By Office of International and Public Affairs
16 November 2023: AIT Chairman Dr. Anat Arbhabirama, AIT Trustee Dr. Viraphol Sarasin, and AIT President Prof. Kazuo Yamamoto on 16 November 2023 collectively welcomed Prof. Wang Huan, First Secretary of the Embassy of China to the campus to preside over the inaugural AIT- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, China Cooperation Meeting.
The special event brought together senior representatives of the Embassy of China to Thailand, AIT strategic liaison partner Guangzhou Modern Industry Development Research Institute (MIDRI); senior level representatives of 15 Chinese universities and colleges representing the Non-Government Education Sector in China’s Greater Bay Area (GBA), AIT trustees and senior administration officials.
It was Prof. Wang’s maiden visit to the campus. The first secretary expressed her congratulations on the successful meeting. In her remarks, she praised the dedicated efforts of the guest universities and colleges to work with AIT.
China is continuing its internationalization, and communication between academic institutions can bring about opportunities for the country’s younger people, Prof. Wang said.
See Media Reports in China of the Meeting
Read the media report from People’s Daily (人民日报）here.
Read the media report from South CN (南方网、南方日报）here.
Read the media report from Guangzhou Daily (广州日报）here.
Read the media report from Yangcheng Wan Bao (羊城晚报）here.
“Since I assumed the Chairmanship of AIT, I have emphasized the importance of China to our institute, and I am pleased that this seminar’s intention is to develop much more cooperation with one of the world’s great industrial, financial and technological hubs,” Chairman Dr. Anat Arbhabirama said.
The meeting signalled a new pathway forward for bilateral cooperation. AIT has elevated its approach for engagement with China by forming the AIT-China Strategy Group chaired by Dr. Viraphol Sarasin.
During the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between AIT and three attending universities and colleges as dignitaries and AIT officials looked on. AIT President Yamamoto entered into Memorandums of Understanding with Guangzhou City Construction College, Guangdong Country Garden Polytechnic, and Dongguan City University.
President Yamamoto expressed his support for ongoing work to develop this partnership. He indicated that opportunities exist to collaborate in specialized academic programs.
“AIT is committed to equipping students with the skills they need to excel in today’s high-tech world, so establishing strategic partnerships in China’s ‘Silicon Valley’ is a valuable proposition for our institute’s academicians, researchers and students,” President Yamamoto said.
Boasting a population of more than over 86 million and a GDP of approximately 1.7 trillion US dollars, the Greater Bay Area is growing in global influence to rival fellow bay area global hubs New York City, Tokyo, and San Francisco. It is home to the highest concentration of Fortune 500 companies in China and houses a majority of the country’s most innovative technology companies, such as Huawei, ZTE, DJI, and Tencent.
“Right now, AIT is spearheading efforts to bring together academicians, technology leaders, start-ups, and relevant stakeholders to consider the emerging opportunities across various sectors in the GBA,” said Shawn Kelly, executive director of International and Public Affairs.
Danielle Duan, head of China Cooperation added: “Close collaboration with GBA expands our connection with a magnetic high-tech ecosystem and can lead to new opportunities for our community, especially our students.”
Touring the campus, the delegation paid a visit to AIT’s School of Management and met with faculty and officials. The Chinese representatives expressed their willingness to explore ways of working together with AIT in the near future.
The meeting was organized by the Office of International and Public Affairs. Also representing AIT at the meeting was Mr. Russell Rein, Vice President for Administration; Mr. Karma Rana, Institute Secretary; Dr. Yuosre Badir, Deputy Dean, School of Management; Dr. Kamonkanok Kiatisakchai, Assistant Dean, School of Management; Mr. Shawn Kelly, Executive Director of International and Public Affairs; and Ms. Danielle Duan, Head of China Cooperation, Office of International and Public Affairs.
