PTT Exploration and Production PCL : PTTEP and Chiang Mai University join hands in the initiation of Thailand’s first Master of Science Program in Petroleum Geophysics (International Program)

• PTTEP and CMU cooperate in initiating the first Master of Science Program in Petroleum Geophysics (International Program) in Thailand and Asia
• Program will produce and develop quality geophysicists to meet Thailand's exploration and production industry needs

PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited (PTTEP) and Chiang Mai University (CMU) have cooperated in initiating the first Master of Science Program in Petroleum Geophysics (International Program) in Thailand and Asia. The grand opening ceremony, held at the Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, was presided over by Mr. Tevin Vongvanich, President and Chief Executive Officer of PTTEP, and Professor Watchara Kasinrerk, Ph.D., Vice President for Academic and Education Quality of CMU.

The cooperation, under the "COOPERATIVE INSTITUTE FOR PETROLEUM GEOPHYSICS PROGRAM BETWEEN PTT EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED AND CHIANG MAI UNIVERSITY AGREEMENT" signed in 2012, is driven by the objective to develop a program that focuses on providing students with hands-on experience and advanced knowledge of the most current geophysics technologies applied in the exploration and production industry today. During the 18-month program, students will be taught by local professors in conjunction with professors from renowned international institutions and universities, such as the University of Leeds from the United Kingdom. Within the first 5 academic years, from 2014 to 2019, PTTEP will provide financial support of 5.5 million USD (approximately 176 million baht) for implementation of the program. In the first academic year, the program will successfully produce 12 Thai and international graduates.

During the opening ceremony, Mr. Tevin Vongvanich said "The situation (in the exploration and production industry) is becoming more difficult and more challenging as petroleum sources are increasingly scarce while the geological complexity increases, hence advanced knowledge and technology are highly important. PTTEP acknowledges this situation and foresees that knowledge and technology in the field of Geophysics are keys to success in precisely analyzing petroleum potential. However, a Geophysics education program that focuses on petroleum exploration and production is not available in Thailand, thus PTTEP and CMU decided to initiate the Cooperative Institute for Petroleum Geophysics Program to meet the needs of both domestic and international exploration and production industry. PTTEP believes that the Department of Geological Science of Chiang Mai University is equipped with the infrastructure and experience that will contribute to the program's success."

In an additional note, Professor Watchara Kasinrerk, Ph.D., said "Seeing the need for quality manpower in the Petroleum Industry, PTTEP and CMU have joined efforts to make the Master of Science Program in Petroleum Geophysics (International Program) a reality to develop quality Geophysicists for the industry.
The PGS Program focuses on producing graduates with knowledge and abilities that will serve as a major force in the development of both the domestic and international Petroleum Industry, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. Moreover, the program also plays an important role in empowering CMU's academic research and development performance.
On behalf of the Chiang Mai University, I would like to express my gratitude to PTTEP for acknowledging the importance of the PGS Program and for the generosity of their sponsorship, without which the program would not be what it is today. My gratitude also extends to CMU's Faculty of Science, as PGS Program's first semester successful kick-off would not be possible without their facilities, cooperation , and dedication ."

In addition to this project, PTTEP also supports various educational projects, for example:

- Partnership between PTTEP, Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production, Ltd. and Chulalongkorn University in producing the M.Sc. in Petroleum Geoscience Program, which is part of the University Partnership Program (UPP)
- Academic cooperation between PTTEP and Chulalongkorn University
- Rayong Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (RAIST) and Kamnoetwit Science Academy (KWIT) Project
- Scholarship program that gives opportunity to high school students, through the Office of The Civil Service Commission (OCSC), to attend undergraduate programs abroad in the fields of Chemistry, Petroleum Engineering, and other related fields
- "PTTEP Building People for Petroleum Exploration Project" which allows high school students to make academic choices to study in the field of Geoscience
- Petroleum technician sponsorship project, a partnership between PTTEP and Chevron
- Sponsorship for development of faculty, student, resource center, and teaching materials for Hatyai Technical College

PTTEP is a national petroleum exploration and production company dedicating to providing a sustainable petroleum supply to Thailand and the countries we operate in with the dedication to conduct business with social responsibility. At present, the company has invested in over 40 petroleum exploration and production onshore and offshore projects in 11 countries around the world. 

For media inquiry, please contact Media Management Section
Tongchit Pongorapin Tel. +66 (0) 2537 4587 E-mail: tongchitp@pttep.com
Rudklao Suwankiri Tel. +66 (0) 2537 5410 E-mail: rudklaos@pttep.com

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