By AIT Public Affairs
4 February 2025 – The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) hosted an appreciation ceremony and collaboration event with IDEA Consultants Inc. and GL Sciences Inc., Japan, reaffirming their long-standing partnership and exploring future opportunities for collaboration. The event featured a courtesy call on AIT President Prof. Pai-Chi Li, followed by discussions on advancing joint research efforts. The partnership has played a crucial role in fostering academic exchange, innovation, and cutting-edge research through shared expertise and state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.
During the ceremony, Prof. Li remarked, “Our partnership has grown over the years, and this latest support—providing essential equipment and resources for environmental research—lays a strong foundation for deeper collaboration. Beyond training our students, we aim to engage in joint research that creates real societal impact.”
Mr. Yoshihiro Nagami, President of GL Sciences Inc., added, “GL Sciences is committed to advancing research and analytical technology at AIT. Together we aim to play a vital role in driving innovative research, and we hope our products will support and contribute to the great success of the work carried out here at AIT.”
Dr. Toru Matsumura, Executive Director of the Board of IDEA Consultants Inc., reflected on the progress of the collaboration, stating, “Our journey in scientific collaboration has evolved significantly—from establishing the IDEA EEM Lab to enhancing laboratory capabilities for organic and inorganic material analysis. Today, we stand at a pivotal moment, forging a unique alliance that brings together industry, government, international organizations, and the private sector.Together, we will deepen our shared commitment to science and innovation.”
Dr. Monthip Sriratana, Director of the Climate Change Research Strategies Center, Director of the Digital Belt and Road International Center of Excellence-Bangkok, and Adviser to the National Research Council of Thailand, emphasized the significance of the collaboration, saying, “This partnership exemplifies the power of academia and the private sector coming together to drive meaningful change. By integrating research, innovation, and partnership, we not only advance scientific knowledge but also contribute to global environmental commitments. These alliances are crucial in shaping policies and solutions that address both national and international challenges.”
Since 2017, IDEA Consultants Inc. has been a key partner of AIT, following the establishment of the IDEA-EEM Laboratory and IDEA R&D Center. The collaboration, initiated through former AIT President Prof. Kazuo Yamamoto, led to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) in 2016, which were renewed in 2022 for another five years.
The laboratory supports AIT’s master’s and doctoral students while also offering services to external institutions, including the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Chulalongkorn University, and the Minamata Convention on Mercury project by UNEP. Training sessions on hair sampling for mercury analysis have also been conducted in Palau and the Maldives.
In October 2023, AIT, IDEA, and GL Sciences Inc. signed a tripartite MoA, marking eight years of collaboration. To further support research, GL Sciences Inc. has generously donated HPLC vials, GC consumables, filters, micropipettes, and other laboratory essentials, reinforcing the partnership’s commitment to advancing environmental and analytical sciences.
The event was attended by Mr. Kaname Kimura, President of Lab Depot Co., Ltd., Mr. Taiji Okubo, Director of GL Sciences Inc. and Mr. Wirote Chansri, General Manager of UAE-IDEA Advance Analytical Co. Ltd. From AIT, Prof. Nitin K. Tripathi, Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Ekbordin Winijkul, Associate Professor and Head of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering Department ; Dr. Wenchao Xue, Associate Professor and Program Chair of Environmental Engineering and Management program, Dr. Guilberto Borongan, Director of RRCAP; Mr. Karma Rana, Institute Secretary, Dr. Sumana Shrestha, Director of International Affairs, OIPA, Mr. Sanjeet Amatya, Director of Public Affairs, OIPA and Dr. Chacriya Malasuk, Research Specialist of IDEA EEM Laboratory/IDEA R&D Center attended the event.
