By Office of Advancement & Alumni Affairs (OAAA)
On May 13, 2025, the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and Advanced Wireless Network Company Limited (AWN), a subsidiary of Advanced Info Service PLC (AIS), formalized a strategic partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance academic and industry collaboration in cutting-edge telecommunications technologies. The MoU was signed between AIT President Prof. Pai-Chi Li and Mr. Wasit Wattanasap, Head of Nationwide Operations and Support Business Unit, AWN.
The MoU marked the AWN’s in-kind donation valued at 1 million Thai Baht for establishing the AIS-AIT 5G Application and Demonstration Lab at AIT and key areas of collaboration are joint research to explore and develop novel applications in cutting-edge technologies such as 5G, NB-IoT, Robotics, and Artificial Intelligence; support for ICT-related research grant applications from various funding agencies; and educational field visits for AIT students to gain real-world industry exposure.
Advanced Wireless Network Company Limited (AWN), founded in 2005, operates telecommunication businesses, including mobile network service, fixed broadband service, and digital services. AWN operates in three core businesses: (1) Mobile Phone Business (2) Fixed Broadband Business, and (3) Digital Service Business.
Prof. Pai-Chi Li, AIT President, emphasized the significance of the partnership, noting AWN’s role as a leader in Thailand’s telecommunications sector. He mentioned that AIS has laid the foundation for Thailand’s digital infrastructure, enabling ubiquitous data access and fostering an innovation ecosystem. He described the MoU as a milestone in AIT’s strategic partnerships, emphasizing the institute’s commitment to bridging academia and industry for mutual growth.
Prof. Manukid Parnichkun, Vice President for Academic and Research, shared his personal connection to telecommunications, recalling his doctoral research involving CDMA circuits for robotics. He noted that telecommunications is a fascinating field, and AIT’s collaboration with AWN had already begun prior to the MoU, with students actively using the donated equipments.
Prof. Sangam Shrestha, Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology, highlighted the significance of this collaboration by stating that the AIT President’s priority is to connect AIT with several industries. He stated that AIT and AWN will expand this collaboration to include student internships and expert exchanges, with AWN professionals potentially serving as external experts in PhD dissertation and master’s thesis committees, fostering joint research activities in the future.
Mr. Sanjeev Jayasinghe, Executive Director, AIT Office of Advancement & Alumni Affairs, expressed gratitude to the AWN team for their commitment to the partnership. He highlighted the year-long journey of groundwork in the establishment of the AIS-AIT 5G Application and Demonstration Lab, valued at 1 million Thai Baht. The lab, already operational, is being utilized by AIT’s master’s and doctoral students for coursework and research in advanced technologies. He thanked President Prof. Pai-Chi Li for his leadership in fostering such strategic partnerships. He also mentioned AIS’s long-standing support through the prestigious AIS full master’s scholarships in ICT department programs.
Prof. Attaphongse Taparugssanagorn, Telecommunications, ICT Department, expressed gratitude for AWN’s generous donation while highlighting that the advanced equipments will enhance research capabilities and provide students with real-world training opportunities.
Mr. Wasit Wattanasap, Head of Nationwide Operations and Support Business Unit at AWN, highlighted the company’s commitment to pioneering innovation by collaborating with universities like AIT to set benchmarks in 5G research and development rather than merely adopting external technologies. He stated AWN’s extensive work with research institutions and innovation centers positions this industry-academia collaboration, fostering joint research and development in 5G and beyond.
Dr. Dheerasak Anantaku, Head of the Radio Planning and Optimization Section at AWN, added that the collaboration would enable students to gain practical insights into AWN’s operations, with plans for future research and training initiatives.
The signing ceremony was attended by several individuals from both the AWN and AIT. From the AWN: Ms. Siriphen, Head of Community Relations Unit, and Ms. Wijittra Chuenkhrut, Engineer Specialist. Representing AIT were Mr. Arunya P. S. S. Dumunnage, Senior Research Associate, ICT; Ms. Maneemontra Rodthongkham, Administrative Staff, TC; Ms. Lucena D. Talaid, Senior Alumni Affairs Officer; and Mr. Bhaskaran Jacob, Senior Advancement Officer from the Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs (OAAA).
