By Office of Communications and Public Affairs
27 March 2026 — A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and the United Group of Institutions (UGI), India, on 26 March 2026, to strengthen academic and research collaboration.
The MoU aims to foster cooperation through the development of an International Unified Bachelor’s–Master’s Degree Program, joint research and academic activities, and enhanced student and faculty engagement. The scope of collaboration includes joint or collaborative research projects, conferences, workshops, and seminars, as well as student exchange and short-term mobility programs such as internships and education camps. It also covers semester-abroad opportunities with credit transfer, along with staff and faculty development, capacity-building initiatives, and specialized training programs.
Prof. Pai-Chi Li, President of AIT, stated, “This signing marks an important milestone in our partnership with India. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to advancing higher education and academic excellence through joint academic programs, research initiatives, and mobility opportunities. We look forward to a long-standing and productive partnership in the years ahead.”
Mr. Gaurav Gulati, Senior Vice President, said, “Our partnership has grown steadily through student internships, academic exchanges, and faculty engagement. With our growing focus on research and academic innovation, we look forward to expanding collaboration in credit transfer, joint programs, and research initiatives. We remain confident that this collaboration will continue to create meaningful value for both institutions.”
The MoU was signed by Professor Li and Mr. Gaurav on behalf of Dr. Jagdish Gulati, President of United Group. AIT and UGI have collaborated since 2010 in various joint initiatives.
Discussions also focused on expanding cooperation in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, semiconductor technology, and digital innovation, while exploring opportunities for faculty exchange, capacity building, and deeper institutional collaboration.
The United Group of Institutions (UGI), based in Prayagraj, India, was founded in 1951 and is a pioneer in technical and management education. The group comprises United University, United Institute of Medical Sciences, and multiple institutes across Prayagraj and Greater Noida, offering programs in engineering, management, pharmacy, and related fields, with a strong commitment to academic excellence and societal impact.
The delegation from UGI included Dr. Ajay Sharma, Head, Foreign Relations Cell; and Ms. Paroma Gulati, Head, Corporate Relations Centre. The AIT delegation included Prof. Siddharth K Jabade, Vice President for Administration and Development; Dr. Sarawut Ninsawat, Dean of FAST; Prof. Nitin K. Tripathi, Deputy Dean of FAST; Dr. Sumana Shrestha, Director of OIA; and Mr. Sanjeet Amatya, Director of OCPA.
