At ERCO this week
The External Relations and Communications Office has initiated efforts for AIT to tap the African market. In its initiation, the ERCO invited Dr. Roland Amoussou Guenou of the School of Management to present his ideas about the role of AIT in Africa.
On 26 April 2006, Dr. Roland presented his ideas about AIT-Africa Capacity Building initiatives which could be undertaken jointly between AIT and other organizations in Africa as well as in China, India and Japan. Prof. Irandoust, Prof. Vilas Wuwongse, Mr. Jayasinghe and Mrs. Naina were present at the meeting with Dr. Roland.
Dr. Roland mentioned in his presentation that AIT can be a focal point for Africa in Asia for education, human capacity building in agriculture, engineering, technology and entrepreneurship. He added that AIT would benefit by focusing in Africa as this would bring about more visibility of AIT's international character and it would largely provide AIT with revenue diversification as bilateral and multilateral organizations are investing in the African continent.
The ideas of Dr. Roland were welcomed and greatly appreciated. Further, discussions for an action plan for Africa will be undertaken in the coming weeks.
ERCO is also coordinating the organizing of the 9th Joint Greater Mekong Subregion Academic and Research Network Board and Council of Advisors Meeting to be held on 4 May 2006 at Thammasat University, Lampang Campus. The meeting is hosted by Thammasat, and AIT serves as GMSARN Secretariat. The meeting will be attended by approximately 30 participants from all Greater Mekong Subregion countries, including a number of observers who come from various organizations active in the region.