Bangkok--8 Jul--AIT
The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) has entered a new era underscored by renewed initiative to reach out and engage its greatest asset — AIT alumni located all around the globe.
After 54 years of life, AIT has produced close to 20,000 graduate-level alumni who come from 89 countries and live and work in 109 countries. Along the way, many distinguished alumni have made a difference in the lives of students, faculty and communities. Across the journey of developing highly qualified and committed professionals, and in shaping the next generation of global leaders, AIT alumni have always played a pivotal role.
Announcing the initiative, new Interim AIT President Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai emphasized that the alumni are the Institute’s natural allies. “They want AIT to stay strong and meet its goals,” he said. He emphasized that the alumni are advocates for prospective students, mentors for our current students and recent graduates, and ambassadors of the institute’s public image.
AIT is very fortunate that its alumni are networked across well over half the world’s nations. All of them were very concerned over the devastation caused during the 2011 floods, and they have continuously supported the Institute in different ways, the president stressed.
Through this effort, AIT recently connected with SPS Global Corporation, a firm led by alumni, who awarded a scholarship of US$ 8,000 to be given to a needy and bright student for entry to the AIT School of Environment, Resource & Development in the August 2013 Semester. The company has also provided several internship opportunities for AIT students.
The collaboration between AIT and SPS Global encouraged more alumni to step forward with support, President Worsak said.
Panya Consultant Co. Ltd, a well-known Thai company owned by AIT alumni, on July 2 pledged to fund two academic scholarships for students to attend the AIT School of Engineering and Technology. The company also offered to help carry out a feasibility and financial plan for the rehabilitation and upgrade of all campus residential buildings damaged by the flood of October 2011.
“Index International Group Co. Ltd, an Engineering Consultancy firm owned by a notable AIT alumnus, has awarded one full scholarship for one of their staff to study at AIT School of Management,” said Mr. Sanjeev Jayasinghe, Interim Head, Alumni Affairs Office (AAO).
“The beautiful part of this story is that these three companies are all founded by AIT alumni,” President Worsak stressed. “I look forward to more and more alumni-owned companies making similar offers.”
President Worsak urged all AIT alumni and their networks around the globe to consider once again getting involved with their alma mater. “With the generous support of resources, expertise, and opportunities, together AIT and our alumni look forward to a successful future as a uniquely multicultural, international institution of higher learning that impacts the region.”