Guwahati (Assam) [India], October 1 : An academic delegation from the Thailand expressed its hope for collaborations with Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, which can become the cornerstone of strong India-Thailand bilateral relations.
The delegation underscored Assam's strategic significance to Thailand. The delegation highlighted the position of Assam as strategically very important to Thailand.
Led by Sasirit Tangulrat, Director General of the Department of South Asian, Middle East, and African Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the delegation included distinguished professors and scholars from over 13 Thai institutions.
Commenting on the visit, Devendra Jalihal, Director of IIT Guwahati, said, "This visit marks a significant step in fostering closer academic and research collaborations between our institutions. Given Assam's strategic location and the growing importance of Indo-Thai relations, we believe that this partnership will play a pivotal role in advancing innovation, knowledge exchange, and skill development in both nations. We are particularly excited about the potential for faculty and student exchange programs, as well as joint research initiatives, which will create new opportunities for growth and collaboration."
The delegation toured the Central Instruments Facility and the Supercomputing Facility at IIT Guwahati, expressing their impression of the facilities and calling the experience "eye-opening."
Eminent dignitaries present during the visit included Saran Vajraphai, Director of Global Human Capital, Development Group, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation; Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT), Asian Institute of Technology; Dr. Sarawut Ninsawat; Professor Dr. Sujitra Wongkasemjit, Vice President of Mae Fah Luang University; and Associate Professor, Pavika Sriratanaban, Director of Chulalongkorn University, Institute of Asian Studies, among others.
A meeting was held between the delegates and IIT Guwahati administration to explore potential areas of cooperation, focusing on academic exchange programs, research collaboration, and innovation partnerships. This meeting was attended by Prof. Devendra Jalihal, along with Deans and Associate Deans from various departments, including Administration, Alumni and External Relations, Academic Affairs, R&D, and Students' Affairs, as well as Heads of Departments, Schools, and Centers.
Prof. Jalihal informed the delegation about various skill development programs related to semiconductors and other industries that IIT Guwahati has undertaken, expressing enthusiasm for initiating exchange programs for faculty members and students with Thai universities and institutes of higher learning.
As part of its commitment to fostering a collaborative academic approach on both national and international fronts, IIT Guwahati aims to strengthen its vision for a global standard of learning through academic and research partnerships.
The visit by the Thailand delegation represents a significant step toward achieving this goal, as the institute works together with international partners to enhance educational opportunities and drive innovation.