OHEC and ATCI launch “Gadgets to U 2012” to enhance Thai university students’ IT knowledge and proficiency
with on-campus workshops
The Office of Higher Education Commission (OHEC) in cooperation with the Association of Thai ICT Industry (ATCI) and several leading global developers in the field of information technology are jointly organizing the “Gadgets to U 2012” program that aims to provide the most up-to-date technological advances and information in gadgetries and applications for Thai university students in a campaign to develop Thai youth’s IT skills and knowledge. A major part of the program will be real hands-on implementation by the students of the latest applications and gadgets to learn how to utilize them most effectively in their daily lives and future careers.
The “Gadgets to U 2012” program is expected to attract participation of more than 150,000 university students from at least 10 higher education institutions around the country throughout the duration of the campaign. The objective of the “Gadgets to U 2012” is concurrent with the policy of the Thai government to elevate IT skills and knowledge at a national level. With the “Gadgets to U 2012” program, Thai youth will be able to make the most of the information technology that are widely available today. The “Gadgets to U 2012” will be launched on February 13, 2012 and will take place on campuses of at least 10 major universities around Thailand.
Associate Professor Dr. Kamjorn Tatiyakavee, deputy secretary-general of the OHEC, under the Ministry of Education, stated that the OHEC formed a cooperation with ATCI and several global giants in the information technology field such as Huawei Technology, Advance Info Service, Jebsen & Jessen Marketing (importer and distributor of Olympus Products in Thailand) Exmory Company Limited, Microstar International Co., Ltd. (MSI) and Dynamic International Product Co., Ltd to provide the most up-to-date IT trainings and knowledge for Thai university students.
Absolute Alliance (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a leading organizer of highly creative events will in charge of organizing the “Gadgets to U 2012.” The fair will include training workshops in technology information. The ultimate aim of the program is to create understandings for university students and develop their skills in IT via gadgets as and applications. The trainings will be conducted by experts of companies that invented the technology and applications. They will demonstrate the various capacities of their gadgets and applications through various activities such as exhibitions and seminars. These activities aim to provide students with a solid foundation of knowledge of various gadgets and applications through actual hands-on experiences. This will lead to future research and development as well as future creation of potential new inventions.
"The "Gadgets to U 2012" program is considered an important stage that reflects the importance of creating networks between the OHEC, various educational institutes and the private sector. This alliance and collaboration promotes awareness in the development of education tools in the field of IT and increase skills and capabilities of Thai youth at the higher education level. This will lead to future fulfillment of IT-related careers," according to Associate Professor Kamjorn.
Mr. Adirake Patitus, President of ATCI, stated that the "Gadgets to U 2012" will present various exciting activities and training workshops for university students directly. The project aims to enhance understandings and development of knowledge in the field of IT under the theme "Open the APPs World to maximize potentials." Activities will include training workshops to increase students' skills and capabilities by introducing gadget technologies as well as applications. The trainings will be provided by expert IT professionals from private sector companies that developed or invented the gadgets and applications. There will also be product demonstrations and introduction of the various advances in information and communication technology in the world. The “Gadgets to U 2012” will provide invaluable insights for how these technological marvels such as various gadgets and applications can be highly useful in real life applications as well.
The "Gadgets to U 2012" program is an initiation by ATCI, whose mission is to push forward advancement of IT education and knowledge in Thailand. The program will be organized in harmony with existing national policies on the ICT development of Thailand. Presently, various industries in Thailand, such as the tourism industry and the agriculture industry's processed foods sector, have introduced IT technology to be used in development and to drive forward their businesses. But the use of information and communication technologies by Thai companies is considered very low when compared to several other countries. Part of the problem lies with the lack of qualified IT personnel. With the “Gadgets to U 2012” program, when students complete their higher education requirements, they can bring their IT knowledge to be adapted for use in their businesses or careers in any industries appropriately. This will lead to sustainable development and will elevate the IT capacity of Thailand that will increase the economic potential as well.
The "Gadgets to U 2012" project will begin on February 13, 2012 at 10 Higher Education institutes that falls under administration of the OHEC. These universities consist of the King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Assumption University of Thailand, Mahidol University, Mahanakorn University of Technology, Thammasat University, Srinakharinwirot University Onkaruk, University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, Saint John's University, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok University Rangsit Campus. The program aims to reach at least 150,000 university students around the country. Interested parties in the “Gadgets to U 2012” may acquire more information with Mr. Tunicha Saksitthisophon at 02-661-7750, extension 217.
