MoU between King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL) and Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)

The Heritage Academic and Research Center (HARC) has made significant progress as an international network that connects academic studies with real-world urban development, with the goal of elevating Thailand's urban development strategies to meet global standards. Recently, HARC organized a collaborative event from June 8-25, 2024, led by Assoc. Prof. Surasak Kangkhao, (National Outstanding Lecturer), who led the team from HARC to collaborate with educational institutions both domestically and internationally. This event focused on integrating education with practical applications on an international level.

The initiative included meetings and discussions with experts from leading urban development and academic institutions in the Netherlands. The objective was to study and synthesize a range of development concepts that could be applied to enhance Thailand's sustainability in the future. This progress in academic collaboration and practical urban development has culminated in the establishment of an MoU.

The event led to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL) and the Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS) in the Netherlands. The MoU aims to establish a foundation of academic and educational cooperation, fostering sustainable partnerships and mutual understanding.

Purpose of the MoU

The primary purpose of this MoU is to develop academic collaboration between KMITL and IHS on the principles of equality and reciprocity, encouraging sustainable partnerships. Both parties are committed to exchanging knowledge and experiences that will support urban development and sustainable growth in Thailand.

Scope of Activities

The MoU outlines a variety of collaborative activities, including:

1. Student exchanges for research and study.
2. Faculty, staff, and research scholar exchangesto enhance knowledge-sharing.
3. Joint research projectsto advance urban development strategies.
4. Continuing education programsfor professional development.
5. Seminars, symposia, and short-term academic programs
6. Exchange of research materials and publicationsto enrich academic resources.
7. Technical assistancein areas of mutual interest.
8. Creation and marketing of electronic instructional media, including credit and non-credit courses.
9. Dual degree and joint degree programsto strengthen educational ties.

Through this MoU, KMITL and IHS are committed to collaboratively shaping strategies that contribute to sustainable urban development and the long-term wellbeing of cities in Thailand and beyond.