The President elaborated on the megatrends in higher education wherein
a 200 percent increase in postsecondary enrollments in Asia is expected
during the next two decades. He also stated that one third of the
world’s higher ducation enrolment is occurring in Asia. Changing
dynamics had led to a situation where new Sustainable funding models
are needed, the President remarked.
The AIT President dispelled some common misconceptions on PPPs. He
stated that PPPs are not the same as privatization and PPPs are not
targeted at infrastructure projects alone. Major benefits of PPPs
include operational gains, strategic clarity and financial flexibility.
Desirable characteristics of PPP include joint involvement of all
parties, a shared mission, internationality, impact pathway for
delivery and resource mobilization.
Organized by Dataconsult, the keynote address in the day long
deliberations was delivered by H.E. Korn Chatikavanij, Minister of
Finance, Royal Thai Government. Important dignatories who took part
included Mr. Jean-Pierre Verbiest, Country Director, Thailand Resident
Mission, Asian Development Bank and Vice Chairman of Board of Trustees
of AIT, Mr. Satyanarayan Ramamurthy, Executive Director, Head of
Corporate Finance, KPMG and Mr. Ali Adam, Regional Director, East Asia,
Halcrow (Thailand) Ltd.
