Myanmar promotional trip sets further collaboration
An AIT delegation led by AIT President Said Irandoust and Dr. Khin Ni Ni Thein, Vice President for Development and Resources, came back from the Myanmar promotional trip with successful achievements through the AIT Day Seminar and the meetings for collaboration with government agencies, universities, and private sector in Myanmar.
The AIT Day Seminar organized by AIT Alumni Association (AIT-AA) Myanmar Chapter and United Network Company in Myanmar from 4-11 February 2007 turned out successful, with many inquiries from enthusiastic students who would like to join AIT. The event was held in Yangon and Mandalay. The Yangon seminar which was held on 4 February was opened by Dr. Khin Ni Ni Thein, Vice President for Development and Resources. At the event, AIT-AA Myanmar Chapter President Mr. Aung Myo Thaik, AIT Alumnus Dr. Kyaw Nyein Aye and Ms. More Phyu Mar Aung made presentations on AIT' three schools, SET, SERD and SOM. The Mandalay seminar was opened by Prof. Said Irandoust, AIT President. Presentations on SET, SERD and SOM were made by AIT Alumnus Dr. Kyaw Nyein Aye, Associate Professor Dr. Cheng of SET and, Mr. Kyaw Soe Hlaing, Alumni Relations Coordinator.
During the promotional trip, Prof. Irandoust and Dr. Thein also met with the Minister of Science and Technology in the new Capital (Naypidaw) on 9 February and agreed to sign an MOU with two technological universities namely Yangon Technological University and Mandalay Technological University for the purpose of research, training, students and faculty exchange, and capacity building. On the same day, the AIT delegation also met with the Deputy Minister of Commerce on behalf of the Minister, agreeing to sign an MOU to provide necessary trainings and capacity building for the fast growing private sector in close collaboration with Myanmar Chamber of Commerce. A meeting followed with the Director General of the Department of Agriculture Planning, Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (MOAI) to discuss on a need assessment for the training for professionals under that ministry. A wide range of possible training programs were discussed not only within the scope of national boundary but also for the regional cooperation especially in the domain of South East Asia and South Asia. The subjects of interest include post harvest technology and management, integrated water resources management, climate change and carbon trade, sustainable hydro power, sustainable development and 3R approach. It was agreed a concrete proposal be worked out that will lead Myanmar to take part in regional research and training network and also to sign an MOU between MOAI and AIT soon.
Prof. Irandoust and Dr.Thein, on 10 February, met with members of Myanmar Chamber of Commerce which is considered the most influential body in the private sector and is consisted of more than 50 professionals, industrial and enterpreneur associations. The Myanmar Chamber of Commerce and AIT agreed to sign an MOU to work together for the Capacity Building of its associate members. Another meeting between Myanmar Chamber of Commerce and Dr. Thein to discuss on post harvesting technology and management course in details also took place on 12 February.
In the afternoon of 10 February, Prof. Irandoust and Dr. Thein met with the Central Executive Members of Myanmar Engineering Society (MES) and gave presentations to the mass gathering of the MES members and Myanmar engineering students. The presentations were very well received and Myanmar Engineering Society wishes to collaborate with AIT and agreed to identify the areas of cooperation such as international and regional conferences, seminars and internship programmes.
Furthermore, on 4 February 2007, Dr. Thein visited the Most Venerable Sayadaw U Panditabivamsa at Shwe Taung Gone Meditation Center (Forest Retreat) and requested his participation to the Spiritual Nine Group and invited orally to join the International Conference on 'S9 Spiritual Transformation for Sustainable Development: Forum for common ethical values of the world religions' which will be held on 19-21 November 2007 (tentatively) in Bangkok. This meeting was rescheduled two days ahead of the planned date due to the Nepal trip of the most venerable sayadaw.
Dr. Thein, on 5 February, attended workshop on International Non-Governmental Organizations' Collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and met with Director Generals of Irrigation Department and Department of Agriculture Planning, Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation. The meetings were preparatory in nature to pave the way for the President of AIT to meet with Ministers.
On 8 February, Dr. Thein met with H.E. the Ambassador of France and the Cultural Counsellor to discuss about the French Scholarships for Myanmar students and the procedural issues. The Ambassador of France expressed his keen interest to provide scholarships for Myanmar students and also support for research programmes.
Other meetings were set up for discussions on post harvest technology and management in Myanmar on 6 and 7 February.