President of Chiang Mai University Clinical Professor Niwes Nantachit and Mr. Dhanawat Suthumpun, Managing Director of Microsoft (Thailand) signed on September 15th 2021 a Memorandum of Understanding on academic cooperation on a Microsoft Learn for Educators project, enabling teachers access to Microsoft's teaching materials.
Joining the signing ceremony was Professor Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai, Member of the Chiang Mai University Council, who emphasized the importance of partnership between Chiang Mai University and Microsoft (Thailand). “I believe that the future of the country depends on educational reform by enhancing the skills necessary for students and the faculty. I would like to commend Chiang Mai University for its commitment to transform into a digital university and to focus on developing information technology and applying digital technology in its various academic fields to support the administration and pedagogy of the university. In addition to the development of modern technology and the rapid adoption of technology, developing staff and students to have digital skills at an international standard is significant in order for them to have the ability to work into the future.”
Microsoft (Thailand) is said that the company is keen to promote the growth of human resources in a digital Thai society to keep up with the world changes and for Thailand to have the capacity to take advantage of the rapid changes of digital technology for lifelong education, work, and career. Support is provided to Microsoft (Thailand)’s budget, technology and personnel to continuously transfer knowledge and digital innovations to the education sector and civil society. This is considered a good example of social business that plays a role in promoting sustainable development and cooperation. The world's leading IT companies like Microsoft (Thailand) will be able to increase the quality of products, people, tools and technology in Chiang Mai University and evolve the educational services, research and academic services of Chiang Mai University to align with the world's leading universities. The collaboration with Chiang Mai University aims to promote the knowledge and digital skills of the faculty, staff and students. This joint agreement is key to building a community and economy based on digital technology with a future outlook.”
Clinical Professor Niwes Nantachit, added that “Chiang Mai University and Microsoft (Thailand) recognize the importance of building cooperation between private and government agencies including co-development and empowerment of staff and students. Microsoft is committed to support students under the Microsoft Learn for Educators program, which provides teachers the opportunity to access Microsoft courses and materials to be transmitted to students including supporting Microsoft's certification exam. This certification document will increase the channels of higher education for students and provides a valuable opportunity for students to succeed in their professional fields which complies with Microsoft's certification. I am therefore confident that the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation today will result in the preparedness of students and staff through the equipment of digital skills to benefit the country. Staff will also gain life skills for their careers in the digital era, in line with national policies and plans for further digital development for the economy and society.”
Mr. Dhanawat Suthumpun, Managing Director of Microsoft (Thailand) said “We are very pleased to collaborate with Chiang Mai University on this occasion to encourage students and faculty to enhance digital skills in diverse directions via courses or learning paths that cover cloud, data, AI, etc. The Microsoft Certification is a validation of skills that are in demand in a variety of jobs, opening the door to many opportunities for further success.
This cooperation is another important step following the goal of Microsoft to enhance digital skills for 10 million Thais across the country. This will lead to a collaborative drive in the digital transformation of Thailand in many dimensions, leading to an economy and society that is fully compatible with high-tech life.”