With the successful conclusion of the first in-depth industrial exchange trip for 14 AIT alumni, AIT Belt and Road Research Center (BRRC) organized a second in-depth industrial exchange program in collaboration with the Chongqing Renewable Energy Society (CRES). This event took place from December 16th to 19th in Chongqing, China. A delegation of five members was led by H.E. Dr. Subin Pinkayan, the former Foreign Minister of Thailand and former Chairman of the AIT Board of Trustees, who also serves as the Honorary Advisor to the AIT Board Chairman. Dr. Pinkayan is a member of the first batch of master’s graduates in Hydraulics from AIT, graduating in 1961. The delegate group included Mr. Karma Rana, Institute Secretary of AIT; Ms. Chalita Lertwinyu, Executive Director of the Office of Thailand Affairs, AIT; Mr. Sathaporn Vongsakul, Consultant Engineer at GMS Power Public Company Limited; and Ms. Sai Tang, Program Officer of the AIT BRRC.
As innovation and cooperation in the green industry become increasingly important for sustainable development worldwide, AIT and BRRC are committed to serve as an international platform for collaborative and innovative initiatives to support sustainable development in the region and beyond. This program aims to provide insights into Chongqing’s renewable energy sector, with a particular focus on C-Si solar panel production, energy storage, smart energy systems, and sustainable technologies. In addition to facilitating knowledge exchange and technology transfer, this trip strengthened connections between AIT and various organizations and green industry in western China, especially in the energy sector. It has also laid the foundation for future cooperation between AIT and institutions in this region, as well as between green industries in Thailand and China.
Technical visits and exchanges with local industries were organized. The delegation’s first stop was the Chongqing New Century Electric Company on December 17, 2024, where they explored the company’s technological innovations in small hydropower and multi-energy complementary systems. The meeting with the General Manager, Mr. Xie Qing, and his team was productive. During the discussion, Dr. Subin praised the company’s achievements in digitizing its hydropower systems and internationalizing its small hydropower projects. Preliminary conversations were held regarding potential collaboration on training programs, degree programs for management personnel and technical professionals at AIT, and possible partnerships with GMS in the hydropower sector. Both parties expressed optimism and interest in future collaboration, and a visit from the company to AIT is planned for early 2025.
On 18 December, the delegation visited the Chongqing Institute of New Energy Storage Materials and Equipment. This independent legal entity was established through a joint initiative between the Chinese government and Chongqing University and focuses on key areas such as magnesium-based solid-state hydrogen storage, magnesium-ion batteries, novel sodium-lithium batteries, metal-air batteries, as well as energy storage equipment and systems. During the visit, Dr. Subin and the group visited the Institute’s exhibition of technologies and projects, and the production lines of its battery assessment and installment. The Institute highlighted its efforts in research and development of core technologies and equipment, shared its achievements, and outlined its vision to become an international hub for innovation in new energy storage. They aim to foster a local energy storage industry while advancing the national energy transition and the “dual carbon” goals. Dr. Subin and the group were impressed by the advancements in energy storage technology and investment in China. There is potential for strengthening the connection between AIT and the Institute, focusing on technological advancement and academic-industrial collaboration, leveraging the strengths of both parties.
The delegation also visited Wujun Chongqing Solar Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Sichuan Hebang Investment Group, which is listed on the main board of the Shanghai Stock Exchange. Established in 2020, the Chongqing facility specializes in the production of photovoltaic glass panels and back-glass. The delegation held a meeting with the company’s technology professionals and toured their product exhibition. This exchange allowed them to learn about the company’s proactive approach to innovating products that support the sustainable development of the solar industry, while also meeting the demand for green energy across various applications and leveraging its technical advantages. The company’s product-based solutions—designed for industrial and commercial rooftop photovoltaic power plants as well as household rooftop photovoltaic power stations—offer valuable insights for exploring practical and scientific solutions tailored to the context of Thailand, particularly in industrial park settings.
Furthermore, a symposium was organized with six Chongqing-based enterprises in the green energy sector. The delegation and the companies participated in in-depth discussions on various topics, including smart energy, energy education, energy storage systems, green lighting, photovoltaic investment, and air conditioning energy efficiency. This event underscored the importance of the exchange program and established a foundation for future cooperation between the participating enterprises and AIT.
As China is following the sustainable development strategy and playing a significant role in the global energy transition, local industries are actively seeking opportunities for overseas collaboration. Thailand, serving as an ideal hub for Southeast Asia, has emerged as a top choice for many Chinese businesses. AIT, an internationally recognised institution committed to sustainable development with a social impact, possesses strong academic and research capabilities, making it a perfect partner for Chinese enterprises. AIT also benefits from a strong alumni network in the region. Potential collaborations between AIT and these enterprises under the scope of industry-academia collaboration discussed in this trip include internship opportunities for AIT students provided by local branches of these enterprises in the region, educational opportunities for enterprises employees in AIT, network building support for Chinese enterprises from AIT alumni, direct business and project collaboration with AIT alumni in green industries, and other potential possibilities in future exchange.
Based on the success of the delegation program, as well as a previous program for AIT Alumni, future exchange programs in 2025 will aim to explore more fields and industries that AIT has been involved with, such as environmental industries and rural and agricultural development among others. Dr. Subin has dedicated decades to advancing the energy industry in Thailand and Southeast Asia, consistently following the development trends within China’s energy sector. He is also committed to fostering exchanges and collaborations between China and Thailand. His support and active engagement in the program have strengthened the partnership between AIT and Chongqing, significantly enhancing cooperation in the energy sector. Additionally, new opportunities for collaboration in other fields have emerged. With his extensive experience, Dr. Subin has offered valuable insights and guidance for future collaborations with China. This program represents a significant step forward in achieving greater integration in technology, education, and industry between AIT and Chongqing.