By Office of International and Public Affairs
On July 10, 2024, His Excellency Mr. Artur Dmochowski, the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Thailand, Cambodia, and Lao PDR, and Dr. Monika Dmochowska, Deputy Chief of Mission and Head of the Political and Economic Department at the Embassy of Poland to Thailand, Cambodia, and Lao PDR, met with Prof. Kazuo Yamamoto, President of the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT). The purpose of the visit was to enhance academic and cultural connections between Poland and AIT, promoting cooperation in various areas of research and education.
His Excellency Mr. Artur Dmochowski (Left) and Dr. Monika Dmochowska
During the visit, the delegation also met with key AIT officials to discuss potential partnerships and exchange programs. A presentation on AIT’s institution, ongoing projects, and future initiatives highlighted the institute’s commitment to global education and research excellence. The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation in technology, innovation, and sustainable development areas where Poland and AIT have significant expertise.
Ambassador Dmochowski emphasized the numerous opportunities for AIT to collaborate with Polish universities and institutions. He said, “Poland offers affordability compared to other European nations and serves as a gateway to experience Europe and access numerous opportunities. Our academic institutions are well-established and highly reputed. Additionally, there is potential to establish bilateral agreements for dual master’s degrees between Polish universities and AIT.”
Prof. Yamamoto thanked the Embassy for its support and the longstanding relationship. He stated, “Our collaboration embodies a win-win approach in higher education, research, and capacity building, which contributes significantly to society and benefits our region. We look forward to exploring new learning opportunities and cultural exchanges between Europe and Asia.”
This visit marks a significant step in building a stronger relationship between Poland and AIT, paving the way for future collaborations that will benefit both institutions and their respective communities.
The meeting was attended by Prof. Nitin Tripathi, Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs; Mr. Russell Rein, Vice President for Administration; Prof. P. Abdul Salam, Dean SERD; Prof. Huynh Trung Luong, Acting Dean SET and Head of ISE Department; Dr. Sumana Shrestha, Director, International Affairs, OIPA; Mr. Sanjeet Amatya, Director, Public Affairs, OIPA and Ms. Sirima Sirimattayanan, Senior Program Officer, International Affairs, OIPA.
AIT-Poland Collaboration
The collaboration between the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and Poland began in 2007. Over the years, this partnership has prospered, leading to numerous academic and cultural exchanges. Currently Wrocław University of Science and Technology (WUST) is the active partner university in Poland and AIT students have been benefitting through this partnership through one semester student exchange programs and participation in SPINAKER Summer Program in WUST, Poland since 2022. Earlier engagements in Poland include virtual meetings and collaborations with other Polish universities, such as Częstochowa University of Technology (2017-2020) and Poznan University of Economics (2007-2010).
Additionally, AIT led a significant Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education project, co-funded by the European Union, aimed at modernizing the industrial engineering curriculum in Thailand. This three-year project included nine universities, with AIT as the coordinator and Dr. Pisut Koomsap as the project leader. The initiative focused on supporting Industry 4.0 and aligning with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). It resulted in 15 new student-centered courses, innovative teaching tools, and extensive training for Thai university staff, fostering sustainable educational practices and partnerships.
