With the successful conclusion of its first industrial exchange program, the AIT Belt and Road Research Center (BRRC), in collaboration with the Chongqing Renewable Energy Society (CRES), organized a second exchange program from December 16–19 in Chongqing, China. The five-member delegation was led by H.E. Dr. Subin Pinkayan, former Foreign Minister of Thailand, former Chairman of the AIT Board of Trustees, and Honorary Advisor to the AIT Board Chairman. Dr. Pinkayan, one of AIT’s first master’s graduates in Hydraulics (1961), was joined by Mr. Karma Rana, AIT Institute Secretary; Ms. Chalita Lertwinyu, Executive Director of the Office of Thailand Affairs, AIT; Mr. Sathaporn Vongsakul, Consultant Engineer at GMS Power Public Company Limited; and Ms. Sai Tang, Program Officer at BRRC.
As innovation and cooperation in the green industry drive sustainable development, AIT and BRRC continue to foster international collaboration. This program provided insights into Chongqing’s renewable energy sector, focusing on solar panel production, energy storage, smart energy systems, and sustainable technologies. In addition to facilitating knowledge exchange and technology transfer, the trip strengthened AIT’s connections with green industries in western China and laid the foundation for future collaborations between Thailand and China.
The delegation conducted technical visits to key organizations, starting with Chongqing New Century Electric Company, where discussions centered on hydropower training and education partnerships. At the Chongqing Institute of New Energy Storage Materials, they explored advancements in energy storage and industry applications. A visit to Wujun Chongqing Solar Co., Ltd. provided insights into photovoltaic innovations relevant to Thailand’s energy sector. A symposium with six Chongqing-based green energy enterprises further facilitated discussions on smart energy, energy storage, and industry-academia collaboration.
As China expands its sustainable development initiatives, AIT’s strong academic and research foundation positions it as an ideal partner for Chinese enterprises. Potential collaborations include student internships, educational programs for corporate employees, and business partnerships with AIT alumni in green industries. Building on this success, future exchange programs in 2025 will explore additional areas, such as environmental industries and rural development. Dr. Subin’s leadership continues to play a vital role in strengthening AIT’s partnerships in China and opening new avenues for collaboration.
