International partnerships: HEC, Thai Institute plan joint research

Faculty exchange, student mobility Initiatives

A delegation of educationists from Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand visited the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan and held a meeting with HEC Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmed.

He stressed the need for identifying potential areas in which HEC and AIT can collaborate. Adding that, HEC gives great importance to joint research projects with foreign countries.

Dr Ahmed elaborated on the achievements made by the HEC regarding the promotion of higher education in Pakistan. During the meeting it was agreed that Pakistani faculty members will be given opportunities to go for a sabbatical for their faculty exchange programme. The two sides will sign a MoU on scholarships to students. Furthermore, modalities for collaborative research especially in the field of water resources, engineering, solar energy, food security, structures and urban planning and environment will be finalised with mutual consultations. The two sides have also agreed to conduct research jointly and hold seminars.



The AIT delegation was headed by AIT President Prof Worsak Kanok Nukulchai while it comprised, School of Engineering and Technology, Dean Prof Voratas Kachitvitchyanukul, School of Environment Resources and Development Dean Prof Rajendra Shrestha, Development Management Director Dr Fiaz Shah.

Prof. Nukulchai said: “AIT is a platform for regional engagements and it values international collaboration”. He stressed the need to revitalise the partnership with Pakistan. He said research and development endeavours are an advantage for mankind, as they lead to sustainable development. He said AIT offers 30 academic programmes and has 2,000 postgraduate students, adding that it has developed 200 academic partnerships.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 23^rd, 2018.