Tokyo Tech News

President Masu attends 60th anniversary celebration of AIT and Presidents Forum

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Published: December 11, 2019

On October 24, President Kazuya Masu attended the 60th anniversary of Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), a Tokyo Tech partner university in Thailand. He also participated in a panel discussion at the subsequent Presidents Forum event.

Representatives of 32 universities and research institutions from all over the world, as well as Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, an AIT alumna, attended the ceremony.

In opening remarks, AIT President Eden Woon said, "Every organization must move forward, and no organization will succeed in a sustainable manner by standing still and basking in past glory. AIT will keep transforming in our research and education through various approaches."

Masu (right) with AIT President Woon
Masu (right) with AIT President Woon

At the Presidents Forum, 16 university presidents shared ideas and highlighted their respective universities' initiatives related to the theme of social impact and innovation through research collaboration with governments, multinational firms, and non-profit organizations.

Introducing liberal arts education at Tokyo Tech, Masu described the importance, especially for science and technology students, of providing a curriculum that organically interrelates specialized education and the liberal arts. In Tokyo Tech's liberal arts curriculum, students gain exposure to globally relevant issues and consider the ways in which science and technology in general, and their own research, can be applied to create social impact.

Masu (second from right) discusses liberal arts education at Tokyo Tech

Masu (second from right) discusses liberal arts education at Tokyo Tech

(from right) Masu with NSTDA EVP Thuvasethakul and Acting EVP Prasit Palittapongarnpim
(from right) Masu with NSTDA EVP Thuvasethakul
and Acting EVP Prasit Palittapongarnpim

The following day, Masu visited the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) of Thailand, where he met with Executive Vice President Chadamas Thuvasethakul. The two discussed further collaborations in the areas of education, research, and further cooperation with local companies and organizations in Thailand. Tokyo Tech ANNEX Bangkok is heading these efforts on behalf of the Institute.

The Tokyo Tech president also met with Japanese Ambassador to Thailand Shiro Sadoshima. In addition to sharing an overview of Tokyo Tech's research and education, Masu promoted the Tokyo Tech Research Showcase in Thailand, next scheduled to be held on March 9, 2020 in Bangkok.

Concluding his visit to Thailand, Masu attended the annual meeting of the Tokyo Tech Alumni Association in Thailand. Joined by Tokyo Tech Alumni Association Executive Director Yasutsugu Ogura and International Affairs Department Director Noriko Suzuki, Masu spoke individually with alumni association members about their activities and updated the group on recent initiatives and developments at the Institute.

Gathering of Tokyo Tech Alumni Association in Thailand

Gathering of Tokyo Tech Alumni Association in Thailand

Contact

International Cooperation Division, International Affairs Department

Email kokuren.kik.cho@jim.titech.ac.jp
Tel +81-3-5734-2982

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