Bangkok--25 Aug--Asian Institute of Technology
AIT Chairman of the Board H.E. Dr. Subin Pinkayan has called on the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) to establish innovative engineering leadership and entrepreneurship programs in pursuing its mission to provide professional human resources for the development of the Asian region through education, research and outreach.
Back in Thailand after leading a senior-level AIT delegation on a recent two-week learning mission to many top universities in the United States, the chairman described his ambitious agenda in an email to the AIT community.
The AIT team visited and studied operations at Colorado State University, New Mexico State University, University of Pennsylvania, MIT, Northeastern University, Olin College, California Institute of Technology, Harvey Mudd College and Stanford University.
Dr. Subin’s vision is hinged on revamping AIT’s educational offerings in engineering and management to produce top-notch graduates who possess the necessary attributes to become “Asia’s next generation of leaders.”
“Our engineering programs must aim to turn out graduates who will eventually become senior professionals and administrators across every Asian enterprise sector,” Dr. Subin said. To get there, the institute needs to focus its efforts on developing master and doctoral programs that supply graduates with the needed characteristics, he urged.
The chairman stressed that in addition to AIT’s rigorous foundation in engineering principles and practices, the institute’s educational programs must change to emphasize the development of high-end leadership, entrepreneurship, and research and innovation skills.
Prioritizing on-campus residential student life and student activities to stimulate creativity, innovation, and intellectual development was a key takeaway from the AIT delegation’s visits to nine of America’s most prestigious universities.
He also identified a number of proposals for the AIT administration to pursue. First would be designing and launching new integrated Master of Engineering Management and Master of Engineering Business degree programs.
Also high on the agenda will be the introduction of an engineering leadership program at AIT that would be developed in consultation with highly regarded engineering leadership programs found at both MIT and Northeastern University, he said.
Finally, the chairman said AIT is now keen to unveil an engineering entrepreneurship program in consultation with Stanford University's Center for Professional Development and the Stanford Technology Ventures Program, both within Stanford’s School of Engineering.
Photo caption: AIT Chairman H.E. Dr. Subin Pinkayan (File photo)