The Sirindhorn International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering (TGGS) held its third annual Advisory Board Meeting on September 21st 2017 at Ratchapruek Room, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok.
The purpose of the Advisory Board Meeting is to gather honorary representatives from industries, government and organizations to discuss about the collaboration, activities and the future direction of TGGS and KMUTNB.
This year, TGGS received yet again the great honor from His Excellency Peter Prügel, the German Ambassador to Thailand, to be the Honorary Chairman of the Advisory Board Meeting.
The Advisory Board Meeting started with the welcome speech and the opening remark by His Excellency Peter Prügel, followed by the opening remark from Prof. Dr. Rudolf Mathar—RWTH Pro-Rector for Research and Structure and the acting co-chairman for Prof. Dr. Ernst Schmachtenberg—RWTH Rector. The third opening remark was given by Prof. Dr. Suchart Siengchin—KMUTNB President.
The meeting continued with the status report and future outlook by Assr. Prof. Dr. Monpilai Narasingha—TGGS Dean. Prof. Narasingha reported to the Board Members about the current three missions from TGGS which are (1) to be a faculty that is active in industry-oriented research and education, (2) to focus on the research and development for future industry, (3) to be a one-stop service for industry research and human development and (4) to be the national hub for German technology transfer for Thailand. Prof. Narasingha also presented the future outlook to the Board Members which include activities such as TGGS/RWTH Aachen Roadshow in South East Asia, new curricula to be started in 2017, a joint international symposium on Smart Mobility as well as the implementation of the TGGS4.0—Smart Faculty.
The program followed by the discussion of the Board Members. This years, over 20 Board Members from different sectors have attended the meeting. This includes representatives from The German Embassy in Bangkok, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, DAAD Thailand, Goethe-Institut Thailand, the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce, The Federation of Thai Industries, and the National Science Technology and Innovation policy Office. Top members from the industry are representatives from Siemens Thailand, BMW Manufacturing Thailand, Robert Bosch Limited Thailand, TÜV Rheinland in Thailand, BASF Thailand, Schaeffler Manufacturing (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Covestro (Thailand) Co., Ltd. Western Digital Thailand Co, Ltd., EGAT, PTT, Bangchak Corporation PCL, Isuzu, and World Pigment Industries Co., Ltd. From the universities are representatives from RWTH Aachen University, TGGS and KMUTNB.
The 105 minutes’ discussion was conducted by the co-chairman, Prof. Dr. Rudolf Mathar. This year’s Board Members discussion gave many valuable ideas, suggestions and feedback in terms of strength and opportunities for TGGS. Many members from industries have found the direction of TGGS to be interested and emphasis on the promotion of multidisciplinary research and education, i.e. Industry 4.0, digital technology, data driven innovation, etc., as well as to utilize the multicultural nature of the faculty. On the other hand, several members also raised concern regarding the strategy to increase number of students where some useful ideas were also discussed.
TGGS would like to express sincere gratitude for the presence of all board members and for all the valuable contributions. We are looking forward to meet all members again in the next annual Advisory Board Meeting in 2018.
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