AIT Newsletter October 2010
HRH Maha Chakri Sirindhorn receives AIT’s first Hall of Fame trophy
Nigeria’s NSUK seeks collaboration with AIT
Israel for greater academic and industrial ties with AIT
We will act as ambassadors of AIT: Ethiopian Minister
Asian Institute Technology in Vietnam (AITVN) unveils new office in Can Tho
President delves on AIT’s internationality in television interview
AIT signs agreement with Skydoor
AIT DAY 2010 September 7
Brainstorming Session
Mini Press Conference | September 7, 2010
HRH Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presiding over AIT Day Celebrations
September 7, 2010
Technical and Cultural Tour for AIT Alumni
Multicultural welcome show at AIT draws packed house
News You Can Use
Credits

HRH Maha Chakri Sirindhorn receives AIT’s first Hall of Fame trophy

Chairman of the Board of Trustees, HE Dr. Tej Bunnag, presents the first Hall of Fame trophy
Chairman of the Board of Trustees, HE Dr. Tej Bunnag, presents the first Hall of Fame trophy to HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn was officially inducted into AIT’s Hall of Fame by H.E. Tej Bunnag, former Foreign Minister of Thailand and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of AIT.

Awarded numerous honors in her career, the designation marks the first time HRH has been inducted into any educational institute’s Hall of Fame. The AIT Hall of Fame recognizes and permanently honors the accomplishments and contributions of its senior alumni and others who have brought pride and inspiration to their professions, society and their alma mater.

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s induction into AIT’s Hall of Fame is an expression of the Institute’s profound appreciation for Her Royal        
Highness’ support and assistance rendered to the AIT, Dr Tej said.

Nigeria’s NSUK seeks collaboration with AIT

Nigeria’s NSUK seeks collaboration with AIT

Nasawara State University (NSUK) of Nigeria has expressed interest in student, faculty and staff exchange programs with the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT). This was    stated by the Vice Chancellor of NSUK, Prof. Shamsudeen O.O.Amali during a visit to AIT on 20 September 2010.

Prof. Amali stated that NSUK was impressed with AIT and was keen on training and enhancing its pool of experts. “We are short of experts and would like AIT to train our staff,” Prof. Amali said. The Vice Chancellor remarked that NSUK would like to establish linkages in both student and staff exchange, apart from training programs. The linkage could also be extended to material and research exchange, he added. Prof. J.O.E.Otuka, Deputy Vice Chancellor of NSUK elaborated on the academic offerings of his university. The delegation included Prof. Ebele Amali, Professor of Economics at NSUK and Fatima Othman, Director of Linkages, NSUK. Prof. Elebe Amali is one of the only five female professors of Economics in Nigeria.

Israel for greater academic and industrial ties with AIT

Israel for greater academic and

His Excellency Mr. Itzhak Shoham, Ambassador of Israel to Thailand, has evinced great interest in the new Charter of the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and stated that Israel is looking forward towards greater academic and industrialties with AIT.

This was stated by the Ambassador during his maiden visit to AIT on 14 September 2010. Apart from meeting senior AIT officials, the Ambassador also visited the ASEAN Regional Center of Excellence on MDGs, Yunus Center at AIT, AIT Consulting, Energy Park and the Center of Excellence in Nanotechnology. The ambassador was accompanied by Mr. Ilan Weitzman, First Secretary, and Deputy Chief of Mission.

We will act as ambassadors of AIT: Ethiopian Minister

We will act as ambassadors of AIT: Ethiopian Minister

“The Asian Institute of Technology focuses on appropriate technology and we have benefitted a lot from this institute. We will act as ambassadors of AIT and send more    students, visitors and officials for training.” This was stated by H.E. Dr. Abera Deressa, State Minister, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development ( M o A R D ) ,   
Ethiopia while speaking at the closing ceremony of Professional Development Program on “Sustainable Development in Rural and Agricultural Practices using IT    Applications” organized by AIT Extension on 1 September 2010.

The  Minister, who along with eight senior officials from Ethiopia attended the program, remarked that their study objective has been attained and that AIT provided them with     practical examples of using technology in rural development and agriculture. Complimenting AIT for hosting and organizing the program, the minister stated that the AIT focus on appropriate technology for developing countries has proved to be very beneficial for the participants.

Asian Institute Technology in Vietnam (AITVN) unveils new office in Can Tho

Asian Institute Technology in

Asian Institute of Technology in Vietnam (AITVN) unveiled the new AIT-Vietnam office and classroom facilities located on the campus of the Can Tho University (CTU) on 10 September 2010. Speaking on the occasion, the AIT President Prof. Said Irandoust remarked that the event is a testimony of 17 years of strong and sustained partnership between the Government of Vietnam and the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT).

AIT and CTU also signed an agreement to facilitate efficient delivery of joint programs in education, research and other services for the region.

President delves on AIT’s internationality in television interview

President delves on AIT’s

“Asian Institute of Technology is gearing towards an even brighter future after the    signing    of the new AIT Charter. With     representatives across three continents   
becoming signatories of    the new    AIT Charter,    the institute positions itself as not just a regional hub, but as a global network institute.” This was stated by the AIT President Prof. Said Irandoust during a television nterview with the Nation Channel for the program “Inside Asia.”   

During the half hour interview anchored by senior journalist Mr. Kavi Chongkittavorn of the Nation Multimedia Group, the President elaborated on the benefits of the new AIT  Charter. Prof. Irandoust remarked that the new Charter is a mandate for fostering and promoting a global network. The President also added that Africa is an important area     for AIT and the experience from Asia can be applied to Africa. He cited the example of Seychelles joining the new AIT Charter as a testimony to AIT’s association with     Africa. Prof. Irandoust also spoke about AIT’s involvement in capacity building in Afghanistan, Iraq and North Korea.

AIT signs agreement with Skydoor

AIT signs agreement with Skydoor

Students from the Asian Institute of  Technology (AIT) are among the best and each student is different from the other in terms of knowledge, experience and skills. These    were the remarks of Dr. Roberto Mariani, CEO and Founder of Skydoor Pte Limited during the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Skydoor and AIT. Dr. Mariani remarked that AIT was one of the three global educational institutions where he had found such student diversity. Mr. Kenneth S. Brown, Managing Director and Chairman of Skydoor Pte Limited stated that this was the first instance of his company partnering with an educational institute.

Skydoor signed a MOU with AIT wherein the two partners with help create the Skydoor environment to be used by Universities and other institutes of higher learning to enhance skills in computer and digital imaging environments. The two partners will also promote creativity in computer and digital imaging and drive developing nations towards  a knowledge based economy.

AIT DAY 2010 September 7

On the Asian Institute of Technology’s (AIT) 51st anniversary celebration, a three-day celebration was organized to bring all alumni, former faculty members and friends of AIT.

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand became the first ever inductee into AIT’s new Hall Of Fame on 7 September 2010 at a glittering AIT Day 2010 ceremony. Accepting the honor, HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn remarked that she was “honored and flattered to accept the invitation of the panel of judges, chaired by former AIT President Prof. Alastair North, to be the first Hall of Fame inductee at the Asian Institute of Technology. The beloved Thai Princess headed a stellar group of eleven Thai and international AIT alumni as Hall of Fame inductees from Thailand, Pakistan, Chinese Taipei, Indonesia and the Philippines.

The official launch of the Friends of AIT Heritage (FAITH) Foundation also took place during the celebration. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn encouraged all alumni to support the AIT Fundraising Campaign.

Brainstorming Session

Mini Press Conference | September 7, 2010

Over 70 participants
Over 70 participants
Over 70 participants
Over 70 participants including AIT alumni, former faculty, current AIT faculty and staff participated in a brainstorming session on AIT’s future.

Mini Press Conference | September 7, 2010

A panel consisting of H.E.Dr. Tej Bunnag, Chairman, AIT Board of Trustees; Prof. Said Irandoust, President, AIT; Prof. Alistair
A panel consisting of H.E.Dr. Tej Bunnag, Chairman, AIT Board of Trustees; Prof. Said Irandoust, President, AIT; Prof. Alistair
A panel consisting of H.E.Dr. Tej Bunnag, Chairman, AIT Board of Trustees; Prof. Said Irandoust, President, AIT; Prof. Alistair
A panel consisting of H.E.Dr. Tej Bunnag, Chairman, AIT Board of Trustees; Prof. Said Irandoust, President, AIT; Prof. Alistair North, Chairman of Panel of AIT Hall of Fame Judging Committee and Prof. Worsak Kanok Nukul-Chai, Vice President for Resource Development briefing the media on AIT’s Hall of Fame and the new Friends of AIT Heritage “FAITH” Foundation. HRH Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presiding over AIT Day Celebrations September 7, 2010.

HRH Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presiding over AIT Day Celebrations

September 7, 2010

Keynote address by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
Keynote address by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
AIT President Said Irandoust, Chairman of the Hall of Fame Panel of Judges, Professor Alastair M. North and Chairman of
AIT President Said Irandoust, Chairman of the Hall of Fame Panel of Judges, Professor Alastair M. North and Chairman of AIT Board of Trustees HE Dr. Tej Bunnag.
Mr. Peerawat Premchun, AIT Alumni 1972 and Director of TEAM Group of Companies, received the AIT Medal of
Mr. Peerawat Premchun, AIT Alumni 1972 and Director of TEAM Group of Companies, received the AIT Medal of  Appreciation for his contribution of one million Baht.
HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn along with all inductees in AIT’s Hall of Fame.
HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn along with all inductees in AIT’s Hall of Fame.
HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn unveils the photos of the Hall of Fame Inductees.
HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn unveils the photos of the Hall of Fame Inductees.
HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn unveils the photos of the Hall of Fame Inductees.
HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn unveils the photos of the Hall of Fame Inductees.
HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn visiting the exhibition area featuring the Citations of the Hall of Fame Inductees,
HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn visiting the exhibition area featuring the Citations of the Hall of Fame Inductees,  the Yunus Center at AIT, the ARCMDG Center, and the AIT-UNEP RRC.AP office.
HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn visiting the exhibition area featuring the Citations of the Hall of Fame Inductees,
HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn visiting the exhibition area featuring the Citations of the Hall of Fame Inductees,  the Yunus Center at AIT, the ARCMDG Center, and the AIT-UNEP RRC.AP office.
HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn visiting the exhibition area featuring the Citations of the Hall
HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn visiting the exhibition area featuring the Citations of the Hall of Fame Inductees,  the Yunus Center at AIT, the ARCMDG Center, and the AIT-UNEP RRC.AP office.

Technical and Cultural Tour for AIT Alumni

Earth Retaining Wall along Chao Phraya River Project | Bank of Thailand Museum 8 September 2010   

Multicultural welcome show at AIT draws packed house

Multicultural welcome show at AIT draws

A full packed house at the AIT Conference Center enjoyed the multi cultural welcome show organized for new students. Students from India, Thailand and Cambodia bagged     the top honors in the various competitions organized by the AIT Student Union (AITSU) to mark the occasion.

The cultural extravaganza witnessed participation of students from Asia, Europe and Africa. An interesting display was a joint ‘international’ performance by students   
of various countries. Many participants included songs and music from other countries while presenting their performance, illustrating the multi cultural character of AIT. Students from India won the top honors in both song and dance competitions, while students from Thailand won the drama contest. The team from Cambodia bagged the Ms. and Mr. AIT contest. The international group won the second prize in the song competition, while students from Myanmar won the third prize. In the dance competition, the team from Myanmar was the second runner up, while the team from Thailand finished as the first runner up.

News You Can Use

Just after the release of the new Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings, the European Union  too is developing a new worldwide ranking system of universities to rival    currently established league tables in a bid to improve  the ranking of European universities and  improve Europe’s economic power. Read more  in an article in the EU Observer: http://euobserver.com/education/29189

The much debated new methodology on THE rankings can be read here: http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2010-2011/analysis-methodology.html

How THE rated various universities
•Teaching — the    learning environment (30%)   
•Research — volume, income and reputation (30%)   
•Citations — research influence    (32.5%)   
•Industry income — innovation (2.5 %)

Did you Know?

So far 113 graduation ceremonies have been held at AIT

Credits

Editor:    Bajinder Pal Singh    bajinder@ait.asia
Photos: Paitoon Tinnapong
Feedback: Media and Communications Unit at AIT mcu@ait.asia