Bangkok--23 Jan--Asian Institute of Technology
The International Integrated Master’s Degree Program at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) got off to a flying start with the first batch of 55 students from the Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh, India) arriving at AIT. Two events organized on consecutive days on 15-16 January 2015 heralded the beginning of the second phase of the program at AIT.
Indian Ambassador to Thailand, H. E. Mr. Harsh Vardhan Shringla, while welcoming the students, remarked that the international exposure provided by AIT will help the students engage the global community in a more fruitful manner. “India is moving on to a new trajectory of growth, development and probity, and this experience will hold you in good stead,” Ambassador Shringla said. Mentioning the opportunities and challenges that lay ahead for the students, Ambassador Shringla remarked that AIT teaches students to be receptive of different cultures.
Expressing his delight at the arrival of a large cohort of students, the Ambassador remarked that during the past ten years, 22,000 new educational institutions have opened in India. “With more than half of the country’s population being less than 25 years old, and 60 per cent of the population being less than 35 years, the growth trajectory will be propelled by a young India,” he remarked. Mr. Anuj Kumar Gupta, Second Secretary, Embassy of India to Thailand, also attended the function.
At an event organized at the AIT Conference Center on 15 January 2-15, H.E. Mr. Shringla also complimented Prof. Nitin Kumar Tripathi, Director, Special Degrees Program, AIT, for initiating the program. The Ambassador distributed computer hard discs to the incoming students, which were gifted to the students by the SHE Foundation led by Dr. Divya Raj. SHE Foundation has been liaising between AIT and JNTUK for this program.
At an event organized on 16 January 2015, Chairman of AIT’s Executive Committee, H. E. Dr. Sahas Bunditkul congratulated the new students for their entry into AIT. “AIT is known for its academics and research, and the Institute provides a tremendous learning opportunity for students,” Dr. Sahas said. He recalled his visit to JNTU, Kakinada, where he had interacted with the students.
AIT President, Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai, also complimented the students, and asked them to avail of the network that AIT provides to all students. The President said that this was a special program not only for the students, but also for AIT.
“This is the first program of its kind,” Prof. Tripathi informed the audience. The first batch of students have joined AIT after completion of three-and-a-half years of their Bachelor’s degree program in India, he said. “JNTU is famous for its Bachelor’s programs and AIT is well known for its Master’s and Doctoral programs,” Prof. Tripathi remarked, adding that the Integrated Master’s program provides students with a seamless career track.
The students were also joined by a cohort from JIS Group from Eastern India, who completed their winter training program.
Photo caption: Prof. Nitin Kumar Tripathi (left) and H. E. Mr. Harsh Vardhan Shringla.