By Alistina Shrestha
July 17, 2024: From July 15 to 17, 2024, the Asian Institute of Technology hosted the SCALe Capacity Building Workshop and Meeting at the AIT Conference Center, Thailand. The event brought together over 50 participants from Greece, Italy, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand, fostering an environment of international collaboration and innovation. The objective of the SCALe project, funded by the European Commission (Erasmus Project), is to design a comprehensive Smart City curriculum and course outline using online technology.
The project focuses on creating micro-courses and micro-credentials for graduates in Theoretical, Natural, Engineering, Computer Science, and Information Technologies. These micro-courses introduce innovative elements into existing curricula to address environmental awareness, energy efficiency, urbanization, and technological advancements. The project also offers professional courses and MOOCs that bridge tertiary studies with vocational education and training (VET) to boost employability. Practical training schemes, internships, and real-life case studies ensure graduates have applicable skills and knowledge.
Additionally, the SCALe project organizes capacity-building workshops for academic, technical, and administrative staff to support institutional reforms. It emphasizes knowledge triangle integration by establishing new collaborations and enhancing partnerships with businesses, regional authorities, research organizations, governmental bodies, NGOs, and other societal partners. The project promotes the exchange of good practices through enhanced networking and mutual learning, fostering continuous improvement and innovation in the educational ecosystem.
The SCALe project is set to address urban and technological challenges in several cities across partner countries. It aims to integrate innovative educational elements and professional training programs, equipping graduates and professionals with skills for environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, and urbanization issues. By doing so, the project not only prepares individuals for future challenges but also inspires hope for a more sustainable and efficient urban landscape.
Prof. Manukid Parnichkun delivering the welcome address.
The two-day workshop began with arrivals and a welcome address by Professor Manukid Parnichkun, Chair of the Mechatronics and Machine Intelligence Program at the School of Engineering and Technology (SET) and Project Coordinator of the SCALE project, followed by critical presentations on open and distance education, lifelong learning methods, instructional design, content development methodology, and the SCALe Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Participants engaged in hands-on sessions to design SCALe micro-courses and create courses using the VLE. Support staff attended separate sessions on innovation, entrepreneurship, and practical design thinking. On the second day, the focus shifted to smart city professions, smart city maturity, and design thinking. There were also updates on various parts of the SCALe project, including collaboration between universities and businesses, instructional design methods, training programs, technology transfer offices, educational materials, internships, MOOCs, the SCALe web platform, toolkits, and outreach activities.
The SCALe project is a collaborative effort of the Asian Institute of Technology and partners from Greece (University of Thessaly, Hellenic Open University), Italy (Sapienza University of Rome), Malaysia (Universiti Malaya, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Mara), Cambodia (Institute of Technology of Cambodia, National University of Battambang, National University of Management, Phnom Penh International University), and Thailand (Chiangmai University, Planet T&S Co. Ltd). Key participants in the event included Prof. Manukid Parnichkun and SET students Xavier Blake Jonathon, Matee Vadrukchit, Kullachat Anusonadisai, Thongtong Eamsaard, and Phankon Pinkham.
The social events included a welcome dinner on the Chao Phraya River Cruise, which offered views of Bangkok’s illuminated landmarks. Participants also enjoyed a tour of Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where they visited historic temples and learned about the region’s rich history.
Xavier Blake Jonathan, a SET student and participant in the workshop, shared, “Attending the capacity-building workshop hosted at my university was an enlightening experience, thanks to the dedication and expertise of the SCALe project members. Their commitment to fostering a deep understanding of smart city technologies and practical applications provided valuable insights into how international collaborations can be organized and implemented. The workshop offered a firsthand look at the intricacies of managing large-scale projects and meeting objectives to secure funding, which is invaluable knowledge for any researcher. The seamless organization and the responsiveness of the SCALe project members highlighted the effectiveness of clear communication and genuine support, making the experience particularly refreshing and inspiring.”
The SCALe project supports multiple SDGs, including SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. By addressing these goals, the SCALe project contributes to creating a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous society. It is poised to make significant contributions to sustainable urban development and technological advancement, providing a model for future regional educational and professional initiatives.
