By AIT Public Affairs
21 May 2024: The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and the Korea Environment Institute (KEI) in Sejong, Republic of Korea, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish research collaboration and cooperation. The agreement aims to promote joint research, capacity development programs, and the dissemination of collaborative work outputs.
This MoU encompasses collaboration in areas such as green transition, circular economy, climate adaptation, carbon neutrality, environmental sustainability, ecosystems, biodiversity, and water resource management. It covers various activities, including joint research, co-authoring publications, organizing and participating in conferences and symposia, developing proposals, raising funds, exchanging faculty and staff for scientific and technical work, and sharing knowledge, information, and expertise.
Prof. Kazuo Yamamoto, President of AIT, and Dr. Chang Hoon Lee, President of KEI, signed the agreement. Prof. Yamamoto highlighted the MoU as a key opportunity for young researchers to address regional issues such as climate change, population mitigation, and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through evidence-based research. He noted AIT’s strong position for impactful collaborations in the region and emphasized the need for capacity building, especially for local governments. Prof. Yamamoto expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential to influence policy-making and contribute to global environmental solutions.
Dr. Lee emphasized KEI’s goal of becoming a global institute supporting sustainability and its commitment to enhancing international efforts. He stressed the importance of initiatives in Southeast Asia and expressed enthusiasm for partnering with AIT to advance regional sustainability and resilience, particularly in water management and climate issues. Dr. Lee highlighted KEI’s interest in expanding capacity-building programs through this partnership, hoping it will significantly contribute to sustainable development in the region.
Officials from AIT and KEI also discussed potential areas for collaboration. They emphasized that KEI’s robust research capabilities will complement AIT’s regional expertise and educational programs. The MoU signing ceremony underscored the commitment to long-term cooperation to address regional and global environmental challenges.
The KEI delegation included Dr. Jiyoung Shin, Senior Research Fellow; Mr. Jun Hyun Park, Head of the Global Cooperation Team; and Ms. Jiyoung Gong, Researcher of the Global Cooperation Team. From AIT, the signing ceremony was also attended by Prof. Nitin K. Tripathi, Acting VPAA; Prof. Sangam Shrestha, Dean SET and Co-Director, GWSC; Prof. Abdul P. Salam, Dean SERD; Prof. Mukand S. Babel, Distinguished Professor, WEM/SET and Director, CWCA; Mr. Shawn P. Kelly, Executive Director, Office of International and Public Affairs (OIPA); Dr. Sumana Shrestha, Director of International Affairs, OIPA; and Ms. Kritagya Regmi, Media and Communications Officer, OIPA.
