TCEB JOINS UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS TO LEVERAGE MICE EDUCATION FOR AEC

Bangkok, 17 November 2014 - Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB is spearheading into further developing a strategic network of MICE education with the University of North Texas (UNT). Aimed at equipping the next generation of MICE workforce participants with international knowledge, the bureau also plans to aggressively train 5,000 high quality professionals in response to the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).

Mr Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, Vice President - Administration and Strategic Support, TCEB revealed that “TCEB strives to develop Thailand’s bustling MICE industry under the five year strategic development roadmap (2012-2016), which focuses on strengthening the capabilities and skills of MICE entrepreneurs and professionals to reach international standards. Especially for MICE education, TCEB is continuing its MICE Academy - Creating Future MICE Leaders campaign, the goals of which are to help produce high quality professionals, as well as to position Thailand as an ASEAN MICE Education Hub. The MICE Academy covers three major development areas including MICE 101, the Coach the Coaches program, and the MICE Academic Exchange Program.

The MICE Academic Exchange Program aims to provide a platform of knowledge exchange for university lecturers, students and researchers to experience international MICE perspectives from participating international education institutions. This year, TCEB joins forces with leading education institutions domestically and internationally, targeting key markets including Germany, Japan, United States, Australia, Switzerland, China, and the United Kingdom.

“To leverage Thailand’s MICE industry to meet international standards in preparation for the ASEAN Economic Community, TCEB has initiated the signing of memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with European and US institutes. For the 2015 fiscal year, TCEB will join forces with the University of North Texas (UNT), a leading university in the United States renowned for its tourism and event management curriculum.

The memorandum of understanding between TCEB and UNT will cover five areas of collaboration which include the exchange of materials and information, joint academic and research activities, faculty, scholar, and student mobility programs, joint MICE curriculum development, and joint organisation of symposia, conferences, short courses and meetings on research issues. The collaboration will not only bridge Thailand’s strategic network of universities and vocational colleges with prestigious international education institutes, but will also help keep Thailand’s MICE curriculum up to date with international insights, which can be used in real situations. Moreover, this agreement is crucial to Thailand in terms of marketing and sales promotions, as the United States is among the top 10 source countries for MICE visitors,” Mr Chiruit added.

Dr Neal Smatresk, President of the University of North Texas (UNT) said that, “Thailand is considered Southeast Asia’s education hub, and a partner to help develop and bridge UNT forward into the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015. Thailand has also successfully driven its tourism and MICE industry forward. We also see strong development of the tourism, hospitality, and event management curriculum, which are top choices for our students.”

“Today’s agreement marks an important milestone for both TCEB and UNT, as it will help pave way for fruitful endeavours in driving MICE education between the two countries, and also connect UNT with approximately 80 MICE 101 participating universities and vocational colleges throughout Thailand to further develop tourism and MICE education and share best practices,” Mr Chiruit concluded.

Under the MICE Academy, TCEB expects to develop 5,000 MICE students per year, and up to 20,000 by the end of 2015. In addition, the bureau is planning the launch of MICE Career Day to offer MICE graduates and interested professionals MICE career opportunities from 50 leading MICE operators.

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For more information, please contact Corporate Communications Division

Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization)

Ms Arisara Thanuplang    Tel: +66 2 694 6095    Email: arisara_t@tceb.or.th

Mr Pishnu Plaikaew    Tel: +66 2 694 6000    Email: pishnu_p@tceb.or.th

Ms Kanokwan Kadeedang    Tel: +66 2 694 6006    Email: Kanokwan_k@tceb.or.th

Ms Kwanchanok Otton    Tel: +66 2 694 6096    Email: kwanchanok_o@tceb.or.th