CMU-Tesco Lotus partnership in data science to build AI infrastructure
9 March 2022
Corporate Communication and Alumni Relations Center (CCARC)
Clinical Prof. Niwes Nanthachit, the CMU President, and Ms. Atiporn Jaroensri, the IT Director at Ek-Chai Distribution System Co., Ltd. (Tesco Lotus), along with Prof. Dr. Pongruk Sribanditmongkol; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Juggapong Natwichai, Vice Dean of CMU Faculty of Engineering and Head of the Executive Board of the Academic Integration Group in Data Science; and Ms. Phitchaya Ratanon, the Senior Manager in Recruitment, and Ms. Laksuree Detrerkpan, the IT Deputy Director at Tesco Lotus, signed an MOU between Chiang Mai University and Ek-Chai Distribution System Co., Ltd. The event was held online at 11 am on March 9, 2022 at the CMU Information Technology Service Centre (ITSC). The purposes of this partnership are to improve the quality of data science curriculum in higher education, to emphasise the importance of real-world problem solving, to produce various forms of academic outputs to address business problems and needs, and to open up opportunities and platforms to gain knowledge and experience for further improvement and real-world application.
Prof. Niwes stated, ‘Today’s partnership with Tesco Lotus is the testament of CMU Visions that focus on implementing proactive development strategies in three dimensions – (1) Environment and Energy, (2) Food and Health, and (3) Creative Lanna, using insights and expertise in IT to serve the community and society. To achieve such missions, this academic collaboration will cover support in teaching and internships, cooperative education, short courses, future research collaboration, and other dimensions of improvement. The CMU Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Science, College of Media, Art and Technology and ITSC will work together as the Academic Integration Group in Data Science, which would be the main driving force of this partnership.’
Ms. Atiporn added, ‘As a retail chain that has been with Thai people for 27 years, Tesco Lotus strives to deliver high-quality goods at affordable prices and excellent shopping experience through the omnichannel platform so that customers will ‘feel great every day at Tesco Lotus.’ The goal is to become a smart community hub that fits the customers’ smart lifestyle through the incorporation of new technology and innovation that enhances the convenience and joy of shopping. Not only will this partnership provide opportunities for students to learn firsthand in an organization with a modern IT system, but the Tesco Lotus team will also get to learn and exchange ideas in IT with the younger generation to improve their service. In addition, it will help educational institutions produce quality graduates that meet the market demand to drive Thailand’s development of digital technology and innovation. This corresponds to the CP Group’s Three-Benefit Principle that contributes to the nation, society and, at the lowest end of the spectrum, the company itself.