The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and the Chulalongkorn School of Integrated Innovation (CSII) have signed a historic strategic partnership agreement, heralding a new dimension of collaboration. This transformative agreement lays the foundation for the International Unified Bachelor’s-Master’s Degree Program, aimed at attracting exceptional students from across Asia and beyond.  The academic cooperation will prepare future generations of professionals, offering them quality higher education and accelerated graduation to produce global innovators, scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs.

The landmark agreement was signed by Professor Kazuo Yamamoto, President of AIT, and Professor Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai, Executive Director of CSII, on April 4, 2024. The initiative will be led by Professor Nitin Kumar Tripathi, Vice President for Academic Affairs at AIT, and Dr. Pietro Borsano, Deputy Executive Director for Industrial and Global Alliance at CSII. The program will be open to students from August 2024 onwards.

AIT President, Professor Kazuo Yamamoto, described the partnership as “very special” and thanked Professor Worsak for making it a reality. “We look forward to welcoming students from CSII,” he said, as he explored the possibilities of expanding the partnership to institutions worldwide.

Professor Worsak, who previously served as AIT President and currently holds the position of Executive Director of CSII, described the partnership as one of “strategic cooperation.” Having been involved in the launch of the Unified Bachelor-Master program since its inception at AIT, he emphasized the innovative potential of the program. Further, CSII attracts the creme-de-la-creme among students, which will benefit AIT, he added. Professor Worsak also briefed the visiting delegation about the AI initiatives at CSII and stated that CSII, along with its AI partners LionBrain Co. Ltd. and Anders H.L Soft Co. Ltd., could benefit from AIT’s status accorded by Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI).

Students admitted to the Unified Program will complete their undergraduate studies at CSII and continue with their Master\'s-level studies at AIT. The entire program can be completed within a five-year period, provided that students fulfill all required courses and credits according to the rules and regulations in place at both institutions. Students enrolled in the Unified Program will spend their first seven semesters at CSII and join AIT for the subsequent three semesters and one intersession term.

The Unified Program will be open to seventh-semester students at CSII, as well as recently graduated students. CSII students will be granted the degree of Bachelor of Arts and Science in Integrated Innovation (BAScii), while AIT will offer Master’s degrees in one of seven disciplines: Data Science and AI, Internet of Things Systems Engineering, Medical Engineering, Business Analytics and Digital Transformation, Master of Business Administration, Urban Innovation and Sustainability, and Remote Sensing and GIS.

Additionally, both institutions will encourage faculty secondments of one-semester duration. They will also provide necessary support in terms of facilities, accommodation, visa, logistics, and engage in joint educational promotion. Dr. Pietro Borsano, Deputy Executive Director for Industrial and Global Alliance at CSII, highlighted the salient features of the partnership. Daria Dmitrieva, International Affairs Officer at CSII, served as the event emcee.

Representing AIT at the event were Professor Kazuo Yamamoto, President; Professor Nitin Kumar Tripathi, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Sangam Shrestha, Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology; Dr. Abdul Salam, Dean of the School of Environment, Resources, and Development; Dr. Sumana Shrestha, Director of International Affairs; Ms. Chalita Lertwinyu, Director of the Office of Thailand Affairs; Sanjeet Amatya, Director of Public Affairs; Ms. Chotiros Mongkolchotirat, Director and Executive Secretary to the President; Mr. Arthur Lance Gonzales, Office of Special Degree Programs; Mr. Ranadheer Mandadi, Office of Special Degree Programs; and Nijaree from the Office of Thailand Affairs.

Also Read: AIT and CSII Explore Academic Collaboration for Mutual Growth and Innovation - Asian Institute of Technology