Bangkok--29 Aug--Asian Institute of Technology
Bangchak Petroleum (BCP) has awarded two scholarships for students to pursue their Master's degree at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) this year. It has also sought AIT's expertise to pursue its vision of "Evolving Greenovation," an initiative intended to channel regular evolution of green innovative ideas.
Handing over the scholarship cheque to AIT on 25 August 2016, BCP President Mr. Chaiwat Kovavisarach, who is an AIT alumnus (Master's in Industrial Engineering and Management, 1991), remarked that BCP wishes that their association with AIT goes beyond scholarships. "Research and development, collaboration, and incubation" are the three focus areas for Bangchak, and AIT can actively contribute in this domain, MR. Chaiwat remarked while interacting with AIT President Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai.
Reminiscing his days at AIT, President Chaiwat recalled how he had personally benefited from the scholarship, and that he wanted the next generation of students to avail of a similar opportunity to obtain best quality education. We want the next generation to explore more opportunities and accelerate the process of innovation, he said. Speaking of the vision of "Evolving Greenovation," Mr. Chaiwat stated that innovation is not a one-time affair, but that it needs to evolve all the time.
AIT President Prof. Worsak expressed the Institute's gratitude for offering the scholarships, and offered AIT's technical expertise to help Bangchak achieve its vision. The AIT President also stated that AIT's mission is similar to the Bangchak's vision and that the Institute is actively working on green innovation.
AIT student Danupol Wetchasirikul of Energy field of study and Nattaphan Sukri of Environmental Engineering and Management (EEM), who were recipients of BCP's scholarship for 2015 presented their progress to BCP. Danupol's project on "Eco districts and SmartFit," which was an award winner at the "Go Green in the City" competition organized by Schneider Electric was appreciated by senior BCP administration, with President Chaiwat himself complimenting the student and comparing it with emerging trends in the energy sector. Nattaphan's thesis proposal on assessment of volatile compounds in oil refineries was also appreciated with Mr. Chaiwat, who assured Bangchak's help during her thesis work.
Two students who have received the BCP scholarships for 2016 include Mr. Tanawat Laopaiboon of Energy and Mr. Apipnun Pippatparnukul of EEM.
Mr. Yodphot Wongrukmit, Senior Executive Vice President, Corporate Administration and Information Technology, BCP, elaborated on how their company was working towards the adoption and implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The AIT team was led by President Worsak, and included Prof. Rajendra Prasad Shrestha, Dean, School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD); Mr. Sanjeev Jayasinghe,Director, Office of Advancement; and Mr. Bajinder Pal Singh, Director, Office of Media and Communications.
Photo caption: Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai (left) with Mr. Chaiwat Kovavisarach.