By Danielle Duan
19 November 2024: The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) Thailand joined forces on 19 November 2024 to co-host the “Up We Build – Serving Thailand with Sustainable Collaboration”, a forum which featured the release of the 2022-2023 CSCEC Thailand Sustainability Report and the launch of the Chinese firm’s Up We Build Program in Thailand.
Over 50 participants, including AIT faculty and students, and senior CSCEC representatives, attended the event, marking a significant step forward in sustainable university-enterprise collaboration.
Celebrating University-Enterprise Cooperation
AIT President, Professor Pai-Chi Li, delivered a video message highlighting the success of the partnership between AIT and CSCEC Thailand in fostering innovation and regional talent development. He noted that the collaboration has advanced Thailand’s construction industry and supported the country’s socio-economic sustainability.
“AIT is privileged to collaborate with CSCEC Thailand in fostering impactful research and development initiatives, particularly on transformative work such as the Thailand-China High-Speed Rail projects. This collaboration with the world’s largest construction company, led by our faculty, embodies the core values of sustainability, innovation, and partnership that underpin the missions of our respective institutions,” President Li said.
“The unveiling of the 2022-2023 CSCEC Thailand Sustainability Report and the Up We Build Program reflects the company’s dedication to advancing sustainable development and professional skills development in Thailand. It also aligns seamlessly with AIT’s vision to achieve sustainable solutions for national, and regional challenges.”
AIT President Prof. Pai-Chi Li addresses the forum by video.
Mr. Shawn Kelly, Executive Director of AIT’s Office of International and Public Affairs, congratulated CSCEC Thailand on the release of its 2022-2023 Sustainability Report and the launch of the Up We Build Program. In his speech, titled “Introducing the Asian Institute of Technology as an Academic and R&D Partner of CSCEC Thailand,” he emphasized AIT’s commitment to promoting sustainability through academic research, technological application, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
“AIT remains dedicated to cultivating young talents and enhancing cooperation to broaden the scope of our joint initiatives,” Mr. Kelly stated.
Mr. Shawn Kelly calls for enhanced cooperation in speech.
Strengthening Technological and Social Contributions
CSCEC Thailand CEO, Mr. Xu Weitao, remarked, “Our collaboration with AIT has been a remarkable journey. As the 14th largest enterprise in the Fortune Global 500 and the No. 1 Global contractor according to Engineering News-Record, CSCEC has striven to act as a bridge for cultural exchange and uphold corporate responsibilities for clean, green, safe, and sustainable development.”
Mr. Xu emphasized that the collaboration with AIT has not only created an educational base for international talents through people-to-people exchanges but also elevated industry standards by integrating cutting-edge engineering technologies and advanced construction methods. He expressed hope for deeper collaboration with AIT, and propelling the partnership to new heights.
Mr. Xu Weitao delivers a remark.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Geoff Chao, Department Head of Civil and Infrastructure Engineering (CIE) at AIT, presented research achievements between AIT and CSCEC Thailand, which included his work and studies conducted by Prof. Pennung Warnitchai of Structural Engineering and Dr. Djoen San Santoso, Associate Professor, Construction, Engineering and Infrastructure Management.
The academic trio showcased results in construction management, structural engineering, and geotechnical engineering under the China-Thailand High-Speed Railway (HSR) Research Collaboration Project. Key outcomes included multiple patents and published academic papers, underscoring the project’s impact on high-speed rail technology.
Dr. Geoff Chao makes a presentation on collaborative research under the HSR project.
Fulfilling Social Responsibilities
During the event, CSCEC Thailand released its inaugural 2022-2023 Sustainability Report in both Chinese-English and Chinese-Thai versions. The report highlighted efforts to cultivate local construction talent, support regional economic development, and improve the quality of life along the railway line being constructed in Thailand.
The unveiling of the Up We Build (UWB) program in Thailand, a global talent development initiative by CSCEC, marked a key milestone. This initiative aims to establish UWB colleges in 30 countries over five years, empowering local talent and promoting sustainable development in the construction sector worldwide.
Group photo after the Launch Ceremony.
Inspiring Future Research
Following the event, AIT and CSCEC Thailand held the Annual Progress Meeting on the HSR Research Collaboration Project. Professors, students, and officials from both sides discussed research progress and outlined future collaboration strategies.
AIT faculty and representatives from AIT’s Office of International and Public Affairs and the AIT Belt and Road Research Center, presented potential research topics and expressed hopes for new pathways in future cooperation.
