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During the 9th Japan-Thailand Joint Trade and Economic Committee Meeting held in Kobe, Japan in 1989, the delegates from the Japan Federation of Economic Organizations (Keidanren – now Nippon Keidanren) and the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) realized that in order to enhance industrial development of Thailand, engineering programs, where all lecture and laboratory courses would be taught in English by highly qualified faculty members with doctoral degrees, need to be established.
A cooperation agreement among Keidanren, FTI, and Thammasat University was reached in 1992 to establish bachelor degree programs in engineering at Thammasat University with initial funds provided by Keidanren and FTI. After two years of successful operation, the "International Institute of Technology (IIT)" was founded on September 16, 1994. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn graciously presided over the Cornerstone Laying Ceremony of a new building at the Rangsit Campus of Thammasat University, using part of the initial fund for the construction. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand graciously granted the Institute a new name, “Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (SIIT)”, on June 28, 1996.
On October 2, 1997, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn graciously presided over the Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology’s Inauguration Ceremony of its name and building. In 1999, FTI provided a parcel of land with an existing building at Bangkadi Industrial Park (BKD) for SIIT’s use for 30 years. In June 2001, the former Prime Minister Anand Panyarachun inaugurated a new building for technology programs at Bangkadi Industrial Park.
Backgrounds of the three founding organizations of Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology are briefly described as follows.
Founded
in 1934, Thammasat University was originally dedicated to the teaching of humanities and social sciences. The University has produced a large number of graduates who have greatly contributed to the development and progress of the country.
Realizing
the significant impact of science and technology on the country's economic growth, in the 1980’s and 1990’s Thammasat University initiated degree programs in engineering, technologies, physical sciences, and medical sciences at its Rangsit Campus, Pathum Thani.
Through the merger of several economic and industrial organizations, the Japan Federation of Economic Organizations (Keidanren) was established in August 1946. Keidanren was a private, non-profit economic organization representing virtually all branches of economic activities in Japan. Keidanren maintained close contact with both public and private sectors at home and abroad, and endeavored not only to find practical solutions to economic problems but also to contribute to the sound development of the economics of Japan and countries around the world.
In May 2002, Keidanren merged with Nikkeiren (Japan Federation of Employer’s Associations) to become Nippon Keidanren (The Japanese Business Federation).
Headed by internationally distinguished leaders of the Japanese business community, Nippon Keidanren plays an active and influential role towards the achievement of harmonious economic prosperity for all mankind.
Formerly
known as the Association of Thai Industries (ATI), the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) came into existence on December 29, 1987. It was a transformed body of ATI, which was created in 1967. FTI is an industrial private sector that brings together industrial leaders to promote Thailand's socio-economic development. The main objectives of FTI are to represent Thai manufacturers at both national and international levels, to help promote and develop industrial enterprises, to work with the government in setting up national policies, and to offer consulting services to members.
FTI is a full-service organization that cooperates with the government to help mobilize Thai industries to reach international markets. It acts as a "match-maker" between foreign industrialists and Thai resources which combine the financial strength, planning ability, and persuasive power of Thailand's industrialists.
Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (SIIT) offers undergraduate and graduate programs (master and doctoral levels) leading to the Bachelor of Engineering (BEng), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Master of Science (MSc), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in the following areas:
Engineering:
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Technologies:
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At the present time, the Institute has established both faculty member and student exchange programs with a number of universities in Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America. These programs allow not only faculty members to collaborate with their counterparts in research projects but also students to have an opportunity to take engineering courses at those universities. Additionally, invitations to visit and teach SIIT courses are regularly extended to qualified foreign professors under such programs.
Although it is a unit of Thammasat University, SIIT is financially and administratively separate from the central university system. SIIT’s policies and operations are guided and supervised by the Board of Trustees which consists of representatives from Thammasat University, FTI, and Nippon Keidanren, and scholars appointed by the university. In addition, the Academic Review Committee (ARC) comprising reputable scholars in various fields provides guidance and recommendations on academic and research matters. The Institute, headed by the Director, consists of administrative divisions, a library and information services center, academic schools, and Department of Common and Graduate Studies (CGS).
 
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