AIT and MOE Launches Human Resource Development in Energy Project
AIT and the Ministry of Energy (MOE), in honor of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's 70th birth anniversary launched on 30 May 2005 the Human Resource Development in Energy Project.
The project will provide scholarships from the Energy Conservation Promotion Fund (ECPF) to support human resource development in Energy and Energy-related Environmental studies at AIT. The project will enhance the capacity of human resources in the Ministry of Energy, government agencies, state enterprises, relevant organizations, etc.
The event was launched by H.E. Dr. Wissanu Krea-Ngam (above), Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of ECPF. Mr. Paichit Thienpaitoon, Deputy Minister of Energy, also attended the event.
The event started with a welcome address by Prof. Mario T. Tabucanon, Acting
President and Provost, followed by an opening address by H.E. Dr. Wissanu Krea-Ngam, Deputy Prime Minister. Dr. Weerakorn Ongsakul, Energy Field of Study Coordinator, made a presentation on 'Energy Field of Study' and Prof. Surapong Chirarattananon, Principal Investigator, presented the Project: 'HM Queen Sirikit Human Resource Development in Energy' and contributions to the Thai Energy Development.
H.E. Dr. Wissanu Krea-Ngam and delegation also visited the Energy Park (see below) where they were briefed by Prof. Mario T. Tabucanon and Prof. Surapong Chirarattananon.
The ECPF was established to support energy conservation activities carried under the Energy Conservation Promotion Act issued in 1992. In the early energy conservation plans, programs on human resource development comprised mainly short and medium term training to increase the manpower capacity to meet the demand of immediate and short-term energy conservation activities. Long-term training and degree education have been included in human resource development programs in the subsequent plans to increase the capacity for research into technologies for energy conservation and development of renewable energy resources. The project is expected to meet and achieve the Thai government's two main strategic goals on energy which are improvement in efficiency of energy use to reduce energy intensity in the national economy and the development and utilization of renewable energy resources to strengthen national economy and to enhance energy security.
Under the HRD project, three Masters and six Doctoral full scholarships will be
provided to eligible Thai nationals annually for two years to take effect in August
2005. Research results from the investigation carried out by scholarship
recipients are expected to contribute towards energy conservation and renewable energy development in Thailand.
Each scholarship includes all academic fees and accommodation on campus and support for thesis research. Furthermore supports in organizing technical seminars at AIT and an allocation for project assessment and evaluation will be included.
The scholarship recipients must be enrolled in the Energy Field of Study of AIT's School of Environment, Resources and Development. The scholars can choose to specialize their studies in the following areas of study: Energy Technology, Electric Power System Management, and Energy Economics and Planning. The recipients are expected to conduct research to energy conservation or renewable energy.
Applicants for the scholarships must be Thai nationals with evidence of English proficiency. For Master's scholarship, the applicants must have a bachelor's
degree or its equivalent in an appropriate field of study from an institute of recognized standing and have a significantly above average undergraduate scores.
The candidates for Doctoral degree program must have a masters degree or its equivalent in a subject related to the proposed research topic with significantly above average undergraduate and graduate scores.
Students can enroll either in the August 2005 or January 2006 semester. Deadline for the August 2005 enrolment is 30 June 2005 while deadline for January 2006 enrolment is 30 November 2005.
For more information, please contact: Professor Surapong Chirarattananon, Energy Field of Study, School of Environment, Resources and Development, AIT. Tel. 02-524-5437.