The Opening Ceremony for the Learning Program on Regional Research Development and Methodology was held on May 25, 2009. This learning program organized by the Mekong Institute and sponsored by the New Zealand International Aid & Development Agency (NZAID) will be held at the MI Residential Training Center in Khon Kaen, Thailand and will run until June 12, 2009. Twenty two participants from the 6 GMS countries as well as four MI staff are attending the course. 

The Opening Ceremony for the Learning Program on Regional Research Development and Methodology was held on May 25, 2009. This learning program organized by the Mekong Institute and sponsored by the New Zealand International Aid & Development Agency (NZAID) will be held at the MI Residential Training Center in Khon Kaen, Thailand and will run until June 12, 2009. Twenty two participants from the 6 GMS countries as well as four MI staff are attending the course. 

In his welcome address, Mekong Institute Director Dr. Suchat Katima, informed the 26 researchers that they were specially selected from among 100 candidates to be trained in research methodology in order for them to be able to conduct valid and reliable research on emerging issues in the GMS. He also shared the information that a lot of research has taken place in the GMS since 1992 but less than 10% of these have been conducted by people from the region. Much of the research that has taken place in the GMS is usually conducted by foreigners from 2000 miles away. He pointed out that the professionals from the GMS have more knowledge about the region as well as possess the necessary context with which to accurately interpret the data gathered from the region. He ended his welcome address with expressing his appreciation to NZAID for being the sponsor of the course and for providing the grants that will fund the selected research activities. He also wished the participants good luck and a pleasant stay at the MI.