AIT can play a critical role in Thailand 4.0: Minister Suvit Maesincee

Wednesday 31 August 2016 11:20
Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) can play a significant role in achieving the goal of "Thailand 4.0," and the country will like to leverage AIT's global network so that the country can work towards sustainable development of Thailand and the region.

These were the remarks of His Excellency Dr. Suvit Maesincee, Deputy Minister of Commerce at AIT, where he delivered a special lecture on "Thailand 4.0" on 30 August 2016.

Welcomed by AIT President Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai, Dr. Suvit was presented with an overview of the Institute, its internationality, achievements in academics and research, and its wide range of global network.

President Worsak stated that international orientation was a core strength of AIT, and he assured the Minister of AIT's interest in contributing towards Thailand and the region. He added that AIT has benefited from Thailand's generosity, and it would be glad to serve as an academic and research platform for the benefit of mankind.

Based on his interaction with the AIT President and senior functionaries of AIT, the Minister recommended a three-point action plan for AIT. "AIT should serve as a specialized institute that is focused on research," Dr. Suvit said. This way, AIT can create a special place for itself and not compete with traditional universities, which are trying to become comprehensive universities, he added.

Secondly, AIT can take a lead role in improving the quality of life of people based on the globally accepted Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Minister Suvit added that Thailand will be hosting the G77 summit that will set the goal for a sustainable development agenda. "Our position is that we should work towards globalization from the rest, rather than globalization from the West," Dr. Suvit said.

Thirdly, AIT should remain focused on core issues of academics and research. This could match with Thailand's national challenges of climate change, water management, forestry and challenges of ageing societies, he added.

The Minister was accompanied by Dr. Verapong Chaiperm, Governor, Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (I-EA-T); and Patra Atcharaniwat, Trade Officer, Ministry of Commerce. AIT was represented by President. Worsak, Prof. Kazuo Yamamoto, Vice President for Administration; Mr. Surendra Shrestha, Vice President for Development; Prof. Voratas Kachitvichyanukul, Dean, School of Engineering and Technology (SET); Mr. Karma Rana, Institute Secretary; Mr. Shawn P Kelly, Director, Office of External Relations (OEXR); and Mr. Bajinder Pal Singh, Director, Office of Media and Communications (OMCO).

Later, delivering his special lecture on "Thailand 4.0," where he addressed a gathering of invited guests, alumni, faculty and staff members, and students; Dr. Suvit said that AIT's contribution can span three areas — technology, translating policy into action, and regional cooperation. While concentrating on academics and research, AIT can serve the national agenda and simultaneously work towards regional cooperation. He quoted the government's two slogans of "no one should be left behind," and "stronger together," while reiterating his view that Thailand can benefit from AIT's global network.

"AIT can play a critical part in making it happen," Minister Suvit concluded.

Photo caption: His Excellency Dr. Suvit Maesincee (right) and AIT President Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai.