Bangkok--19 Dec--Asian Institute of Technology
Thai Pipe Industry Co. Ltd, Thailand’s leading PVC pipe manufacturer, has donated three academic scholarships worth 2.256 million Thai baht for students from Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar to attend the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT).
Each Master’s degree scholarship includes full tuition and registration fees valued at THB 752,000. The bursaries are earmarked for Master’s degree candidates in the field of Water Engineering and Management at AIT’s School of Engineering and Technology.
AIT doctoral degree alumnus Dr. Yanyong Phataralaoha (IE&M '86), Managing Director, Thai Pipe Industry Co. Ltd., on 16 December 2014 handed over a cheque on behalf of his company at a ceremony attended by senior AIT officials. Dr. Yanyong was accompanied by his wife Mrs. Gantasiri Phataralaoha, herself an AIT alumna (ENVI '84), and their daughters Ms. Wintica Phataralaoha and Ms. Kesryn Phataralaoha.
Accepting the generous gift, President Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai offered his sincere thanks to the prominent alumnus and his firm for the valuable support of the institute and students in the region. Adding a vote of thanks, AIT Vice President for Resource Development, Prof. Kazuo Yamamoto, said AIT aims to increase its engagement with industry, and the donation was a “wonderful start”.
Established in 1963, Thai Pipe Industry Co. Ltd, has been Thailand’s major producer of PVC pipes and fittings. The firm operates two main factories in Bangkok and four production facilities in northern, southern, eastern and northeastern regions of the country.
“Besides providing high quality products for domestic and international markets, our core values involve making contributions for the greater good of society,” Dr. Yanyong said. “We believe that education is undoubtedly one of the most crucial foundations that helps improve the lives of others.”
The managing director explained that for over fifty years the firm has made donations to numerous schools and educational institutions in Thailand. As the country becomes part of the AEC in 2015, Thai Pipe also plans to provide financial support to students from other ASEAN countries, he informed.
“With AIT’s rigorous science and technology programs, and notable faculty, we strongly believe that Thai Pipe scholars will receive the best education. Thus, after finishing the program they can contribute to the betterment of the region,” he said.
Dr. Yanyong, who took the helm of the family business founded by his father after a highly successful career in the military, and steered its successful growth in recent decades, also provided a personal reason for the donation. ”I am indebted to AIT, and it’s time to give back.”
Photo caption: Dr. Yanyong Phataralaoha (left) is seen presenting the donation to AIT President, Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai.