The
Sofitel Centara Grand was the site of the
26th Conference of
ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organization.
To watch the video report, please visit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch%3fv=dHc8d3O6fqY At the Conference of ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organization
(CAFEO'26), held in Bangkok on November 26, AIT President Said
Irandoust delivered a lecture on the topic “Cross-Cultural
Engineering Education: AIT Reflection” as part of the technical program
on Modernization of Engineering Education. The session was convened by
Professor Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai, Dean of AIT’s School of
Engineering and Technology.
In his presentation, the President (pictures above) highlighted
ways in which the process of globalization has been impacting
engineering education and global business. He noted how multinationals
located in different geographical locations are required to deal with
diverse business cultures and governmental regulations. More than ever
before, he said, business must take into account local and global
cultural and environmental perspectives.
He told the audience of prominent engineering academics and
scientists that it is becoming increasingly important for engineering
education to integrate social impacts with technological solutions,
such as technological advances concerning the environment, and the
considerable progress made in information technology and
biosciences.
Modern-day engineers should also be able to integrate
technology across multiple disciplines, and be capable of working on
diverse themes. This necessitates a solid grounding in the fundamentals
of physical sciences, mathematics and biosciences, he said.
Today’s engineers need to be capable problem-solvers and innovators
who understand stakeholders’ needs in terms of product design and
development, and be cognizant of key societal trends such as world-wide
concerns for the environment. “Engineers should also be skilled
communicators,” President Irandoust said.
Irandoust with participants of
the CAFEO26, including Professor
Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai, AIT's Dean of the School of Engineering
and Technology.
Based on this emerging scenario, President Irandoust recommended that
AIT develop more demand-oriented programs that are regionally and
globally competitive. He added that many universities are still
focusing on supply-oriented academic programs. But given AIT’s
institutional agility, developing demand-oriented programs of interest
to stakeholders and prospective students will be possible, especially
by availing of strategic tie-ups and linkages with its many partners
stretched around the globe.