The agreement was signed by Dr. Thaweesak Koanantakool, President,
NSTDA, and Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai, President AIT in the presence
of H.E. Dr. Subin Pinkayan, Chairman of the AIT Board of Trustees; H.E.
Prof. Yongyuth Yuthavong, Former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of
Science and Technology, Royal Thai Government; and H.E. Dr. Sahas
Bunditkul, Former Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of AIT Executive
Committee.
Former Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Prof. Yongyuth Yuthavong, who
also served as the first President of NSTDA, quoted the example of
Boston, where Harvard University, MIT and Tufts University collaborate
with each other in a competitive way. Similarly, this agreement
between NSTDA and AIT is a significant step in this direction, he
remarked.
NSTDA President Dr. Thaweesak stressed upon the importance of working
with partners to move towards creating a knowledge-based economy in
Thailand. NSTDA has almost 500 doctorates working as researchers who
can serve as mentors for AIT students, he said. The NSTDA President
added that AIT students are welcome to utilize their science facilities
and laboratories. Dr. Thaweesak also signaled towards the proposed Food
Innopolis stating that this would be another stellar opportunity for
both NSTDA and AIT to work together.
In his welcome speech, Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai touched upon
a piece of history recalling that Dr. Puey Ungphakorn, the Founding
Chairman of the AIT Board of Trustees, had been assigned by the Royal
Thai Government to identify a piece of state land befitting AIT’s new
campus. Dr. Puey hand-picked 2,000 Rais (800 Acres) of land in Rangsit
that was originally assigned to the Ministry of Industry envisioning
that this region would emerge a “Modern Knowledge Hub.”
In 1991, the then AIT President Alastair M. North convinced the Thai
Government of the idea of a “Technology Park,” which subsequently led
to the creation of “Thailand Science Park” in 1992. Both AIT and
Thammasat University jointly agreed to allocate about 200 Rais of land
each to build NSTDA. “It was visualized by Dr. Puey Ungphakorn, and
reinforced by our former AIT President, to convert this beautiful piece
of land into what would eventually become a technology and knowledge
hub of Thailand. This agreement is a step towards the fulfillment of
that vision,” Prof. Worsak remarked.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Dr. Hiroyuki Konuma, Senior Advisor to
AIT President, and former Assistant Director-General of Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO), spoke on the theme “World Food Security
and the Role of Research and Science.” Dr. Konuma stated that
while FAO predicts that it is possible to increase food production by
60 per cent by 2050 mainly from existing arable land with a benefit of
advancement of agricultural research, technological innovation and
yield increase; it remains uncertain if it can be achieved due to the
unpredictable impact of climate change and other factors. “Under these
constraints, agricultural research, science and technology have the
highest importance in our development challenge,” he added.
Keynote speeches were also delivered by Dr. Verawat Champreda of the
National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), and
Dr. Uracha Ruktanonchai of National Nanotechnology Center
(NANOTEC).
Initially, experts who will be deputed at AIT will come from BIOTEC,
National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC), National
Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), and NANOTEC. Those
deputed to AIT include Dr. Wonnop Visessanguan, Dr. Verawat Champreda,
and Dr. Sissades Tongsima, BIOTEC; Dr. Supakorn Siddhichai, Dr.
Noppadon Nuntawong, Dr. Thepchai Supnithi, and Dr. Pattravadee
Ploykitikoon (NECTEC); Dr. Sitthisuntorn Supothina and Dr. Chanchana
Thanachayanont, (MTEC); Dr. Uracha Rungsardthong Ruktanonchai and Dr.
Rawiwan Maniratanachote (NANOTEC). These researchers shall serve as
Special Adjunct Faculty Members at AIT.
Dr. Subin Pinkayan, Chairman, AIT Board of Trustees presented
certificates of appreciation to NSTDA researchers.
The Agreement signing ceremony between
NSTDA and AIT.
