Bangkok--20 Nov--Asian Institute of Technology
Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) programs are "excellent examples of its commitment of developing highly qualified and committed professionals who can play a leading role in the sustainable development of their countries, besides accelerating its integration into the global economy." These were the comments of Dr. Subin Pinkayan, Chairman, AIT Board of Trustees while delivering the inaugural remarks at the commencement of three professional short course programs for participants from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Taiwan and Thailand, on 16 November 2015.
Dr. Subin said that the 56-year history of AIT is notable for the achievements of its alumni, with the appointment of AIT Alumnus H.E. Dr. Mao Chi-Kuo as Premier of Taiwan, on 8 December 2014, being a historical first for the Institute. He added that the short courses that AIT will be delivering during the next two weeks are "excellent examples of AIT's commitment to the ambition of this mission."
Dr. Jonathan Shaw, Executive Director, AIT Extension, introduced the three programs to the audience stating that these programs draw on the resources of the entire Institute, mentioning that the AIT schools, Geoinformatics Center (GIC), Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific (RR.CAP), and AIT Solutions are working together towards the success of these programs.
The three programs which were launched today included one on "Energy for Sustainable Development" for technical professionals from the Ministry of Energy, Taiwan. They have been selected by the Directorate-General of Personnel Administration (DGPA), Executive Yuan of Taiwan. This program follows the visit of Dr. Subin and Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai, AIT President, to felicitate Dr. Mao's elevation to the position of Premier of Taiwan. The Premier, who is an AIT alumnus, had expressed his desire for greater engagement with AIT.
The Professional Leadership Program is led by Dr. Gregory Chiu, Coordinator, Offshore Technology Management (OTM). This program will "prepare participants meet future challenges by cultivating personal professional philosophies and skills on these topics," Dr. Subin said. The third program on "Performance Management and Employee Relationship" is targeted at Power Grid Company of Bangladesh (PGCB) and North-West Power Generation Company Limited (NWPGCL).
Mr. Fazle Karim, Head, Information Technology and Engineering Unit, AIT Extension, who was the Master of Ceremonies, introduced the program and welcomed the participants at the inaugural ceremony. Dr. Apichat Anukularmphai, Advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister, Government of Thailand, also joined the inaugural program.
Photo caption: Dr. Subin Pinkayan (left) being honored by DGPA, Taiwan. On the right is Dr. Jonathan Shaw