Wintec Hosts AI Study Tour for Thai Students

Ten students from various technical institutes in Thailand, along with two teachers, recently completed a two-week study tour at Wintec in New Zealand. The focus of the tour was Artificial Intelligence (AI), a key area of study for the group. This study tour was sponsored by the Office of Vocational Education Commission (OVEC) of Thailand.

The group was officially welcomed at Wintec’s City Campus in early March with a pōwhiri event at Te Kōpū Mānia o Kirikiriroa Marae, a traditional Māori welcome ceremony. This event marked the start of the group’s exciting and educational journey in New Zealand.

Girish Nair, Wintec’s International Director, spoke about the importance of building strong global partnerships. He says, “Internationalisation creates valuable opportunities and connections for both New Zealand and international education. Through collaboration with our partners overseas, we are unlocking new experiences that enrich cultural, vocational, and environmental perspectives. It is both a privilege and a valuable opportunity to collaborate with the Thai Government in supporting their goal of enhancing the vocational education system to produce job-ready graduates that meet industry needs”.

For many in the group, this trip to New Zealand was not only their first visit to the country but also their first time traveling abroad. Thai teacher Arthit Kleebrung, also known as Jack, was among the first-time visitors. Jack has been working with Wintec for five years through the 'Train the Trainer' program, a course designed to improve the skills of vocational education teachers. This program is tailored to the specific needs of each group and can be delivered both in New Zealand and internationally.

Despite his past involvement in the training program, Jack found the AI study tour to be an invaluable learning experience. He says, “This is my first time in New Zealand, but I have been working with Wintec for the last five years in the ‘Train the Trainer’ programme”. Jack was eager to continue improving his skills and found the Wintec AI-focused study tour insightful. He added, “I would recommend this programme at Wintec to everyone because I have gained not only knowledge of AI but also insight into industrial experience and the use of advanced technologies in industrial companies”.

During their two weeks at Wintec, the visiting group participated in various AI-focused sessions. These sessions were led by Patrick Ward, a Teaching and Learning Coach at Wintec, who helped the students explore AI concepts and tools. Additionally, the group attended workshops on design thinking, led by Wintec staff Margi Moore and Elna Fourie. Design thinking is a method used to solve complex problems by understanding the needs of the people involved and creating innovative solutions. These workshops helped the students apply design thinking principles to identify challenges and explore possible solutions, an essential skill in AI and many other fields.

Wintec staff members, including Aidan Bigham and Kate Faldo, also conducted sessions focused on using AI tools effectively. These interactive workshops were designed to provide the students with hands-on experience using AI technologies. The students were encouraged to work collaboratively and think creatively as they explored the potential applications of AI in real-world situations.

Beyond the classroom, the group had the opportunity to visit Gallagher Group Limited, a New Zealand-based company known for its work in various technological fields. The visit provided the students with valuable insights into how AI is being used in industry and gave them the chance to meet professionals in the field. This experience was especially beneficial for the students, as it allowed them to see how the theories and tools they were learning about in the classroom were applied in the workforce.

At the end of the study tour, the group participated in a special graduation ceremony where each student received a certificate of participation. This ceremony was a celebration of the knowledge gained and the friendships formed during the trip. The students and teachers shared their gratitude for the experience and said emotional goodbyes to the Wintec staff who had supported them throughout their time in New Zealand.

This study tour marks an important step in Wintec’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its global partnerships and support vocational education worldwide. The experience not only provided the Thai students with new knowledge and skills in AI but also reinforced Wintec’s role in shaping the future of vocational education. By offering such hands-on learning opportunities and fostering international collaboration, Wintec continues to play a significant part in preparing students for the rapidly changing global workforce.

The Thai delegation’s visit is part of Wintec’s larger commitment to fostering international partnerships and promoting global educational exchange. With this AI-focused study tour, Wintec has helped strengthen the connection between New Zealand and Thailand while offering students valuable skills that will serve them well in their future careers.