Prospects for collaboration with Siam Cement Group
An AIT delegation on 13 July 2007 led by Prof. Vilas Wuwongse, Vice
President for External Relations visited the head office of Siam Cement Group (SCG) and met the SCG corporate human resource team led by Director Mr. Manoon Sunkunakorn. During the meeting, SCG informed AIT about its plan for regional expansion into Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia and the Philippines. Following their business expansion plans, the Group has plans to recruit more than 3,000 non-Thai staff in these countries in the upcoming four years. They also plan to recruit about 50 PhD graduates for their research and development work during the same period.
The AIT delegation informed the SCG corporate human resource team about the various programs offered at its three schools and AIT Extension, highlighting the international, multicultural environment at AIT, and its contribution towards sustainable development of the region. They also informed SCG about its two centers in Vietnam and Indonesia. Mr. Manoon expressed the strong potential for AIT to assist in SCG's human resource needs. The possible areas of cooperation identified were: a SCG scholarship program at AIT; executive education; customized training programs; internships for AIT students; and research and development (R&D;). A separate meeting is scheduled in August 2007 to discuss R&D; collaboration. Apart from the cement business, Siam Cement Group's business interests include: paper; chemicals; building materials; cementation distribution; and CementThai Holdings. SCG has supported AIT in the past by providing a number of scholarships for students studying AIT. The Group has also participated at career fairs organized by AIT.