The Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) and Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), a state university with a royal charter in Thailand have announced a collaborative initiative. This joint effort aims to establish a dedicated team that will focus on facilitating cross-border research, offering financial support for conferences and grants, fostering partnerships with industries, creating a robust ecosystem, and providing mentorship and assistance in research and development (R&D).
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will enable APU’s Digital Learning Hub and STOU to collaborate on research initiatives within the framework of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Chair partnership. This collaborative effort will be led by the Director of APU’s Digital Learning Hub and the UNESCO Chair Lead.
The aim is to foster a growth mindset among its students, encouraging them to think innovatively and embrace entrepreneurship. The institution aims to prepare students for employment in a rapidly changing global business and technology landscape.
Both higher education institutions will work together to create specialised programs that promote a culture of collaborative research and an environment that encourages students and faculty members to collaborate on joint outputs, including conferences and papers published in international journals.
Through the collaboration, the staff members from both institutions will engage in collaborative research, particularly in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applied to “Teaching and Learning.” This collaboration is expected to yield joint research papers that contribute to advancements in the field. The partnership with STOU is seen as an opportunity to elevate the research endeavours of APU to new heights, becoming a source of inspiration and aspiration for future goals.
STOU, addressing concerns related to emissions and sustainability, not only collaborates on verifiable initiatives but also takes measures to offset its emissions. The partnership with APU is valued by STOU as it aligns with their commitment to a sustainable future, according to STOU Acting President.
Meanwhile, APU Vice Chancellor expressed excitement about the collaboration, emphasising the use of technology to enhance accessibility and equity in higher education. The joint efforts will focus on creating innovative solutions that enable learners from diverse backgrounds and locations to achieve their academic goals.
The two parties also discussed a partnership for the upcoming International Conference on Digital Business, Society, and Economy (ICDBSE) in 2023. Organised by APU in collaboration with STOU (Thailand), Chitkara University (India), and the bbw Hochschule-University of Applied Sciences (Germany), the event will take place on 24 and 25 October 2023, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
With a strong emphasis on technology, the aim is to gather global experts and enthusiasts to share their ideas, research findings, and insights regarding the impact of digital technologies on business and society.
A diverse range of keynote speeches, presentations, and panel discussions will be featured and will delve into various aspects of the digital business and social landscape. Topics of exploration will include the influence of technology on innovation, entrepreneurship, governance, and ethics.
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was conducted by the Acting President of STOU and the Vice Chancellor of APU. The ceremony was witnessed by the Acting Vice-President for Academic Services, Cultural Preservation, and International Affairs of STOU and the Deputy Vice Chancellor of APU.
The ceremony was also attended by the Head of International Affairs from STOU, the Senior Director of Administration and Human Resources from APU, and the Senior Lecturer/Programme Manager of the Digital Learning Hub from APU.