AIT faculty members have been encouraged to explore NII’s website to identify similar research areas. Furthermore, Professor Emmanuel Planas, Acting Director of the Global Liaison Office at NII, has committed to facilitating introductions between AIT and NII faculty members for potential collaboration. In addition, both institutions will explore Dual Degree Programs and Student Exchange Programs. Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) will be drafted to solidify these partnerships.
The coming together of AIT and NII promises not only to enhance the educational experiences of their respective students but also to contribute significantly to the global exchange of knowledge and innovation. As the details of these collaborative ventures take shape, the future looks brighter than ever for both institutions.
