NECTEC, in collaboration with the Mekong-Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund (MKCF), is launching a project to enhance computational skills for students in Mekong countries and the Republic of Korea. The project, titled “Enhancing Computational Skills for Students in Mekong Countries and the Republic of Korea through Coding, IoT, and AI Learning” (CAIoT4CT) secured funding of $486,454 from the MKCF.
A hybrid meeting was held on August 15, 2025, to kick off the project, led by NECTEC’s Educational Technology Research Team. Participants from the Republic of Korea and CLMV (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam) joined the active discussion. NECTEC welcomed Mr. Madhurjya K. Dutta, Director of the MKCF, to the meeting.
The project aims to equip students in the region with essential skills in Coding, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Rather than directly training students, the initiative will focus on a train-the-trainer model, providing teachers with the necessary knowledge and tools. This approach ensures a broader and more sustainable impact on the education sector.
The two-and-a-half-year project is structured in three phases:
- First Year: Development of course materials and online training.
- Second Year: On-site workshops to provide hands-on experience.
- Final Phase: An innovation contest where students will apply their skills to develop projects centered on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the Mekong River Basin.
This initiative is a significant step toward cultivating computational thinking, problem-solving, and innovation among the next generation, preparing them for a technology-driven future.