AIT Delegation Makes a Promotional Trip to Philippines
On January 26-28, 2003, AIT President, Prof. Jean-Louis Armand; Prof. Mario T. Tabucanon, Provost; and Dr. Nazrul Islam, ADB-AIT Networking Project Coordinator, made a trip to the Philippines to promote AIT's activities.
On January 26, AIT delegation had a dinner with AIT Alumni Philippines Chapter. They had a courtesy call on ADB management, Dr. Bindu N. Lohani, Secretary of the Bank (and AIT alumnus and former faculty), Mr. Jan P.M. Van Heeswijk, Director General, Regional and Sustainable Development Department, and Dr. Brahm Prakash, Director of Poverty Reduction and Social Development Division (RSPR) on January 27. During the meeting with ADB members, they made a presentation on AIT's Role in the Development of Asia: Current Achievements and Future Prospects? (see summary of the presentation below). ADB President, Mr. Tadao Chino, hosted a dinner to AIT delegation.
On the same day, AIT delegation also met with Dr. Estrella F. Alabastro, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and Dr. Rogelio A. Panlasigui, Undersecretary of DOST, and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with DOST, for the Philippine Government to send Filipino scholars to study at AIT.
On January 28, they visited the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) and had a courtesy call on Mr. Roberto F. De Ocampo, President of AIM. The delegation also met with Prof. Nieves Confesor and Dr. Federico Macaranas, Deans of AIM, as well as with other professors. The discussion centered on strengthening the relationship between the two institutions, including academic ties within the framework of the AIT-ADB-AIM networking project.
?AIT?S Role in the Development of Asia:
Current Achievements and Future Prospects?
Presentation at ADB on January 27, 2003
By
Professor Jean-Louis Armand, AIT President
Professor Mario T. Tabucanon, Provost
and
Dr. Nazrul Islam, ADB-AIT Networking Project Coordinator
Executive Summary
In line with the mission and vision of AIT, the presentation illustrates the achievements of AIT as a regional institution of higher learning in terms of the development of highly qualified and committed professionals who play a leading role in the sustainable development of Asia. This includes producing graduates at the Doctoral and Masters level as well as providing training to government and development officials in the region. As of now AIT has 1,600 graduate students, 12,000 alumni, and 18,000 professionals trained from more than 70 countries. Most of the students, alumni and trainees are from Asia. Many of the alumni, at different managerial and professional levels in public, private or international organizations, are involved in the development of their respective countries. Quite a number of them have reached positions of influence in the academia, government and industry, and are entrusted with the responsibility of policy and decision-making with long-term impact on the socio-economic development of the region.
AIT?s contribution to the development of the region is not restricted to manpower development only, but also includes carrying out development related research proposals and consultancy. This comprises of project initiation, implementation and monitoring, and evaluation. To name a few: Study of Technology Transfer and Development in ADB?s DMCs; Regional Study on Energy, Environment and Climate (Biomass, Industry, Utility and Transport sectors); Hydrodynamics and Environmental Hydraulics (with Mekong River Commission); Promotion of Integrated Pest Control Approach for Sustainable Agriculture Development; Use of ICTs as a tool for regional development.
The presentation also includes AIT?s networking with other academic, research, and development institutions in the region as well as worldwide. The Greater Mekong Sub-region Academic and Research Network (GMSARN) and the networking of AIT with ADB are illustrations of this.
AIT?s partners have played a crucial role in helping this institute achieve its goals. Therefore, the presentation also illustrates the various government, public, private and international agencies that have supported AIT, and their expectations of what AIT?s role should be.
Further to AIT?s achievements, the presentation deals with the future prospects of the involvement of AIT in the socio-economic development of the region. Increased globalization and privatization process is increasing the pressure on the economic activities in Asia. This demands not only increased requirement for skilled managerial and technological manpower, but also new approaches and techniques to be adopted for sustainable development. AIT can and will play a significant role in this respect.
AIT President, Prof. Jean-Louis Armand (left) is seen being received by ADB Secretary Dr. B.N. Lohani, while Dr. Nazrul Islam, Coordinator of ADB-AIT Networking Project (third from left) is being welcomed by Dr. Brahm Prakash, Director of RSPR/ADB
AIT President, Prof. Jean-Louis Armand (center) signing the Guest Book at ADB. Also in the photo are from left: Dr. Brahm Prakash, Director of RSPR/ADB; Prof. Mario T. Tabucanon, Provost; Dr. B.N. Lohani, ADB Secretary; and Dr. Nazrul Islam, ADB-AIT Networking Project Coordinator.
Photo shows the AIT Delegation and ADB management staff at the dinner hosted by ADB President Tadao Chino. From left: Mr. Eisuke Suzuki, Special Advisor to ADB President; Mr. Jeremy H. Hovland, Director General, PARD/ADB; Dr. Nazrul Islam, Coordinator of ADB-AIT Networking Project; Mr. Christopher Maccormac, Director of SPD/ADB; Dr. K.H. Moinuddin, Director General, SERD/ADB; Prof. Jean-Louis Armand, AIT President; Mr. Tadao Chino, ADB President; Prof. Mario T. Tabucanon, Provost; Dr. B.N. Lohani, ADB Secretary; Dr. Jan P.M. Van Heeswijk, Director General, RSDD/ADB; Dr. Rajat M. Nag, Director General, MKRD/ADB; and Dr. Brahm Prakash, Director of RSPR/ADB.
At a dinner hosted by ADB President Mr. Tadao Chino (sitting next to AIT President) are AIT President Jean-Louis Armand; Prof. Mario T. Tabucanon, Provost; Dr. Nazrul Islam, Coordinator of ADB-AIT Networking Project; ADB Secretary Dr. B.N. Lohani; and ADB High ranking officials.