On January 6, 2014, Dr. Watcharas Leelawath, MI Director warmly welcomed thirty plus lecturers and students from Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin, Nakhon Pathom, led by Dr. Ponsan Rojanapanich, Director of Language Center and ASEAN Studies. The objectives of the visit were to learn more about the GMS-countries. This is in response to the approaching ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) as well as to seek potential opportunities in academic pursuits for the young RMUTR graduates and undergraduates. 

During the visit, Ms. Pornwilai Pumira, Associate Program Manager, gave an introduction on how MI was developed over the years and its main role in the GMS. MI was created as part of the visions of the GMS Economic Development Framework in 1992 with the cooperation of the six GMS countries (Cambodia, PR China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam). 

Once the floor was open for audience, students and lecturers showed keen interest in the important mission of MI in human capacity building activity. MI Director, Dr. Watcharas Leelawath, stated “There are high potential for development within the region, however, one of the constraints is that most workforce in the GMS are unprepared in dealing with the change once it will actually happen. With this realization, MI would fill out this missing link through human capacity building program by providing GMS manpower with qualified and suitable tools.” 

The director then invited all students from RMUTR to apply to the three available projects at MI: the GMS Youth Camp which provides training opportunity and hands-on experience for students study about agriculture; the MINZAS Project which provides financial support for a research grant for 12 scholars from CLMT countries; and an internship program called the Young GMS Professional Program where there are opportunities to learn through various job offers at different departments in MI. 

At the end of the visit, a facility tour was provided for the students and lecturers. 

See more photos at:https://plus.google.com/photos/101614744972140247435/albums/6101426412046415345?banner=pwa