AIT extending outreach across Asia
The External Relations and Communications office is currently exploring new AIT centers in Indonesia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and possibly the Middle East. This initiative was brought about by AIT President Said Irandoust in consultation with Prof. Vilas Wuwongse, vice president for external relations. The centers would be modeled on AIT Center Vietnam, which has successfully existed since 1993.
AIT's initiative has been well received by governments of Indonesia, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka through ministries and departments. From last quarter of 2005 and early 2006, in coordination with partner institutions, AIT has developed business plans for the potential AIT centers.
For a potential AIT center in Indonesia, AIT has jointly developed a business plan in coordination with Indonesian Ministry of Public Works. The proposed center would conduct research and development, consultancy, professional trainings and certificate and diploma programs. The initial focus areas are construction, engineering and infrastructure management; transportation engineering; water engineering and management; regional and urban planning development; agriculture engineering and business; information technology; and English language services.
An AIT center in Pakistan would focus on telecommunications in the beginning. This center would also conduct research and development, consultancy, professional trainings and master's programs. AIT is currently working with Pakistan's Higher Education Commission for required funding. AIT is approaching the commission to consider having a center for women in Pakistan that would draw women candidates from neighboring countries.
An AIT center in Sri Lanka would focus on biotechnology, partnering with the Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo. The institute has state-of-the-art labs, buildings and equipment that have been provided by the Swedish International Development Agency.
This arrangement has come about with the support of Sri Lanka's Ministry of Education, Cultural Affairs and Human Resource Development of Sri Lanka and in consultation with the vice chancellor of the three main national universities in Sri Lanka.
The AIT center will offer certificate, diploma and master's programs on a fee-paying basis. It will be advertised to potential candidates from all South Asian countries. AIT has recently developed a business plan wherein the first batch master's program will be started with a minimum of 20 students whose scholarships are sponsored half by government and half by private industries. The cost for each candidate through government or industry sponsorship will be US$20,000 for the master's program.
AIT is preparing to enter the Middle East market, which could attract students from countries such as the United Arab Emirates -- especially Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah -- and Jordan. AIT is exploring a few focused areas that are of national importance to those countries. In order to do this, AIT will seek assistance of Sri Lanka's ambassador to Thailand for help obtaining an appointment with the minister of higher education of U.A.E., who is chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University, and also the Ruler of Dubai.