By Mae Thiwari
September 28, 2021 – The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) President and Deans from its three Schools warmly welcomed Nigeria’s New Ambassador to Thailand and discussed many areas of collaboration that will leverage and enhance the expertise of both sides.
“Although our name is Asian Institute of Technology," AIT President Dr. Eden Woon remarked,"a lot of the issues that we tackle here really span the continents."
AIT President Dr. Eden Woon
In his remarks, President Woon highlighted AIT’s areas of expertise, notably in the fields of Agriculture, Aquaculture, Food, Energy, Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change where countries in other parts of the world also face common challenges. The institute's strengths in these areas, therefore, can be leveraged through collaborations with the Embassy of Nigeria in Bangkok.
His Excellency Mr. Oma Djebah, the Ambassador of Federal Republic of Nigeria to Thailand, cordially expressed his keen interest in collaborating with AIT, acknowledging the institute’s reputation in research, innovation, sciences, and entrepreneurship. His Excellency noted that the new Federal Polytechnic University in Nigeria, which will be fully operational early next year, is focusing on developing young talented manpower for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry and renewable energy.
H.E. Mr. Oma Djebah, the Ambassador of Federal Republic of Nigeria to Thailand
“We would like to discuss with your team to see how we can bring many Nigerian students to AIT,” the ambassador noted.
The three Deans from AIT School of Engineering and Technology (SET), Prof. Dieter Trau; School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD), Prof. Vilas Nititvattananon; and School of Management (SOM) Dr. Roger Levermore – represented by Mr. Zia Islam, External Relations, Marketing & Business Development of SOM, introduced the courses and programs of their respective schools which opened many possibilities for collaboration between AIT and Nigeria.
Among the possibilities are the Exchange Program with Federal Polytechnic University, Capacity-Building PhD Partnership Program, a collaboration with AIT Entrepreneurship Center, a Roadshow Live to introduce AIT to Nigerian students, and others. It was agreed that further discussions will soon take place to further develop these initiatives.
Attending the meeting from AIT to welcome the ambassador were the President Dr. Eden Woon; Prof. Dieter Trau, Dean of School of Engineering and Technology; Prof. Vilas Nitivattananon, Dean of School of Environment, Resources and Development; Mr. Zia Islam on behalf of Dr. Roger Levermore, Dean of School of Management; Mr. Shawn Kelly, Director of the Office of International Affairs; Ms. Indra Kumari, Program Officer of the Office of International Affairs; Mr. Sanjeet Amatya, Special Assistant to the President; and Ms. Thiwari Werayasobprasong, Deputy Director of the Office of Public Affairs.
Joining His Excellency Mr. Oma Djebah were Mr. Mohammed Haidara, Minister (Economic, Trade & Investment), and Mrs. Francisca Jomomoh, Minister-Counselor (Economic, Trade & Investment), Embassy of Nigeria in Bangkok.
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