By AIT Public Affairs
21 October 2023: Led by H.E. Prof. Dr. Sylvie Retailleau, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation to the French Government, and H.E. Mr. Jean-Claude Poimboeuf, French Ambassador to Thailand, Embassy of France in Thailand, a prestigious high-level delegation from France paid a historic visit to the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), where they were welcomed by AIT Chairman Dr. Anat Arbhabirama and AIT President Prof. Kazuo Yamamoto, distinguished faculty members, and senior executives.
AIT signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), officially marking a new chapter of bilateral collaboration. Dr. François Roger, Regional Director for Southeast Asia, CIRAD, representing the CIRAD Director General, penned the agreement with President Yamamoto, signaling a joint commitment to engage in a wide range of research activities and collaborative ventures. The MOU was witnessed by Minister Retailleau, Ambassador Poimboeuf, and AIT Board of Trustees Chairman Dr. Anat Arbhabirama.
Minister Sylvie Retailleau expressed her delight and honor at being present for the MOU signing, highlighting the importance of prioritizing education and technological advancement. She commended AIT’s efforts in bridging technology, academics, research, and industry collaboration, emphasizing the role of technology and science in addressing complex challenges and the importance of promoting the open sharing of knowledge.
Dr. Anat Arbhabirama reflected on the AIT’s historical journey, which began as an engineering institute to its current status as a technical hub. He underlined AIT’s mission of fostering connections among regions and nations spanning Asia, Europe, and beyond and promoting effective collaboration for meaningful impact.
This memorable gathering celebrated the robust collaboration between AIT and various French ministries, agencies, and organizations, such as CIRAD. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to forge ahead with their partnership and explore future cooperation.
Dr. François Roger, expressed delight about the signed MOU and commencing research activities in January 2024, highlighting the potential for innovation and positive impact.
Prof. Kazuo Yamamoto, expressed his sincere appreciation to the French government for decades of collaboration and unwavering support to AIT. He eagerly anticipated further beneficial partnerships and working together to address emerging critical issues and make a lasting global impact.
The long relationship between the Government of France and AIT stands as a testament to their enduring alliance, with France being the sole founding member country to remain with AIT since its inception.
The delegation also embarked on a tour of the AIT Global Water & Sanitation Center, where they were provided with a comprehensive overview of the initiatives and efforts undertaken by the center, including a project supported by France’s Agence Française de Développement (AFD).
GWSC had the pleasure of presenting the center’s vision and mission, as well as their hub and ongoing projects which was presented by Deputy COO Ms. Isha Basyal and supported by COO Dr. Kavinda Gunasekara. During this visit, Prof. Dr. Sylvia Retailleau expressed her “appreciation for the Center’s interdisciplinary hubs, emphasizing policy, multi-level collaboration, commercial viability, research, and societal impact. She acknowledged that GWSC’s mission of SDG6 acceleration would not be possible without these disciplines and would undoubtedly help us reach our goals.”
