By AIT Public Affairs
29 November 2024: The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and the Royal Institute for Governance and Strategic Studies (RIGSS), Bhutan, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 29 November 2024, to establish a partnership aimed at enhancing knowledge transfer, professional development, and international collaboration.
The MoU outlines the shared vision of AIT and RIGSS to develop and share knowledge products, conduct international training programs, seminars, youth development events, and educational workshops while enhancing their visibility and credibility as global influencers in professional development and research. The partnership also aims to broaden networks and collaborate with like-minded organizations to support knowledge transfer on a regional and global scale.
The MoU was signed by Prof. Pai-Chi Li, President of AIT, and Mr. Chewang Rinzin, Deputy Chamberlain to His Majesty The King and Director of RIGSS. Prof. Li stated, “It is an honor to be here and witness the fruition of efforts initiated some time ago through this agreement. With the formal establishment of this partnership through the MoU, we can now collaborate toward our shared goals. There are many areas where our strengths complement each other, and I look forward to deepening this collaboration further.”
Mr. Rinzin expressed his delight at attending the event, highlighting the connection fostered by an AIT alumnus. He stated, “This agreement will further strengthen the ties between Bhutan and AIT. Many Bhutanese have benefited from AIT, with some alumni holding prominent positions, including ministers, showcasing the significant impact of this collaboration. We look forward to continuing this mutually beneficial relationship, fostering stronger ties not only between AIT and our institution but also between Bhutan and Thailand. This partnership will undoubtedly pave the way for achieving greater milestones together.”
The agreement focuses on developing customized knowledge products for professional training, leadership modules, and youth programs. The institutions will collaborate on international training courses and online events for professionals in Bhutan, Thailand, and beyond. Additionally, the MoU includes student and faculty exchange programs for knowledge sharing, the identification of professional development trends for program alignment with international standards, and strategic research initiatives to meet Bhutan’s human resource development needs.
The signing ceremony was attended by Mr. Karma Tshosar, Deputy Chief of Mission, and Mr. Sonam Palden, Second Secretary at the Royal Bhutanese Embassy in Thailand, along with Ms. Sigay Dem, Senior Programme Officer at RIGSS.
From AIT the event was attended by Prof. Nitin K. Tripathi, Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA); Mr. Voravate Chonlasin, Executive Director, AIT Extension and Dr. Sumana Shrestha, Director, International Affairs, OIPA. The partnership between AIT and RIGSS marks a significant step forward in promoting regional and global collaboration in governance, education, and professional development.
About RIGSS
The Royal Institute for Governance and Strategic Studies (RIGSS) is a premier leadership institute and think tank in Bhutan founded by His Majesty The King in 2013. RIGSS is an autonomous, not-for-profit institute dedicated to fostering excellence in leadership, governance, and strategic studies.
