President, and General Suraphan Wongthai, Commandant of the National
Defence Studies Institute on 23 July 2015 signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) at AIT to initiate joint cooperation in a number of
areas.
Both institutions agreed to develop joint academic programs in
existing and emerging fields. The agreement also includes the
development of joint research projects as well as connecting national
strategies and national security with various sciences and
technologies.
The MOU opens up fellowship opportunities for qualified staff from
both institutions, and enables organizing seminars and special
lectures. The deal is expected to increase the educational options
available to armed forces staff and students.
On resources cooperation, both institutions agreed to share their
human and physical resources, including the exchange of faculty and
experts to deliver academic lectures, the use of audiovisual equipment,
computer and information systems, and academic search capabilities
between the libraries of the partner institutions.
At the signing ceremony, AIT President Worsak said the cooperation
under the MOU aims to bring out the potential and strengths of both
institutions. “The joint force agreement will surely help Thailand
respond to the rapidly changing world,” he said, stressing that the
international Institute has always been grateful to its host
country.
The president added that the MOU is the result of the coordination of
Prof. Emeritus Sahas Bunditkul, Chairperson of AIT Executive Committee,
who has liaised with the National Defence Studies Institute since
November 2014 to define areas of mutual interest for cooperation of
benefit to Thailand.
“AIT has always encouraged Thai citizens to study at AIT, by providing
many options and assistance to good students, such as granting
fellowships, and especially by providing outstanding students with HM
King’s and HM Queen’s Scholarships to study for Master’s and Doctoral
degrees,” President Worsak noted.
“AIT is considered as a well-known and widely recognized educational
institute. This MOU will build up our educational network and jointly
develop human capital for the organizations which will further benefit
the development of society and the country,” General Suraphan
said.
The partners also agreed to facilitate the organization of academic
and social activities. Both parties will organize joint learning
activities, and develop educational curricula for the benefit of
society, the agreement states.
“The Royal Thai Armed Forces realizes the importance of the
development of academic potential and strengths as well as
strengthening good relationships with various educational institutes.
On behalf of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, I would like to thank the AIT
President and all faculty members who put their trust in the Royal Thai
Armed Forces and participated as the witness for this cooperation. I do
hope that the relationship between Royal Thai Armed Forces and AIT will
be further strengthened in order to jointly develop the country to be
secure, and for the Thai people to be prosperous and sustainable,”
General Suraphan added.
