The Government Technology (GovTech) Agency, Druk Holding and Investments, and a leading IT college in Japan, Chiba Institute of Technology (CIT) have agreed to a series of collaborations focused on education, technology, and infrastructure. According to a news release from the GovTech Agency, the agreement follows His Majesty The King’s announcement of the Gelephu Mindfulness City, a Special Administrative Region, to drive social and economic growth in the country.
As part of the agreement, a GovTech-CIT scholarship programme will be launched enabling GovTech employees or current Bhutanese students studying in Japan to receive full scholarships to study fields such as space, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, semiconductors, and Web3 at the Chiba Institute of Technology.
The news release states that the agreement will help establish high-speed digital infrastructure with terrestrial and satellite connections, fostering research and education. A GPU/CPU computing centre will also be established.
One of the areas of the agreement is to research to incorporate Buddhist philosophy into artificial intelligence products and services.
According to the news release, the agreement will also support the introduction of post-graduate courses in AI, software engineering, cyber security, data science, and AI governance and safety among others in the country.
The agreement will also jointly develop sustainable architecture and construction technologies, which can be incorporated into developments in the country.
From Bhutan’s end, the DHI will support the Chiba Institute of Technology as it explores the development of a FabLab, an open platform for technology learning and innovation.
The DHI operates two FabLabs in the country, including the Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck Super FabLab at the Thimphu TechPark.
According to the news release, the collaborations will help Bhutan’s process of becoming an advanced economy.
It further states that the cooperation will contribute directly to the development and growth of Gelephu Mindfulness City by helping to establish the robust technology infrastructure resident companies will require.
Sherub Dorji
