AIT President Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai with H.E. Ms. Anne Ollestad.
The Ambassador remarked that education is the key to development in Myanmar, and AIT has an important role to play in offering knowledge and skills to students from Myanmar. "I am hopeful and confident that the students awarded scholarships through the program will return to Myanmar after their studies where their knowledge and competence is best suited, be it within the Government or in a private business." the Ambassador said in her brief remarks. Ninety students (40 in 2012, and 50 in 2013) have benefitted from what is possibly the largest-ever scholarship scheme for Myanmar students.
Thanking the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Dr. Sahas Bunditkul, former Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand and member of AIT’s Board of Trustees, stated that Thailand and Myanmar enjoy a close relationship that is mutually beneficial. Recalling his own role as the then Deputy Prime Minister during Cyclone Nargis in 2008, Dr. Sahas stated that Thailand had provided emergency communication facilities to Myanmar following his discussions with the United Nations Secretary General, H.E. Ban Ki-Moon.
The scholarship scheme for Myanmar students to study at AIT is an example of how we can pave the way towards greater partnerships in the context of the emerging ASEAN Economic Community, he added.President of AIT, Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai, stated that AIT is a pioneering institute that combines academic excellence with rigorous outreach. “The success of AIT is measured by the achievements of its alumni, and its 29000 alumni occupy top positions in governments, international organizations, private sector, academia and research,” Prof. Worsak said. AIT is a unique international institution of higher education, and as the first postgraduate school in the region, the Institute has always worked towards the development of Asia. The AIT President added that the experience of Myanmar students has been extremely positive, and Myanmar students have been happy at the opportunity to experience an international environment while studying in Thailand. He thanked the Norwegian government for its support, and sought to strengthen the program.
Mr. Soe Myint, President, AIT Alumni Association (Myanmar chapter) said that they are always keen to see their alma mater flourish, and this has promoted them to promote AIT in Myanmar. “We wish that the new generation of students gets the same top quality education that we had received,” Mr. Myint said.
The function organized at the Royal Norwegian Embassy at Yangon marked the beginning of the process of new admissions at AIT for the 2014 batch. Ms. Marte Briseid, First Secretary, Royal Norwegian Embassy Ms. Alice Khin Aye Aye Mon, former President, AITAA (Myanmar Chapter); Mr. Tin Aung Moe, Myanmar Peace Center; and Dr. Gabrielle Groves, Head, External Relations and Communications Office (ERCO) also attended the event.
About NMFA scholarship program:
The NMFA scholarship program is aimed at aspirants who wish to pursue a Master’s degree at AIT. The scholarship includes application processing fee, tuition and registration for both the Master’s program and bridging course, monthly bursary and accommodation costs, visa fees, and medical insurance, along with return air-fare. The last date for application for students is 21 February 2014. AIT will also organize a special bridging program for students to help them with their English language skills.
Details about the admission process are available at the AIT website
at this link:
https://oldweb.ait.ac.th/admissions/Current_Scholarships/nmfa-scholarships-for-myanmar-2004/#.UuXX0aU44lK
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The news can also be read at this link at the website of the Norwegian
Embassy:
www.myanmar.norway.info/NorwayMayanmar/Myanmar-News/
From left: H.E. Ms. Anne Ollestad., Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai, and H.E. Dr. Sahas Bunditkul.