23 August 2016, Thailand
Entrepreneurship is not an inherent characteristic but can be taught and nurtured within students according to keynote speakers Mr. Kjell Hakan, VINNOVA-Swedish Innovation Agency, Dr. Mats Lundqvist, Chalmers University of Technology, and Mr. Paolo Borella (Aalto University) who shared their experiences in nurturing and successfully establishing an entrepreneurial and innovative ecosystem in their respective countries during the Workshop organized by Ministry of Science and Technology, National Science Technology and Innovation Policy Office, Suranaree University of Technology was held in Bangkok from 22-23 August 2016.
Dr. Kitipong Promwong, Secretary-General, National Science Technology & Innovation Policy Office and Professor Dr. Wichit Srisa-an, President, Suranaree University of Technology Council presented the opening remarks reiterating the Thai government’s support in advancing the technological and social impact of entrepreneurial efforts by students to transform the economy to a “creative economy.” Dr. Wichit Srisa-an outlined the financial and technical assistance available for students and universities describing a “fail-able fund” to maximize and encourage students to take creative risks.
Both AIT President Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai and AIT Solutions Executive Director Dr. Naveed Anwar discussed AIT’s efforts relevant to innovation with the international keynote speakers Mr. Kjell Hakan, Dr. Mats Lundqvist, and Mr. Paolo Borella.
Mr. Kjell from VINNOVA is scheduled to visit AIT in November to present and promote the entrepreneurial spirit and creativity amongst students.
The Workshop was attended by other technology focused university representatives including Mahidol, Bangkok University, King Mongkut and Prince Songkla University. Other attendees from AIT included Ms. Maria Shahid (AIT Solutions, Content Development & Quality Assurance Officer) who participated in the peer-learning and workshop exercises.
