Bangkok--14 May--Asian Institute of Technology
Bhagya Enterprises has donated ฿ 280,000 towards partial scholarship for a deserving Thai student in the Energy field of study at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT). Handing over a cheque of ฿ 280,000 to AIT Interim President, Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai, the Managing Director of Bhagya Enterprises, Mr. Sisira Mendis Abeysekera, stated that his company is happy to support deserving students.
At a ceremony held at AIT on 8 May 2014, Mr. Abeysekera also said that this scholarship will help the student work on a thesis dealing with real life problems. The company will also try and offer more opportunities to AIT students, he added.
Receiving the contribution, AIT’s Interim President Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai cited the donation as a good example of AIT’s partnership with the private sector. He stated that ever since its inception, AIT has been working with governments, but during the past two years, it has initiated a greater engagement with private enterprises, Prof. Worsak said. He added that AIT’s Interim Vice President for Resource Development, Prof. Kazuo Yamamoto is now focussing on promoting AIT’s relationship with the industrial sector.
Thanking the donor, Mr. Sanjeev Jayasinghe, Director, Fundraising and Interim Head, Alumni Affairs stated that though Mr. Abeysekera has been associated with AIT for a long time, this is the first time that a formal partnership has been initiated.
Dr. Abdul Salam of Energy Field of Study, School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD), AIT, mentioned that they had been offering expertise to Bhagya Enterprises in designing solar drying equipment.
Dr. Salam also introduced Mr. Abeysekera to the facilities at AIT’s Energy Park. Ms. Lucena Dante Talaid, Program Officer, Fundraising; and Ms. Sitahng Puttha, Administrative Officer, AIT Alumni Affairs Office also joined the meeting.
Photo caption: Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai, left, AIT Interim President, is seen receiving the donation from Mr. Sisira Mendis Abeysekera, Managing Director of Bhagya Enterprises.