Visiting AIT
From Handong Global University (HGU), Korea
On 21 January, Prof. Young-Gil Kim, President of Handong Global University (HGU), Korea, led HGU delegates in discussions with high-ranking AIT officials and faculty members concerning future academic and research cooperation programs between the two institutions. The visiting delegates included Prof. Ki-Sub Jung, Vice President; Prof. Jae-Chun Won, Director of International Affairs; Prof. Geon-Woong Bae, Dean of the School of Mechanical Engineering; Prof. Hakchul E. Kim of the School of Construction and Urban Environmental Engineering; Prof. Gueon-Oh Kim of the School of Computer Sciences and Electronic, and Mr. In-Kil Yoon, Director of Administration.
The meeting discussed plans for the signing of a memorandum of understanding that will provide a framework for mutually beneficial scientific and technical cooperation. Collaborative activities between AIT and HGU are expected to result in the expansion of the scope and expertise of both institutions and to enhance the exchange of scientific and technical knowledge.
Photo shows AIT President, Prof. Jean-Louis Armand, right, thanking Prof. Young-Gil Kim for the souvenir presented by Prof. Kim.
From HAU, Viet Nam
Also visitng AIT on 21 January were 15 delegates from the Hanoi Architectural University (HAU), to enhance their management experience, data gathering from informatic systems and application of informatic technology for training and scienctific studies. An AIT delegation is expected to visit HAU to exchange experience in management and teaching.
Prof. Huynh Ngoc Phien, left, Dean of the School of Advanced Technologies, is seen meeting with Mr. Le Van Thong, center, Standing Member-Group Leader of the delegates from the Hanoi Architectural University, Viet Nam.
From the Philippine Rice Research Institute
On 21 January a team from the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) visited the Institute to lay the groundwork for joint collaboration in rice and farming systems research as well as environmentally sustainable technologies. Also discussed were the exchange of student researchers and the possibility to have PhilRice host AIT students who are carrying out relevant research activities. PhilRice and AIT will explore other collaborative activities and will formalize their cooperation agreement in the near future.
PhilRice, which is attached to the Philippine Department of Agriculture, is the Philippine Government's main corporation created to help develop high-yielding technologies to increase rice production.
PhilRice accomplishes this mission through research, technology promotion and policy advocacy. These activities are implemented through a network that includes 57 agencies and 155 seed centers which are strategically located all over the Philippines.
Prof. Mario T. Tabucanon, second from right, Provost, is seen discussing with delegates from the Philippine Rice Research Institute, led by Dr. Bernardo Tadeo, right, Project Leader. Dr. Tadeo is an AIT alumnus (AFE '90). Also in the PhilRice Team were Ms. Aurora Corrales and Mr. Rizal Corrales, Senior Science Research Specialists, PhilRice (left and second from left, respectively).
From Nebraska LEAD Program, U.S.A.
A delegation from the Nebraska Leadership Education/Action Development (LEAD)
Program, consisting of 32 farmers, ranchers and agribusiness entrepreneurs from Nebraska, visited AIT on 22 January. The group was briefed on AIT's Agricultural & Aquatic Systems and Engineering Program by Prof. Vilas M. Salokhe, Coordinator of the Agricultural Systems and Engineering field of study.
Established in 1981, the Nebraska LEAD Program is a statewide agricultural leadership development program. With intitial funding from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Program is under the direction of the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council, Inc. Initially co-sponsored by Agriculture Builders of Nebraska, the Program is supported today by Nebraska's leading individuals, businesses and organizations. Virtually every institution of higher education in Nebraska, both public and private, provides necessary in-kind support as host institutions for twelve in-state seminars. The Program is designed to increase knowledge and understanding of economics and social changes affecting agriculture and rural areas.
Photo shows Prof. Vilas M. Salokhe, center first row, Coordinator of the Agricultural Systems and Engineering field of study, in a group photo with delegates from the Nebraska Lead Program.
Multimedia University, Malaysia
On 23 January 23, a delegation from Multimedia University, Malaysia, discussed possible collaboration with AIT covering a student and staff exchange program, technical cooperation in Information Technology and Multimedia, and joint research. The delegation consisted of Prof. Mohd Ismail Sayyed Ahmad, Dean of Management; Prof. David Ngo, Dean of Information Science and Technology; and Mr. Mustafa Muzer, Associate Dean of Creative Multimedia. The delegation was accompanied by Dr. Aravan Tulayasook, Vice President for International Affairs, Rajabhat Institute Suan Dusit (RISD), and Ms. Chalotorn Sumanasethakul, RISD faculty member.
Based on a five-year MoU signed in 2000, AIT and Multimedia University have agreed to establish a faculty and staff exchange program, conduct joint organization of symposia, conferences, short courses and meeetings, exchange information pertaining to developments in teaching, student development and research, and admit graduate students for periods of study and/or research. They also agreed to enhance their cooperation in e-Education.
Photo shows Prof. H. N. Phien, left, Dean of the School of Advanced Technologies, discussing with Prof. Mohd Ismail Sayyed Ahmad, MU Dean of Management, and Prof. David Ngo, MU Dean of Information Science and Technology, center and right, respectively.
From Kenan Institute
On January 24, a delegation from Kenan Institute discussed areas of possible collaboration. The delegation consisted of Dr. Robert Sullivan, Dean of Kenan-Flager Business School, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Dr. Jack Karsada, Director of Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise; and Mr. Paul Wedel, Executive Director of Kenan Institute Asia.
Founded in 1919 as the Department of Commerce, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Kenan-Flagler Business School is a pioneering business program.aimed at delivering the best educational experiences available.Kenan-Flagler offers world-class faculty, state-of-the art facilities and growing global network. It pioneered the team approach to learning more than a quarter century ago and has added cross-functional, entrepreneurial, and global priorities to its integrated management curriculum.
Kenan Institute Asia (KIAsia) is chaired by H.E. Mr. Anand Panyarachun, former Prime Minister of Thailand and Chairman of AIT's Board of Trustees. The Institute, headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, works to bring U.S. technology, knowledge, and business expertise to bear on issues of importance to the region. KIAsia, a non-profit Thai foundation, was established with endowment provided by the William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust and the Thai and US Governments. The Institute works closely with the Frank Hawkins Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Mr. Paul Wedel (third from left), Executive Director of Kenan Institute Asia, and Dr. Robert Sullivan (fourth from right), Dean of Kenan-Flagler Business School are seen with AIT President, Prof. Jean-Louis Armand (fifth from right), AIT President . Also in the photo are, from left: Mr. Karma Rana, Executive Assistant to the AIT President; Prof. Gothom Arya, AIT Registrar; Dr. Jack Karsada (fifth from left), Director of Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise; Dr. Anulark Techanitisawad, AIT Institute Secretary; Prof. Mario T. Tabucanon, AIT Provost; Mr. Jean-Philippe Thouard, Assistant to President; and Prof. Lalit M. Johri, a faculty member of the School of Management, AIT.