GMI Sustainability Summer School 2024: Fostering Thai-Japanese Academic and Cultural Collaboration for Sustainability

The Graduate School of Management and Innovation (GMI) at King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) proudly hosted the GMI Sustainability Summer School 2024 from August 25 to September 7, 2024. The 19 students from University of Tokyo and Iwate University, Japan, were welcomed by the Dean of GMI, Asst.Prof. Dr. Vorapoch Angkasith. The Japanese students were assisted by 20 KMUTT students from various faculties, including GMI, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Science, School of Architecture and Design, and School of Information Technology, as Volunteer Buddies.

This program provided a unique opportunity for students to engage in cross-cultural exchange between Thailand and Japan, enhancing their academic and practical knowledge through a range of dynamic activities. Participants explored KMUTT’s research laboratories and participated in site visits to leading industries which were Thai Union, Ajinomoto, Toyota, and Ascend Group (a subsidiary of True Corporation). The program emphasized sustainability as the learning theme through corporate visits, hands-on workshops, and collaborative projects.

In addition, the Japanese and Thai students experienced a local natural ecosystem at the mangrove forest at KMUTT Bang Khun Thian Campus, and explored the innovation ecosystem at the Knowledge Exchange (KX) hub to showcase one of Thailand’s cutting-edge innovation centers.

Moreover, four students from Iwate University extended their KMUTT visit to learn more insight in particular fields to via laboratory training session at the Departments of Computer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering from September 7 to 21, 2024, to gain in-depth technical knowledge and practice in their specialized fields of engineering.

The GMI Sustainability Summer School 2024 serves as a prime example of international academic collaboration aiming to foster sustainable development while building a strong global network of students and scholars from diverse disciplines.