NSTDA and AIT sign landmark agreement

AIT calls on Ambassador of Korea

College of Agriculture launches Unified Program in Agriculture Business Management

AIT’s work resonates with issues addressed by IAU: Secretary General

Ostrom Center kicks off with inaugural meeting

China Scholarship Council (CSC) delegation at AIT

JIRCAS seeks collaboration with AIT

Dr Noppadol Phien-wej appointed President of SEAGS

Dr Seree Supharatid appointed Governor, Provincial Waterworks Authority

Worasart Apaipong appointed DG of Department of Groundwater Resources

Condolence

AIT Alumni Visit Campus

AIT team wins third position in Go Green in the City contest

AIT Library Modernization Campaign

Summer Camp

Blood Donation Camp

RTG Deadline Extended

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NSTDA and AIT sign landmark agreement

From left: Dr. Thaweesak Koanantakool, H.E. Prof. Yongyuth Yuthavong, H.E. Dr. Subin Pinkayan and Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai.

AIT and the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) have signed a landmark agreement to cooperate in the field of research and education, and work towards creating a premier technology and knowledge hub in Thailand. An agreement signed by the two organizations on 29 June 2016 provides for 11 NSTDA experts and researchers to work at AIT as Special Adjunct Faculty members, while AIT gets access to NSTDA research facilities.

The agreement was signed by Dr. Thaweesak Koanantakool, President, NSTDA, and Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai, President AIT in the presence of H.E. Dr. Subin Pinkayan, Chairman of the AIT Board of Trustees; and H.E. Prof. Yongyuth Yuthavong, Former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and Technology, Royal Thai Government. The researchers will come from the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC), National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), and National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC).

AIT calls on Ambassador of Korea

Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai (left) and H.E. Noh Kwang-il.

An AIT delegation led by President Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai called on the Ambassador of Korea to Thailand, and Member, AIT Board of Trustees, H.E. Noh Kwang-il on 13 June 2016. Accompanying the President to the Embassy were Dr. Chainarong Na Lamphun, former AITAA President, Dr. Sohee Minsun Kim of AIT’s School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD); Mr. Sanjeev Jayasinghe, Director, Fundraising, and Mr. Shawn Kelly, Acting Head, External Relations and Communication Office (ERCO).

The Ambassador expressed his interest in AIT’s campaign to renovate the Korea House, which was constructed courtesy of a USD 110,000 grant from the Korean Traders Scholarship Foundation in 1982. AIT’s partnership with Korea dates to 1975 when the Korean Government deputed faculty members to AIT through the Ministry of Science and Technology, Korea, and later through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

College of Agriculture launches Unified Program in Agriculture Business Management

Dr. Peeyush Soni of AIT being felicitated by Mr. Sharad Pawar.

College of Agriculture, Baramati (Maharashtra, India) has launched an International Unified Bachelor-Master Program in Agriculture Business Management (MABM) along with AIT. The inaugural ceremony announcing the launch of the program was presided over by Sharad Pawar, former Minister of Agriculture, India, on 13 June 2016, in Baramati.

The program allows students enrolled in four universities of Maharashtra to be eligible for admission through the Maharashtra Council of Agriculture Education and Research (MCAER). While students will study for their Bachelor’s program in their host university in India, AIT will offer them a Master’s program in Agriculture Business Management (MABM).

AIT’s work resonates with issues addressed by IAU: Secretary General

Ms. Eva Egron-Polak (left) and Ms. Yhing Sawheny.

AIT’s work is “incredibly impressive,” and it resonates with the issues that are addressed by the International Association of Universities (IAU). Stating this, Secretary-General of IAU, Ms. Eva Egron-Polak remarked that IAU is working to establish a network cluster on the theme of Sustainable Development, and it solicits AIT’s expertise and collaboration in this field.

Interacting with senior AIT officials on 10 June 2016, Ms. Eva remarked that internationalization of education has changed over time. However, IAU’s principled position is that internationalization should be pegged on the pursuance of academic goals that promote academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and social responsibility. Ms. Eva was accompanied by Ms. Yhing Sawheny, Deputy Director, Siam University.

Ostrom Center kicks off with inaugural meeting

Prof. Rajendra Shrestha (left) and Prof. Ganesh Shivakoti (right).

Focussing on the core issue of governance of natural resources, the Ostrom Center for the Advanced Study of Natural Resources Governance (OCeAN) began operations with its inaugural meeting held at AIT on 14 June 2016.

Announcing the commencement of operations of OCeAN, Prof. Ganesh Shivakoti, Adjunct Faculty Member at AIT, stated that the Center will focus on publications, hosting scholarly discussions to draft advanced theoretical volumes, organizing and supporting training, engaging in policy dialogue with decision makers, and organizing grant writing workshops. Named after Nobel laureate Elinor Claire Ostrom, the Center will be based in AIT’s School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD). Participants at the inaugural event came from China, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and USA.

China Scholarship Council (CSC) delegation at AIT

From left: Mr. Cao Shihai, Ms. Li Tingting, and Mr. Wang Zhe.

A three-member delegation of the China Scholarship Council (CSC) led by Mr. Cao Shihai, Deputy Secretary-General, Ms. Li Tingting, Deputy Director, Division of International Students Affairs, and Mr. Wang Zhe, Deputy Director, Division of Asian and African Affairs visited AIT on 27 June 2016, and examined the possibilities of scholarships for students, and secondment of faculty members and young scholars.

They also elaborated on the various programs offered by CSC for Chinese students, scholars and faculty members. The meeting follows an earlier visit by an AIT team led to President Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai to China in May 2016. Dr. Zhou Gaoyu, First Secretary, Embassy of China to Thailand also accompanied the CSC delegation.

JIRCAS seeks collaboration with AIT

Dr. Satoshi Uchida

A four-member delegation of the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) visited AIT on 17 June 2016 to hold discussions on food value

chain development including food value additions, marketing and processing, and ICT technology. Dr. Uchida stated that they were interested in engaging with AIT experts in food quality, supply and demand analysis of major food products, and applicability of ICT technologies including remote sensing for optimal

agricultural food production.

Led by Dr. Satoshi Uchida, Director of Social Sciences Division, and Project Leader of Food Value Chain, the delegation included Dr. Fumika Sen, Dr. Kensuke Kawamura, and Dr. Gen Takao.

Dr Noppadol appointed President of SEAGS

Dr. Noppadol Phien-wej

Dr. Noppadol Phien-wej of AIT’s School of Engineering and Technology (SET) has been elected as the new President of the Southeast Asian Geotechnical Society (SEAGS). He was elected for this position at the 19th Southeast Asian Geotechnical Conference held at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 31 May – 3 June 2016.

It was also decided to hold the 50th year anniversary conference of SEAGS at AIT in September 2017. The event is to be hosted by Thai Geotechnical Society in collaboration with AIT.

Dr. Noppadol takes over as SEAGS President from Dr. Ooi Teik Aun, and he shall serve for a three-year term from 2016-2019. Prior to taking over as President, Dr. Noppadol was serving as Honorary Secretary General of SEAGS.

Dr Seree Supharatid appointed Governor, Provincial Waterworks Authority

Dr Seree Supharatid

AIT Alumnus Dr. Seree Supharatid has been appointed the new Governor of Provincial Waterworks Authority of Thailand. A graduate of AIT’s Water Resources and Engineering (Master’s in 1987), he has also served as Dean of Graduate School of Engineering at Rangsit University, and Director, Sirindhorn International Environmental Park.

Dr. Seree acquired considerable fame as a television analyst during the Great Bangkok Flood of 2011. He also spoke at AIT after the flood when he enunciated three options for managing and controlling floods in Bangkok, including creating a detention basin of three million Rais (3000 million cubic meters); construction of an additional East flood bypass channel; and creating both East and West flood bypass channels in addition to the detention area.

Worasart Apaipong appointed DG of Department of Groundwater Resources

Mr. Worasart Apaipong

AIT alumnus Mr. Worasart Apaipong has been appointed as the new Director General of the Department of Groundwater Resources, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Thailand. His appointment was announced at the meeting of the Thailand cabinet held on 21 June 2016.

Mr. Worasart received his Master’s of Engineering in Geotechnical and Transportation Engineering from AIT’s School of Civil Engineering in 1984. The Department of Groundwater Resources oversees the development and management of Thailand’s integrated groundwater resources in order to ensure a sustainable development in water resources.

CONDOLENCE

Prof. Hiroyoshi Shi- Igai

File photo: Former President Prof. Milton E. Bender Jr. (left) welcoming Prof. Hiroyoshi Shi-Igal to AIT.

AIT’s first Japanese seconded faculty member and former Vice President and Provost, Prof. Hiroyoshi Shi-Igai passed away on 30 May 2016. A funeral ceremony was held on 5 June 2016.

An alumnus of the University of Tokyo, Prof. Shi-Igai was seconded to AIT as a visiting professor of coastal engineering (1969-1971, 1973-1974). In April 1977, he was seconded for a third time, succeeding Professor Robert Banks as Vice President and Provost. From 1981-2000, Professor Shi-Igai also served as Vice Chairman of AIT’s Board of Trustees. AIT President Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai has condoled the death of Prof. Shi-Igai on behalf of the AIT community.

AIT Alumni visit campus

Dr. Verapong Chaiperm

A delegation of AIT alumni led by Dr. Verapong C h a i p e r m , Governor, Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (I-EA-T) visited their alma mater on 14 June 2016, and interacted with senior Institute officials. They were informed about various aspects about the institute including future role of AIT, current financial situation, progress of renovation of infrastructure, library modernization, and fundraising campaign for laboratory equipment and

renovation of Korea House.

The delegation included among others Dr. Verapong Chaiperm, Mr. Manas Supasirilux, Mr. Suthi Panpanit, Mr. Chanon Thaicharoen, Mr. Monchai Wongkarnka, Ms. Witchuda Seenakachorn, and Ms. Tipjinda Chairerk.

AIT team wins third position in Go Green in the City contest

Pokchat Wetchapinant (right) and Danupol Wetchasirikul with their award.

A team of two AIT students have won the third place in the “Go Green in the City” competition organized by Schneider Electric. Termed as a global student competition for sustainable energy solutions, the competition held at Schneider’s Bangphoo Industrial Estate, saw AIT’s team comprising of Pokchat Wetchapinant and Danupol Wetchasirikul win the second runner-up position in Thailand.

Presenting their proposal on “Eco districts and smart fit,” the AIT team combined a smart grid proposal with popular chat applications and games to promote the concept of reducing power consumption, particularly during peak demand.

AIT Library Modernization Campaign

Summer Camp

Blood Donation Camp

RTG Deadline Extended

Due to the late completion of undergraduate programs in some universities, AIT has extended the deadline for submission of applications for RTG Fellowships from 30 June 2016 to 23 July 2016.

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Credits

Editor: Bajinder Pal Singh bajinder@ait.asia

Photos: Paitoon Tinnapong

Contact: Media and Communications mcu@ait.asia