These were the remarks of His Excellency Dr. Suvit Maesincee, Deputy
Minister of Commerce during his visit to 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 desire to
contribute 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,
who 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 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 complement Thailand’s efforts to tackle the
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.
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