AUT signs MOU witnessed by prime ministers
AUT’s Pro Vice-Chancellor International Professor Nigel Hemmington signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Thailand Professional Qualifications Institute (TPQI) on 19 November, witnessed by both the Prime Minister of New Zealand Rt Hon John Key and the Prime Minster of Thailand Her Excellency Yingluck Shinawatra.
“The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between TPQI and AUT is of national significance in Thailand and this was reflected in the event taking place at Government House in the presence of both prime ministers. It also signals AUT’s increasing profile in Thailand both in tertiary education and at government level,” says Professor Hemmington.
The two prime ministers were pleased to see AUT and TPQI collaborate for education development – specifically Thailand’s professional qualification system and competency standards development.
John Key is currently in Thailand leading a delegation made up of representatives from 22 New Zealand companies. He met with Yingluck Shinawatra for talks focused on promoting trade and economic links between Thailand and New Zealand.
“I was pleased to join with Prime Minister Yingluck, following our bilateral meeting, to witness the signing of an arrangement on tourism cooperation, as well as two education signings between individual New Zealand universities and Thai education authorities” said Key in a press release about the visit.