Abstract TRRT 2024 Ms. Natalia Galochkina and Dr. Chadamas Thuvasethakul

Updates on HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn-Skoltech Scholarship in Producing High-Ability Thai STEM Graduates

Natalia Galochkina*, Chadamas Thuvasethakul**
*Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia
**The Information Technology Foundation under the Initiative of H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri
Sirindhorn, Bangkok, Thailand

[email protected], [email protected]

Abstract

In Thailand, there is a notable shortage of STEM graduates relative to demand, leading to strong job prospects for individuals with STEM qualifications. International partnerships significantly contribute to the production and development of high-quality STEM graduates by providing access to diverse expertise, aligning with global standards, exposing students to innovative practices, enhancing career opportunities, supporting joint research, strengthening institutions, and fostering economic and social impact. Such partnership helps ensure that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of a globalized and rapidly evolving job market.

Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s interest in international partnerships to develop and produce STEM graduates is evident through her support for global collaboration, joint research initiatives, educational exchange programs, international conferences, and institutional partnerships. Her efforts contribute to enhancing the quality and global relevance of STEM education and research in Thailand.

During her visit to Russia in September - October, 2017, Princess Sirindhorn had visited many leading Russian educational institutions, including Skoltech, where she met with Skoltech’s leadership and discussed various areas of mutual interest, including advancements in technology and educational opportunities. The visit was part of her mission to explore potential collaborations and partnerships between Thailand and Russia in the field of science, technology, and education.

One year after the first Thai-Russia Roundtable, which was organized in Thailand in 2018, the President of Skoltech and other Russian delegates had a royal audience with Princess Sirindhorn after the event, and shortly after that, Skoltech had presented Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn three (3) scholarships for qualified Thai students under her patronage to pursue their study for a master’s degree at Skoltech in science and technology fields (Energy System, Materials Science and Data Science/Artificial Intelligence), starting in 2019 under the name “H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand-Skoltech Scholarship”. Until now (2024), there have been six batches of students, altogether sixteen (16) students receiving the scholarships.

In this talk, the process to recruit and select candidates, as well as the education and training students received while studying at Skoltech, to ensure that the graduates coming out of this program are of high-quality and ability will be presented.

Keywords: International partnerships in education and research, STEM graduate, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn