By Office of Communications and Public Affairs
19 November 2025: The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) (HKUST (GZ)) formalized a new chapter of cooperation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on 19 November 2025.
AIT President Prof Pai-Chi Li said, “We are pleased to host the delegation from HKUST. AIT and HKUST share many strengths; we are international, research-driven, and strongly focused on technology, engineering, management, and interdisciplinary innovation. These agreements mark the beginning of deeper collaboration. Together, we can build a strong bridge between the Greater Bay Area and Thailand’s innovation ecosystems. I look forward to our discussions.”
Prof. Ting Chuen PONG, Vice-President (Administration & Business) remarked, “Today’s signing is more than a formal partnership, it reflects our shared commitment to nurturing innovative talent, advancing cross-disciplinary education, and creating knowledge that benefits society. Together, we are opening new pathways for collaboration that will enable our students, researchers, and industries to help shape a more sustainable and globally connected future.”
The MoU outlines key areas of cooperation, including the exchange of academic and administrative staff for teaching, research, internships, and participation in conferences and public events. It also supports student mobility across undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels, and encourages students to join competitions and conferences. The MoU further promotes scientific collaboration through joint research, shared publications, advisory activities, and the exchange of scientific materials. It includes the development of joint educational and research projects, including those under international programs, as well as collaborative curriculum development, co-publishing academic materials, and joint supervision of Master’s and Doctoral theses. It further allows for cooperation in other mutually beneficial areas.
The Student Exchange Agreement outlines how AIT and HKUST (GZ) will collaborate to provide meaningful academic and cross-cultural experiences for their students. It sets the framework for students to take approved, credit-transferable courses at the host institution while remaining enrolled at their home university. The agreement also covers aligned academic calendars, admission and language requirements, and the number of students each institution may send per semester. It ensures that exchange students follow the host institution’s academic standards and receive full access to classes, facilities, and campus resources.
The signing of these agreements marks a key step in strengthening academic collaboration and expanding global opportunities for students and faculty.
The delegation from HKUST included, Dr. Angela NG, Assistant Vice-President for Institutional Advancement (Global Engagement); Prof. Kai TANG, Thrust Head of Smart Manufacturing; Prof. Shuncheng LEE, Thrust Head of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences; Prof. Ning CAI, Thrust Head of Financial Technology; Prof. Jeffrey Xu YU, Acting Thrust Head of Data Science and Analytics; Prof. Jun XIA, Professor of Thrust of Bioscience and Biomedical Engineering; Prof. Steven John DEKREY, Senior Advisor to the Dean of Business and Management; Mr. Jing FU, Head of Global Affairs Department and Dr. Zhuoya KANG, Officer of Global Affairs Department.
Representing AIT were, Prof. Manukid Parnichkun VPAR; Prof. Siddharth K. Jabade, VPAD; Dr. Sarawut Ninsawat, Department Head and Associate Professor, RS-GIS/ICT/SET; Dr. Ekbordin Winijkul, Department Head and Associate Professor, EEM/WREE/SET; Dr. Chutiporn Anutariya, Associate Professor, IM/ICT/SET; Dr. Sumana Shrestha, Director, Office of International Affairs; Mr. Sanjeet Amatyta, Director, Office of Communications and Public Affairs and Ms. Chotiros Mongkolchotirat, Director, Office of the President and Executive Secretary to the President.
After the MoU and MoA signing, the delegates also continued the discussion with VPAD, Department Heads and Director, OIA and discussed on the possible collaborative activities such as start of student exchange program, development of dual degree programs, joint research projects, faculty secondment and a formation of joint working group to carry out the planned activities.
