A 32-member delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand has visited IIT Guwahati on 24 September, 2024. The delegation of distinguished Professors and Scholars from over 13 universities and institutes of Thailand was led by Ms. Sasirit Tangulrat, Director General of the Department of South Asian, Middle East and African Affairs. Few of the dignitaries present were Mr. Saran Vajraphai Director, Global Human Capital, Development Group, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Associate Professor and Head of Department of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT), Asian Institute of Technology, Dr. Sarawut Ninsawat, Professor Dr. Sujitra Wongkasemjit, Vice President, Mae Fah Luang University. Associate Professor Dr. Pavika Sriratanaban, Director, Chulalongkorn University, Institute of Asian Studies.

The delegation stated that the position of Assam is strategically very important to Thailand and they are hopeful that academic collaborations with IIT Guwahati can become the main pillar for strong India- Thailand bilateral relations. The distinguished delegation visited the Central Instruments Facility and Supercomputing Facility of the Institute and conveyed that these facilities are very impressive and that it was an “eye opening experience”.

Later, a meeting was held in the Institute’s Old Guest house which was attended by the Director of IIT Guwahati, Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Deans and Associate Deans from Administration, Alumni & External Relations, Academic, R&D, Students’ Affairs and Heads of Departments, Schools and Centres. An engrossing discussion took place to explore potential areas of cooperation, particularly in academic exchange programs, research collaboration and innovation partnerships.

The Director of the Institute, Prof. Jalihal apprised the delegation about the various skill development programmes on Semi-conductors and other industries that IITG has undertaken and is very enthusiastic about immediately starting exchange programs of Faculty members and Students with Thai Universities and Institutes of higher learning.