A group of 50 scholarship students from Thailand visited Leicester this month as part of a national programme designed to strengthen the country’s digital-economy capabilities. The visit formed part of the Royal Thai Government’s One District One Scholarship initiative, which sends high-performing students overseas to gain exposure to advanced research and industry environments.
Space Park Leicester hosted the delegation and provided access to its research and innovation hub, which supports UK space-sector businesses and academic partners. Representatives from Thailand’s Research University Network, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Kasetsart University and the Thai Chamber of Commerce also took part in the visit, underscoring Thailand’s interest in developing technical talent for emerging industries.
Space Park Leicester Education and Outreach Officer Josh Barker said: “We were thrilled when we discovered the students from Thailand had chosen Leicester as their destination for the One District One Scholarship programme. It was an honour to welcome them and to show both delegations our excellent facilities which are home to a collaborative community which is at the forefront of the UK space sector. We were privileged to show them how we are pushing the boundaries of space exploration, satellite technology and Earth observation to benefit society and the economy.”
The programme included specialist teaching delivered by academics from the University of Leicester’s School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, with modules on AI, machine learning, computational modelling, autonomous systems, and data analytics. Students also joined sessions from the University’s School of Business and visited the London headquarters of global IT and consulting firm CGI.
The itinerary featured masterclasses at the National Space Centre and visits to local sites, including the King Richard III Visitor Centre and a Leicester Riders game. Leicester City Football Club supported the programme.
