Huawei aims to transform Chiang Mai University into 5G Smart Uni

The installation of state-of-the-art integrated infrastructure, and the adoption of 5G and other emerging technologies, such as Big Data and Cloud services, is expected to reinforce CMU’s position as the leader in Southeast Asia’s education sector, they said.

The two parties had signed an MoU last November to develop ICT professionals through the Huawei ICT Academy Program, offering practical courses and on-the-job training for CMU students to prepare them for successful careers in the digital era.

Representing a strategic alliance between industry and the education sector, the new MoU was signed by Clinical Prof Niwes Nantachit, president of Chiang Mai University, and Abel Deng, CEO of Huawei Technologies (Thailand), at a ceremony in Chiang Mai, in the presence of Prof Emeritus Kasem Wattanachai, chairman of Chiang Mai University Council, and other senior officials.

The five-year collaboration promotes cooperation for adopting 5G technology to have smart classrooms and solutions for enhanced teaching and learning experiences and a broader engagement in research. The alliance also aims to make CMU an intelligent university by implementing integrated digital technology to enhance learning. The collaboration will facilitate new technologies such as Big Data and Cloud services that will boost the efficiency and connectivity of other CMU departments such as the Faculties of Engineering, Medicine, Agriculture, Smart Campus Management Centre, and Information Technology Centre.

Through this MoU, CMU aims to become the leading 5G Smart University in Southeast Asia, and the frontrunner in technology-enhanced higher education and skills development.

"This collaboration [with Huawei] is another important step for CMU. Under this partnership, we will build a more inclusive education system using remote learning solutions. My sincere gratitude goes to Huawei Technologies for accompanying Thailand in its digital journey and for its commitment to drive Thailand’s competitiveness,” Kasem said.

“This new chapter in our ongoing partnership with Huawei will create even more opportunities to provide an even higher level of education. We look forward to nurturing a bigger number of top-tier students in all disciplines who we hope can excel in the future as leaders in different fields. Cutting-edge technologies have become crucial for the education sector, and I would like to thank Huawei Thailand for this excellent opportunity that will help CMU maintain its high ranking and preserve its reputation for producing the most employable graduates in the region,” Niwes said.

“Chiang Mai University is ready for digital transformation under its vision of being a ‘Leading University Committed to Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development’,” said Abel Deng, CEO Huawei Thailand. “We will enable CMU to be a role model for other universities that will perceive the benefits of faster, more reliable and more innovative solutions for the education industry.”