AIT Moves Ahead With Confidence
Bangkok PostNewspaper section: Learningpost
At the launch of the institute's Golden Jubilee celebrations recently, Prof Dr Said Irandoust, president of the Asian Institution of Technology (AIT), promised several new initiatives.
Prof Irandoust disclosed that the core element of AIT's "Strategy 2013", which is a new five-year strategic framework for 2009-2013, is conducting research in the area of sustainable development, especially in the context of climate change.The new projects include the creation of the Yunus Centre at AIT, to address issues of food security, a focus on social business in agriculture, application of information and communication technologies to agriculture, and the encouragement of research to improve the living standards of the poor. The centre was named after Prof Muhammad Yunus, recipient of the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize.
The institution is also establishing a new Asian Centre on Corporate Social Responsibility, in collaboration with Corporate Social Responsibility in Asia, to advance the development and implementation of effective sustainability solutions for the private sector, as well as serve as a platform for dialogue and innovation. The centre also delivers training, research and consultancy services and provides a master's degree in corporate social responsibility.
This year, AIT has expanded its wings to accept students at the undergraduate level for the first time by offering a Bachelor of Science in Engineering. AIT's partner institution, the International University of Vietnam, is also offering the same degree and has signed an agreement on future collaboration. South Asian Institute of Technology and Management of Sri Lanka, another AIT partner, will sign the same agreement this month.
"This is the first time we are launching this programme, mainly in response to strong requests from many partner countries. There is a need, in the region, for a new innovative type of undergraduate programme in engineering and technology of high quality that meets international standards," explained Prof Irandoust, the pioneer mastermind of the programme.
This degree offers three fields of study, which include information and communication technology, electronics and mechatronics. Students will spend eight semesters, or four years, in their selected programme, including internship opportunities with multinational companies.
The programme targets international students and stresses on gaining research experience and fulfilling the needs of the job market in the engineering field, according to Prof Irandoust.
Applications for the undergraduate programme are open from now until July 15. The first semester will commence in September.
"The institute will continually strive to further extend its role as a multicultural meeting point where partners and stakeholders from the public, private and informal sectors, from Asia and elsewhere, whatever their nationality, gender, religion or status, can continue to develop meaningful and productive ties of friendship, goodwill and act together for the good of people and communities," said Prof Irandoust.
"More than ever before, AIT will be a key focal point for teaching, learning, research and outreach that contributes to the development of Asia and the rest of the planet," he added.
For more information on AIT, visit http://www.ait.asia . Details of the undergraduate programme are available at http://www.ug.ait.asia and they can also be obtained by sending an email to admissionug@ait.asia
