Thanking Dr. Surachai Srisaracam, Governor of Nakhon Nayok, for
trusting in AIT as a key higher learning partner to develop its
landmark “smart province” initiative, President Irandoust was
optimistic about the project and of AIT’s potential role.
“Nakhon Nayok can be a second home for AIT in Thailand,” the president
remarked to a large gathering of senior provincial officials visiting
AIT. He was responding to a generous overture made by Governor
Srisaracam in May 2012 for AIT to set up operations in the province on
a 100-rai site free of charge.
Speaking at AIT, Governor Srisaracam reaffirmed the province’s intent
to establish a specialized zone for ICT education, research and
development. “We have already allocated a piece of land to invite
universities, research institutes and industries,” Governor Srisaracam
said.
Nakhon Nayok is gaining renown as a clean, green and ICT-savvy
province. In early 2012, it was selected to be a prototype province as
a part of the national Smart Thailand Strategy. Its flagship project
named “Nakhon Nayok Smart Province”, a first-of-its-kind for the
country, was approved by the cabinet of the Royal Thai
Government.
The smart model developed by Nahon Nayok is expected to be applied to
other provinces and will eventually be introduced to the ASEAN Economic
Community (AEC). The governor’s vision is for the province to be an
exemplar for the rest of the country as it integrates with the region
in 2015.
Scaling-up for the region is an ambition shared by AIT. “This is where
AIT can play a large role,” explained President Irandoust, offering a
view of the future that would see AIT physically established in Nakhon
Nayok to maximize province-university collaboration.
Officials accompanying the Governor
of Nakhon Nayok at the Asian Institute of Technology
(AIT).