The Chulalongkorn School of Integrated Innovation has signed a partnership agreement with Thailand’s national petroleum company, the PTT Exploration and Production Company Limited (PTTEP).

The agreement was signed with multiple objectives such as collaboration and cooperating in research and development, enhancing capacity development, leading joint innovation products, and devising knowledge exchange mechanisms. PTTEP will also identify organizational projects in which ScII can be gainfully engaged and through which it can contribute by bringing in faculty resources, researchers, scientists and students. ScII students will benefit from student internship opportunities at PTTEP.

The agreement was signed by Professor Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai, Executive Director, ScII, and Mr Suksant Ongvises, Executive Vice President, Operations Support Group, PTTEP; and Dr. Pietro Borsano, Lecturer, ScII, and Mr. Bundit Pattanasak, Senior Vice President, Technology Management Division, PTTEP, as witnesses. 

Of particular focus are three thematic areas: the digital economy, artificial intelligence, and robotics; sustainable development and business; and energy technologies. 

“The agreement is a demonstration of our commitment of exposing our students to the industry and engaging them in practical work that is relevant to the needs of the market,” said Prof Worsak. “While our students will benefit from an enhanced awareness of the latest developments in the market, our partners will benefit from the technological expertise our faculty brings,” Prof Worsak remarked. 

“PTTEP is pleased to partner with the Chulalongkorn School of Integrated Innovation. Through this industry-academic collaboration, we will share our technological expertise and resources to enhance industry-oriented research and prepare the next generation of industry-ready graduates for the Thai economy,” said Mr. Suksant.

“Besides ScII and PTTEP, students will be major beneficiaries of this partnership,” remarked Dr. Pietro Borsano. “Together, we seek to build a research and development network with leading national and international academics, higher education organizations, and corporations,” he added.

The agreement has already been operationalised with three ScII students --  Kophong Ruangwattanakul and Phobpakorn Nanthamanop joining the Technology Management Division, PTTEP, and Piyabud Lertthummajinda joining ARV Company Limited, a subsidiary of PTTEP, for a two-month student internship program.