By AIT Public Affairs
24 February 2024: A significant step towards academic collaboration was taken on 23 February 2024, as the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This MoU underscores the commitment of both entities to forge a cooperation agreement focusing on academic realms.
Under this MoU, SRT commits to considering sponsorship for staff enrollment in AIT’s Master’s programs, Ph.D. programs, Professional master’s programs, Flexible master’s programs, or Flexible degree programs. Additionally, SRT will facilitate internship opportunities for AIT students. AIT, in turn, will conduct feasibility studies and provide research support to SRT. Furthermore, AIT will propose tailor-made programs for SRT staff, offering short course training at either AIT or SRT premises. Both organizations will collaborate on additional activities aimed at supporting the railway industry or other agreed-upon endeavors. The MoU was initiated by AIT Professor Weerakorn Ongsakul, School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) and RTG Faculty Representative.
Prof. Kazuo Yamamoto, AIT President, stressed the significance of the partnership with SRT highlighting a shared commitment to excellence. He expressed confidence in the collaboration’s potential for mutual benefit. Referencing ongoing initiatives, like the AIT Structural Engineering Laboratory’s involvement in concrete testing, Prof. Yamamoto commended the MoU signing as a pivotal moment. He anticipated diverse avenues for collaboration, spanning academic cooperation, training programs, and research support. Furthermore, he emphasized AIT’s readiness to contribute to cross-border technical cooperation in ASEAN’s high-speed rail networks, reaffirming its commitment to regional development.
Mr. Niruj Maneepun, Governor of SRT, highlighted the pivotal role of SRT in the nation’s development, particularly its ambitious railway system expansion. Acknowledging urgent projects like the double-track railway and high-speed rail connections, he emphasized the indispensable role of skilled personnel, knowledge, and a profound understanding of the railway system. Mr. Maneepun underscored the significance of today’s academic collaboration in cultivating the expertise required for the evolving rail system. He expressed gratitude to AIT for providing invaluable opportunities that contribute to the development of railway personnel. “Together, both institutions remain steadfast in their commitment to advancing knowledge, research, and innovations to enhance SRT’s service, to become a central force in the logistics system across the ASEAN region in the future,” he added.
The MoU signing ceremony, held at SRT, witnessed the participation of key representatives from both organizations. From SRT, attendees included Mr. Sucheep Suksawang, Deputy Governor; Mr. Chaiyachet Saejiw, Assistant Governor; Mr. Weerachai Thaworn, Director of the Human Resource Department; Mr. Borvorn Chantarasuk, Chief Signaling & Telecommunications Engineer; Mr. Chookiat Leelakhajornjit, Chief Mechanical Engineer; Mr. Udom Maophet, Deputy Chief Civil Engineer (Maintenance); and Mr. Aphisak Bunlue, Deputy Chief Civil Engineer (Development). Similarly, from AIT, Mr. Karma Rana, Institute Secretary, and Ms. Chalita Lertwinyu, Director of the Office of Thailand Affairs were present.
