Creating a New Generation of Leaders with Technical Knowledge and Business Management Skills 

BANGKOK, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Chulalongkorn University, through its Faculty of Engineering and Chulalongkorn Business School (CBS), has announced a collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Leaders for Global Operations (MIT LGO) program. This partnership was unveiled at the 31st Chula the Impact academic seminar, organized by Chulalongkorn University Communications Center. The new Chula-LGO program aims to cultivate leaders equipped with both technical expertise in engineering and business acumen, addressing the evolving demands of industries in the digital era and the global economy. 

The signing ceremony between Chulalongkorn University and MIT LGO featured remarks from Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, who emphasized the significance of the program: 

“Chula-LGO is more than just another master’s program; it is a transformative step in advancing Thai education to meet international standards. Through our collaboration with MIT LGO, students will gain cutting-edge knowledge, engage with real-world industries, and be equipped to take on leadership roles in the global economy.”

Chula-LGO: An Integrated Program for the Future
Chula-LGO is a two-year master’s program offering an interdisciplinary learning experience. Students will earn a Master of Engineering degree from Chulalongkorn University and an MBA from Chulalongkorn Business School. The curriculum combines rigorous academic coursework with practical experience, including a two-week study period at MIT LGO and a six-month research and internship project within the industrial sector. This structure ensures that graduates are well-prepared to tackle real-world challenges.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Witaya Wannasuphoprasit, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, further elaborated on the program’s strengths and interdisciplinary approach:

“Engineering today is not just about designing and developing technology– it must also integrate effectively with business management and operations. Chula-LGO answers the needs of future industry leaders, providing deep skills in technical expertise, innovation, and management.” 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tartat Mokkhamakkul, Dean of the Chulalongkorn Business School, highlighted the business perspective: 

“Modern businesses rely on technology and efficient supply chain management to maintain a competitive edge. Chula-LGO develops strategic thinkers capable of making data-driven decisions using advanced technology. This is a key factor in creating a competitive advantage for organizations.”

Industry Support and Economic Impact
The Chula-LGO program has garnered support from leading industry organizations. Dr. Kobsak Pootrakool, Executive Vice President of Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited, discussed the role of the business sector in supporting this program:

“Today’s industries require professionals who possess both technical expertise and organizational management skills. The Chula-LGO program bridges the gap between academia and business, developing talent capable of competing in the global market and propelling Thailand’s economy forward.” 

“MIT LGO is excited to collaborate with Chulalongkorn University on this initiative. This partnership will not only enhance the curriculum but also foster joint research, faculty, researcher, and student exchanges, contributing to the advancement of Thailand’s industries to meet global standards.” 

Chula-LGO is poised to play a pivotal role in Thailand’s human resource development, especially as Digital Transformation, Artificial Intelligence, and Industry 4.0 technologies reshape the global landscape. The program aims to cultivate a network of leaders capable of steering organizations to success on the international stage.

About Chula-LGO
Chula-LGO is a collaborative program developed by the Faculty of Engineering and the Chulalongkorn Business School at Chulalongkorn University, in partnership with MIT Leaders for Global Operations (MIT LGO). The program’s mission is to produce leaders who can drive industries and businesses in the digital era through integrated education in engineering, technology, and business management. 

For more information on the program and admissions, visit the Faculty of Engineering or Chulalongkorn Business School websites: http://www.eng.chula.ac.th or http://www.cbs.chula.ac.th 

Read the full article at https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/227346/

About Chulalongkorn University
Chulalongkorn University has made the world’s top 50 university list for employment outcomes, which reflects both the high employment rate and work ability of Chula graduates. The university is also listed as the best in Thailand for the 15th Consecutive Year (since 2009), according to the newly released QS World University Rankings 2024, putting Chula at 211th in the world, up from 244th last year.

Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChulalongkornUniversity
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/chulauniversity
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/school/15101896/

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SOURCE Chulalongkorn University

TOKYO, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Nippon Steel Corporation (Nippon Steel), Japan’s largest steelmaker and one of the world’s leading steel manufacturers, and TIER IV, Inc. (TIER IV), the pioneering force behind the world’s first open-source software for autonomous driving, are working together to automate steel transportation with heavy-duty autonomous vehicles, aiming to deploy the technology at the steelmaker’s Nagoya plant in fiscal 2025.

The companies have been collaborating to tackle challenges linked to labor shortages with autonomous driving technology since fiscal 2023. To optimize logistics and enhance plant safety, Nippon Steel is driving efforts to automate vehicles such as the specialized transporters that carry pallets loaded with steel plates.

TIER IV offers reference designs to streamline the development and deployment of autonomous driving systems. In this collaboration, reference designs for factory logistics are being customized to develop an autonomous driving system for steel transportation.

Nippon Steel and TIER IV are committed to tackling challenges such as labor shortages, pioneering innovations that will revolutionize plant efficiency and safety with autonomous driving technology.

About Nippon Steel

Nippon Steel is Japan’s largest and one of the world’s leading steel manufacturers, operating production bases in Japan and more than 15 countries worldwide. The Nippon Steel Group is engaged in four key business areas: steel manufacturing, engineering, chemicals & materials, and system solutions. The company’s management plan focuses on four pillars: “Reconstruction of Domestic Steel Business and Strengthening of Group Management,” “Global Strategy for Evolution and Expansion of Overseas Business,” “Challenges Toward Carbon Neutrality,” and “Promotion of Digital Transformation Strategy.” Aiming to become the world’s No.1 comprehensive steel manufacturer, Nippon Steel pursues the highest levels of technology and manufacturing excellence to contribute to society through superior products and services. For more details, please visit Nippon Steel’s website: https://www.nipponsteel.com/.

About TIER IV

TIER IV stands at the forefront of deep tech innovation, pioneering Autoware, the world’s first open-source software for autonomous driving Harnessing Autoware, we build scalable platforms and deliver comprehensive solutions across software development, vehicle manufacturing, and service operations. As a founding member of the Autoware Foundation, we are committed to reshaping the future of intelligent vehicles with open-source software, enabling individuals and organizations to thrive in the evolving field of autonomous driving.

Autoware is a registered trademark of The Autoware Foundation.

Media Contact
Nippon Steel
https://www.nipponsteel.com/contact/
TIER IV
pr@tier4.jp

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SOURCE TIER IV, Inc.

NRF APAC Innovators Showcase, alongside new CEO-only initiative, to empower retailers and brands to uncover unlimited possibilities across the region

SINGAPORE, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The highly anticipated NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show Asia Pacific (NRF 2025 APAC), scheduled to be held in Singapore on June 3-5, 2025, today announced trailblazing initiatives designed to foster deeper collaboration and drive retail innovation across the region. These initiatives include the invite-only NRF APAC Innovators Showcase and the newly launched NRF CEO Club, which will offer an exclusive platform for retail leaders to engage in high-level discussions and explore transformative opportunities shaping the future of retail in APAC.

Curated by the NRF Innovation Advisory Committee, the NRF APAC Innovators Showcase will present an exclusive exhibition of the top 30 innovative technology companies transforming retail in and around the APAC region, including

ChatLabs: ChatLabs’ AI-powered solution delivers hyper-personalised, real-time engagement for global brands like Louis Vuitton and Samsung to maximise customer engagement, retention, and return on ad spend (ROAS).Tradeverifyd: Tradeverifyd’s agentic AI-powered supply chain monitoring helps enterprises proactively detect risks, ensure transparency, and build resilient networks.

Limited to only enterprise-level retail CEOs, the NRF CEO Club stands as the most extensive invite-only initiative designed to empower some 100 top executives and business leaders, through a suite of bespoke services such as high-level business matching and enabling a dedicated platform for strategic discussions. The club fosters cross-border and cross-sector collaborations for retail leaders to address pressing challenges and uncover new opportunities at a transformative level.

“The NRF CEO Club is more than just an exclusive gathering – it’s a strategic platform designed to inspire meaningful connections, foster cross-border collaboration, and spark innovative solutions to the most pressing challenges facing the retail industry today,” said David Mann, Chief Economist for APAC at Mastercard, and an NRF 2025 APAC advisory board member. “By bringing together influential leaders from diverse regional markets across APAC, we are pleased to be part of a unique network where ideas can flourish, partnerships can deepen, and transformative opportunities can emerge.”

Japan’s FamilyMart and India’s Myntra were among the new conference speakers added to the line-up.

Shin Odake, Director, Senior Managing Executive Officer and Chief Supply Chain Officer at FamilyMart, who will be delivering a keynote address, said, “We are excited to participate in NRF APAC for the first time as it provides an unparalleled opportunity to engage with industry leaders and innovators influencing the future of retail. At FamilyMart, we are constantly looking at innovative ways to elevate our customer experiences. We look forward to exchanging insights and collaborating with industry peers to expand our brand regionally.”

Advance rate discounts for the All-Access Pass are available from now until April 14, 2025. This pass offers full access to the three-day conference featuring 11 major keynotes, 18 breakout sessions, and multiple networking opportunities, in addition to unlimited access to the expo floor and exclusive invite-only gatherings. For more information, please visit https://nrfbigshowapac.nrf.com/

About NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show Asia Pacific 
Retail’s most important event in Asia Pacific takes place in Singapore from June 3-5, 2025. The Asia Pacific edition brings together retail industry leaders from across the region to collaborate on a Pan Asia Pacific stage, home of the world’s fastest growing markets. Retail professionals can gain inspiration from top retail leaders over a three-day conference, an all-encompassing Expo featuring the latest retail solutions, as well as experience the latest innovations and breakthrough technologies available in the market.

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