Bangkok--10 Sep--AIT
A delegation of The University of Tokyo expressed admiration at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), with its Executive Vice President, Prof. Fumio Isoda stating that he was “very impressed by the long active story of AIT.”
Prof. Isoda made these remarks during a visit to AIT on 3 September 2013. The Executive Vice President of Asia’s top-ranked University stated that AIT is “very international,” and he is “very surprised and impressed with AIT’s activities and research”. He added that AIT has been very successful in establishing an international campus.
Prof. Isoda was visiting AIT along with Ms. Mutsuko Inoue, General Manager, International Affairs Deparment; Dr. Hiroshi Sakai, Project Assistant Professor; and Mr. Koji Tawara, First Secretary, Embassy of Japan in Thailand.
Prof Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai, AIT’s Interim President stated that AIT enjoys a historic relationship with The University of Tokyo. He recalled his own appointment as Associate Professor in 1984 at The University of Tokyo, when he was the second foreign faculty officially employed at the University. AIT’s long relationship with Japan and the generosity of award of scholarships by Japan to AIT is appreciated, Prof. Worsak said. He added that after the Royal Thai Government, the Government of Japan has been the second largest donor to AIT, and prominent buildings like the AIT Conference Center, and the AIT library building have been donated by Japan.
Prof. Worsak suggested AIT could serve as a platform for ASEAN, East Asia and South Asia, along with the rest of the world. He proposed that top scholars, faculty and researchers could use AIT as a platform where they can be stationed for 1-2 years. This will enable the formation of a very strong Asia-wide network, and would lead to the strengthening of international cooperation. Prof. Worsak and Dr. Fumio also deliberated on the possibility of joint appointment of faculty at both institutes. Ms. Inoue was keen to known whether AIT hosts offices from different international universities.
The meeting was also attended by Prof. C. Viswanathan, Acting Dean, School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD); Dr Donyaprueth Krairit, Acting Dean, School of Management (SOM); Dr. Sangam Shrestha, Acting Associate Dean, School of Engineering and Technology (SET); Dr. Pennung Warnitchai, Dr. Gregory L.F. Chiu and Dr. Masahiko Nagai of SET; Mr. Ahmed Amjad Ali, Head External Relations and Communications Office (ERCO); and Ms. Sumana Shrestha, Program Officer, ERCO.
Photo caption: Prof. Fumio Isoda (right) is seen with Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai. AIT President.