H.E. DR. ARTHIT OURAIRAT, MINISTER OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY
AND ENVIRONMENT, OPENS ICPR 2000 CONFERENCE
'As Minister of Science, Technology and Environment of Thailand,
I consider the International Conference on Production Research particularly
significant as it addresses concerns that are central to my professional
interest, that is, the rapid strides being made in manufacturing technologies
in the new millennium,' H. E. Dr. Arthit Ourairat was speaking at the
opening ceremony of the Special ICPR 2000 Conference held last week.
In Southeast Asia, we have seen how revolutionary changes in science
and technology have drastically changed our way of life. The use of computers
and the Internet have brought unprecedented progress in the discovery of
new technologies and processes and their application to business and industry.
While the continuing economic crisis in much of Asia may have slowed down
this progress, we in Thailand view this situation as a temporary setback
to what is clearly our irreversible bid to become an economic power in
the region.
'Industrial productivity opens the door to economic recovery. It enables
countries to participate competitively in the global market, strengthen
their export performance, reduce unemployment, and, overall, build a better
quality of life for their people.'
Dr. Arthit acknowledged AIT's partnership with the Ministry in promoting
science and technology education and research in Thailand. Speaking of
AIT's collaboration with Thailand's National Science and Technology Development
Agency or NSTDA, he cited the introduction of a Master's Program in Microelectronics
in May this year. 'AIT and the NSTDA devoted much time and effort in organizing
a workshop series on Microelectronics Initiatives, to review microelectronics
activities throughout the region and map out a future direction in response
to the special needs of industry and the academe. It is very reassuring
to note that the Master's Program in Microelectronics continues to benefit
from strong interactions with and inputs from industry.'
Dr. Nagendra Nagarur, a faculty member of the School of
Advanced Technologies, was Chair of the Special ICPR 2000 Conference.