The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) made history by signing an MOU with Nottingham Trent University (NTU) from the UK to establish a "Sister Center," the first innovation and AI center in Southeast Asia at Chiang Mai University Science and Technology Park (STeP). The initiative focuses on developing talent in four key areas to drive business sectors and elevate Thai higher education to international standards.
On 21 Apr 2024 GMT+7, Dr. Panpemsak Arunee, Deputy Permanent Secretary of MHESI, attended the MOU signing ceremony between MHESI and Nottingham Trent University. Present were Professor David Petley, Vice-Chancellor and Chair of the University; Professor Xiao Ma, Director of the Centre for Business and Industry Transformation; Associate Professor Dr. Thanyanupap Anantha, Vice President of Chiang Mai University; and Associate Professor Dr. Pitiwat Wattanachai, Director of Chiang Mai University Science and Technology Park. The event took place at the press conference room, 1st floor, Phra Chom Klao Building, MHESI Permanent Secretary’s Office.
Dr. Panpemsak highlighted that the key focus of the MOU is establishing the “Sister Center,” Southeast Asia’s first, located at Chiang Mai University Science and Technology Park (STeP). It will serve as a hub for applied research and joint innovation development, while cultivating AI expertise in four main fields: AI for manufacturing, AI for services, AI for marketing and data, and AI for strategic planning. This aims to meet business sector needs precisely, promote the INEIC network, and establish an AI Testbed to trial innovations before market launch, supporting STEM entrepreneurs to achieve global commercial application.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary added that the collaboration between MHESI and Nottingham Trent University has been ongoing for over two years, yielding tangible results through two key projects: the Experiential Learning Programme (ELP) and the AI Skills Development Center. These projects serve as a model for Thailand–UK cooperation and aim for national expansion. The partnership covers five main areas: (1) human resource and academic development, (2) joint research and knowledge creation with Thai institutes such as Chiang Mai University, (3) innovation and commercial scaling, (4) industry collaboration, and (5) a Higher Education Sandbox mechanism to enhance operational flexibility. MHESI has integrated major funding sources like ISPF-UK and TSRI to support ongoing activities.
“This signing marks a shift from project-based cooperation to systemic collaboration, laying a foundation for long-term excellence in education and innovation,” said Dr. Panpemsak.
Professor David stated that this partnership represents a significant step based on trust, aiming to drive innovation aligned with Thailand's BCG economic model to generate economic, social, and environmental outcomes.
Professor Xiao Ma added that successful AI implementation requires integrating technology, personnel, and business sectors. This partnership will serve as a vital platform for creating sustainable results.
Associate Professor Dr. Thanyanupap noted that this collaboration is a key mechanism of CMU Transformation, fostering change leaders through international-level learning.
Finally, Associate Professor Dr. Pitiwat Wattanachai said that STeP is ready to coordinate cooperation to translate strategies into action and enhance the country's competitive capabilities.
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