IIM Jammu and Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand Forge Landmark AI-Driven Academic Alliance
The Indian Institute of Management Jammu (IIM Jammu) and the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Bangkok, Thailand, have recently solidified their global academic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on February 13, 2026. This agreement was accompanied by the formal launch of a Dual Degree MBA Program in Artificial Intelligence and Business Analytics on February 12, 2026, during the Bharat Bodhan AI Conclave 2026 held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
Bharat Bodhan AI Conclave 2026
The Bharat Bodhan AI Conclave 2026 marked a significant event as it was the first national convening of India’s AI-in-Education ecosystem. This initiative serves as a foundational step for the Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence in Education at the IIT Madras Bodhan AI Foundation. The program was inaugurated by Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, the Hon’ble Union Minister of Education, along with other dignitaries from the government and academia.
Key Attendees
The launch event was attended by several prominent figures, including:
- Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, Hon’ble Minister of State for Education
- Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State for Education
- Shri Vineet Joshi, Secretary, Department of Higher Education
- Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy
- S Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
- Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras
Significance of the MoU
The MoU was signed by Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director of IIM Jammu, and Professor Pai-Chi Li, President of AIT, marking a pivotal moment in enhancing academic cooperation between India and Thailand. The signing ceremony was attended online by senior faculty and academic leaders from both institutions, showcasing a strong commitment to advancing this international academic collaboration.
Framework for Collaboration
The agreement establishes a comprehensive framework for collaboration that includes:
- Faculty, student, and staff exchange programs
- A Dual Degree MBA Program
- A Dual Degree Doctoral Program
- Joint professional certification programs
- Collaborative research in management, technology, sustainability, and allied domains
- Joint conferences, seminars, symposia, summer programs, and study treks
This framework aims to institutionalize long-term academic and research cooperation between the two prestigious institutions.
Vision for the Future
During the event, Prof. B. S. Sahay emphasized the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence, stating that it is not merely a technological advancement but a force that is redefining leadership, governance, industry, and society. He highlighted that the Dual Degree MBA in AI and Business Analytics is designed to cultivate ethically grounded, technologically empowered, and globally competitive leaders capable of leveraging AI for inclusive growth and sustainable innovation.
Commitment to National Aspirations
Prof. Sahay reiterated IIM Jammu’s commitment to aligning cutting-edge AI education with India’s developmental aspirations and the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, under the leadership of Shri Narendra Modi, the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India.
Comments from AIT Leadership
Professor Pai-Chi Li remarked that this partnership signifies a forward-looking alliance between two institutions dedicated to shaping the future of technology-enabled management education. He noted that by combining AIT’s strengths in innovation and technology with IIM Jammu’s excellence in management and leadership development, this collaboration will create a robust academic bridge between South and Southeast Asia. It is expected to catalyze high-impact research, foster entrepreneurial and technological innovation, and facilitate dynamic student and faculty mobility.
Online Participation
The online participation included various faculty members and academic leaders, such as:
- Prof. Pranab Ranjan Das, Professor of Practice
- Dr. Gaana J, Chairperson, Accreditation
- Dr. Rashmi Ranjan Parida, Chairperson, MBA Healthcare
- Dr. Rambalak Yadav, Chairperson, Doctoral Program
- Dr. Anuja Akhouri, Chairperson, Library
- Dr. Sarbjit Singh, Chairperson, Admissions
- Prof. Sanjeev Pathak, Chairperson, Executive Education and Consultancy
- Dr. Arup Bhattacharya, Chief Program Officer
- Cmdr. Kesavan Baskkaran, CAO, IIM Jammu
Conclusion
The Dual Degree MBA Program represents a landmark international academic collaboration that integrates IIM Jammu’s strong foundation in management education with AIT’s expertise in technology-driven innovation. With the signing of the MoU and the formal launch of the program, IIM Jammu reinforces its commitment to internationalization, academic excellence, and innovation, aiming to build global bridges that foster knowledge creation, leadership development, and sustainable growth in both regional and global contexts.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the latest updates from IIM Jammu and the Asian Institute of Technology as of February 2026.
