Bangkok--26 Apr--AIT
An eight-member strong delegation arrived from China on 24 April 2012 to explore the possibility of joint research and student exchange with the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT). Led by Prof. Li Xiaoxi, Deputy Director, Beijing Normal University Academic Committee, the delegation held talks with the AIT administration as well as its schools, extension and outreach centers.
Beijing Normal University (BNU), which is a premier public research university in China, and is over a hundred years old, has close ties with AIT, hosting the Institute’s golden jubilee celebrations in 2009 at its campus. Prof. Xiaoxi said their keen interest was evident from the strength of the delegation, which includes three school deans from BNU. Expressing admiration for AIT’s internationality, Prof. Xiaoxi said they would like to learn from AIT and sought help in accomplishing their vision of internationalization. He also presented his book titled “China’s New Deal” and a book chapter titled “Emerging Markets” to the AIT President, Prof. Said Irandoust. Prof. Xiaoxi wrote the book jointly with Mr.Hu Billiang, who is an AIT alumnus (1991 from AIT's School of Environment, Resources and Development). Prof. Xiaoxi also holds the position of Director of Economics, Department of Social Sciences Committee, Ministry of Education.
Prof. Zhou Nanzhao, President, UNESCO Asia-Pacific Network for International Education and Value Education, remarked that BNU is one of the most prestigious universities in China. The Ministry of Education in China has, after consultation with the Embassy of China in Thailand, included AIT’s name in the list of recognized universities. This will enhance AIT’s potential in China, Prof. Zhou added. The list can be viewed at this link: http://www.cscse.edu.cn/publish/portal0/tab674/info1729.htm.
Prof. Irandoust thanked Prof Zhou for facilitating the visit and helping AIT at various forums. He delved on AIT’s internationality stating that AIT’s diversity has remained a significant factor through its five decades of existence. Students at AIT learn not only how to recognize diversity, but also utilize diversity. “AIT has no single dominating culture, and that is what makes it unique,” Prof. Irandoust added. He remarked that AIT is moving towards consolidating its outreach, consulting and extension activities under one umbrella.
Prof. I.M.Pandey, Vice President for Academic Affairs, mentioned the innovative programs launched by AIT which were targeted towards professionals. He cited the MBA in Energy Management as one such innovative program. Mr. Olivier Drean, Interim-Head, External Relations and Communications Office (ERCO), mentioned AIT’s diverse offerings including dual degree programs, joint degree programs, unified programs and two-stage programs.
Besides Prof. Xiaoxi and Prof. Zhou, the delegation also included Prof. Tang Renwu, Deputy Group leader, Executive Dean, School of Management; Prof. Lai Desheng, Dean, School of Economics and Business Administration;Prof. Shen Yue, Party Secretary, School of Economics and Business Administraiton; Prof. Zhang Qi, Party Secretary, School of Economics and Resource Management; Prof. Zhang Wenguang, Deputy Party Secreary, School of Management; and Dr. Liu Yimeng, Lecturer, School of Economics and Resource Management. The delegation also met representatives of AIT Chinese Students Association.
AIT was represented by Prof. Irandoust, Prof. Pandey, Dr. Weerakorn Ongsakul, Dean, School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD); Dr. Jonathan Shaw, Executive Director, AIT Extension, and Mr. Tenzin Rabgyal, Senior Program Officer, ERCO.
Photo caption: Prof. Li Xiaoxi (right) presenting his book to Prof. Said Irandoust.