By Office of Communications and Public Affairs
30 April 2025 – The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) has signed a regional Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with key partners to strengthen STEM education and capacity building across the region. The agreement brings together AIT and leading institutions, including the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for STEM Education (SEAMEO STEM-ED), Bangkok; the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Center for Educational Innovation and Technology (SEAMEO INNOTECH), Philippines; the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for Education in Science and Mathematics (SEAMEO RECSAM), Malaysia; the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Open Learning Centre (SEAMEO SEAMOLEC), Indonesia and Caravan of Knowledge, Corporate Fund, Republic of Kazakhstan.
The MoU provides a flexible framework for cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including academic collaboration, joint projects, capacity-building initiatives, and training programs. It also supports the development of short courses, accreditation of STEM learning programs, and the organization of workshops, conferences, and policy dialogues. Through this partnership, the institutions will work together on joint proposals and expand collaboration with other regional centers and relevant agencies.
Speaking at the signing, AIT President Pai-Chi Li highlighted the importance of the partnership, noting that it is a privilege to welcome such a diverse group of institutions. He emphasized that the MoU offers a flexible platform to combine expertise in education and technology, with the potential to produce tangible outcomes and contribute to sustainable development across the region.
Dr. Kessara Amornvuthivorn, Centre Director of SEAMEO STEM-ED, welcomed the collaboration, describing it as a meaningful step in advancing the region’s shared education goals. She noted that the partnership will help strengthen the capacity of educational personnel while ensuring knowledge and expertise are sustained and applied across institutions. She added that working together allows partners to go beyond individual efforts and create broader regional impact.
The SEAMEO delegation included Ms. Cahya Ratih Kusuma, Centre Director of SEAMEO SEAMOLEC; Dr. Juan Robertino Macalde, Manager of the Learning Development and Management Office at SEAMEO INNOTECH; Ms. Rashihah binti Hj Othman, Deputy Director (Administration) of SEAMEO RECSAM; and Mr. Daryn Saiynov, General Director of Caravan of Knowledge.
The signing ceremony was attended by representatives from AIT, including Dr. Ekbordin Winijkul, Dean of the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering; Dr. Thi Phuoc Lai Nguyen, Dean of the Faculty of Public Policy and Sustainable Development; Dr. Saurabh Biswas, Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources; Mr. Voravate Chonlasin, Executive Director of AIT Extension; Ms. Narumon Wangnai, Senior Program Specialist at AIT Extension; Dr. Sumana Shrestha, Director of the Office of International Affairs; and Dr. Indra Kumari, Coordinator at the Office of International Affairs.
