The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) recently pulled off a remarkable feat by hosting the first-ever Industry-Academia International Business Incubation Conclave (IAIBIC 2024), under the invigorating mantra “Inspire ~ Ideate ~ Incubate.” This landmark event took place from December 15th to 18th, 2024, at the posh Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park Hotel, drawing a lively crowd of over 1,700 participants from 46 diverse countries. The eclectic mix included policymakers, academicians, researchers, and industry leaders, all congregated with a common vision: to bridge the often vast gaps between academia, industry, and policy-making and ignite the flames of innovation and sustainable growth.
At the heart of this mission was AIT President, Prof. Pai-Chi Li, also the Patron of IAIBIC 2024. With profound insight, Prof. Li underscored the imperative need for collaboration: “By combining the intellectual curiosity inherent to academia with the practical, market-savvy knowledge of industry, we create a fertile ground for innovation. IAIBIC 2024 opens doors for inspiration, involved dialogues, and meaningful networking that can forge impactful outcomes,” he articulated.
AIT’s Vice President for Academic Affairs, Prof. Nitin K. Tripathi, who chaired the conclave, championed its transformative objectives: “With 17 companies committing to kickstart startups right here at AIT, we are on a mission to redefine education. Our aim is to empower students and researchers to create tangible, real-world impacts.”
The event’s grand opening was graced by the Distinguished Entrepreneur Award, bestowed upon H.E. Dr. Subin Pinkayan, the former Foreign Minister of Thailand and AIT Board Chairman. Dr. Subin, a trailblazer in Thailand’s engineering consulting realm and a passionate advocate for renewable energy, shared his adventurous journey and future aspirations, including his plans to test solar technologies at AIT’s vibrant Science and Technology Park—a testament to the potent synergy between academia and industry.
The conclave’s plenary session, presided over by Dr. Bindu Lohani, the Former Vice President for Knowledge Management at the Asian Development Bank, featured an array of distinguished speakers such as:
- H.E. Mr. Nagesh Singh, Ambassador of India to Thailand
- H.E. Mr. Pavel Pitel, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Thailand
- Mr. Montri Mahaplerkpong, Chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce Thailand
- Dr. Charnwit Tridech, MHESI
The discussions held were dynamic, with a focal emphasis on the synergy of academia, industry, and government as the ultimate catalysts for skill development, innovation, and sustained growth. Hot topics ranged from India’s meteoric rise as a research and development powerhouse, to Thailand’s advanced strides in medical robotics, and on to how disruptors like AI and clean energy are reshaping the economic landscape.
The conclave also offered a plethora of interactive sessions designed to engage and enlighten, such as:
- Business Opportunities Through Industry-Academia Collaboration in ASEAN: This session zeroed in on the challenges and potentials within healthcare and infrastructure.
- Entrepreneurship Ecosystem: Challenges and Solutions: A spotlight on mentorship, adaptive funding strategies, and sustainable business models.
- Academia to Industry: Led by Dr. Michael Phillips, it emphasized developing interdisciplinary curricula and practical skills to better prepare students for the global stage.
The grand finale of IAIBIC 2024 was marked by the signing of 14 partnership agreements between AIT and leading companies, setting the stage for innovative solutions and monumental contributions to both academic and entrepreneurial domains.
Adding to their accolades, AIT celebrated their triumph with the International Green Gown Award in the ‘2030 Climate Action’ category, in recognition of their Net Zero Campus Initiative. The event also witnessed the launch of the AIT Research Report, reinforcing their unyielding commitment to sustainable development and groundbreaking innovation.
As a crucible of collaboration and entrepreneurial spirit, AIT’s Science and Technology Park remains a beacon of inspiration, sparking startups and harbinger technologies, propelling growth not just regionally but globally.
This event sounds like a great opportunity for bridging the gap between academia and industry. But isn’t it just another networking party for the elite?
I can see why you think that, Joe. But from what I gather, these events do foster real connections that lead to tangible innovations.
Sure, connecting sounds great, but don’t forget it’s the big corporations that usually benefit, not the little guys like us.
I’m with you. These settings do tend to favor those with existing power and connections.
I’m impressed by the awarding of the International Green Gown Award. It’s crucial now more than ever to push for climate action initiatives.
Climate action is important, but I’m still skeptical about these grand awards. It’s all just words unless we see the real impact.
Yeah, it seems like everyone talks about sustainability. I’d like to see more data-backed results from these initiatives.
AIT seems to be on the right track with its Net Zero Campus Initiative. Real progress happens when institutions lead by example.
The focus on interdisciplinary curricula and skills is much needed. Universities everywhere should adopt such practices.
Agreed. Education systems are often stuck in the past. This is a breath of fresh air.
Exactly! Interdisciplinary training prepares students for the real world, not just for test-taking.
But isn’t there a risk of losing depth in specific fields with this interdisciplinary approach?
I’m excited about Thailand’s advancements in medical robotics! It’s incredible to see how technology is transforming healthcare.
Indeed, but there’s always the concern of job displacement with robotics. How do we balance technology and employment?
India’s rise as a powerhouse for R&D is no surprise. The country’s skilled workforce and innovation culture are second to none.
14 partnership agreements? That sounds like a whole lot of promises. Let’s see how many are followed through.
Partnerships mean nothing if not implemented properly. Hope they have a clear roadmap.
Let’s remain optimistic. Some partnerships have indeed led to groundbreaking changes.
Honestly, the entire concept of these panels just feels like marketing gimmicks. What real changes do they bring?
I understand your skepticism, but some of these panels do lead to policy shifts and innovation breakthroughs.
Hopefully, it’s not all about image-building and more about actual progress.
Renewable energy initiatives like those by Dr. Subin are exactly what we need. Fossil fuels can’t be the future.
It’s nice to see industry leaders finally paying attention to academia. But will they actually listen when creating solutions?
Great point. Sometimes they just cherry-pick insights that suit their agenda.