Special Projects
Young GMS Professional Program (YGMS)
Launched in 2008, the YGMS Professional Program aims to develop research, policy analysis and facilitation skills in young GMS professionals interested or involved in the GMS Cooperation Program and AEC integration issues. The six-month program provides a unique learning opportunity selected candidates using a combination of competency-based modules and first-hand work experience in and with MIs program departments. The YGMS program is one component under the joint NZAP-MI program; Capacity Development Programme for Integrating CLMV Economies into AEC which will run until 2014.
Selected participants will undergo a modular training program focusing on basic facilitation skills, research methodology and regional integration before being deployed to MI departments and units according to their interests. There the YGMS participants will engage in research, learning program facilitation, and policy dialogues. Upon completion of the program, participants may be absorbed by MI as regular staff.
Mekong Institute-New Zealand Ambassador Scholarship Program (MINZAS)
The MINZAS scholarship program aims to promote regional development, cooperation and integration by increasing research competencies among masters degree students from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand (CLMT countries).
The scholarship provides research grants, training and advisory support to students from universities in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand with research interests in topics related to regional cooperation and integration. Each batch of participants will go through a one-year program cycle. The cycle entails; a training course on GMS Cooperation and ASEAN Integration, research development and methodology, technical assistance and advisory support by experienced mentors and academics during the research phase, round table meetings with subject experts as forums to present and receive feedback on their research, and the publication of research reports as part of the MI Working Paper Series.
GMS Youth Camp on Transnational Production Chains
The YGMS Youth Camp program is the product of a unique private-public sector partnership promoting the development and dissemination of modern farming systems among agricultural university students in the GMS countries. The program provides final-year university students studying subjects related to agricultural science/development an opportunity to learn first-hand about supply chains, new products, and technology used in successful agribusinesses in Thailand through short-term work placements in the partner companies.
By exposing selected students to new practices, technology and processes used in the production of agricultural goods, the youth camp promotes the development of new, modern farming practices among future agricultural leaders in the private and public sectors. Under the scheme, 40 students (each intake) from Yezin University, Battambang University, Hue University, and Souphanavong University will undertake work placements at Betagro Group, CP Group, Sriviroj Farm Khon Kaen, Chiang Mai Fresh Farm Milk and Raming Tea Company in Thailand.