UEM graduating students pose with Thailand's Natural Resources and Environment Minister Yongyut Tiyapairat and national park officials
UEM students gear up for the future
As a way of contributing to an important event, putting feelings into action, and having fun at the same time, the Urban Environmental Management Batch 2005 sponsored an outdoor activity for the graduating UEM Students 10 and 11 May 2006 at Koh Samet in Rayong province. The event served as a team-building exercise that strengthened the relationships among students even beyond their stay in AIT, as a celebration for the accomplishment of the senior students for completing their studies and as an exposure trip on the management of eco-tourism activities in Thailand's environmental parks.
The activity started with a side trip to Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi Province. Known as a 'Wildlife Bank,' it is a magnificent blend of forests, wild animals and bird aviary. Sponsored by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the zoo has been internationally recognized for its animal management and operations which provided a good exposure for future environmental managers.
After some close encounters with deers, tapirs, gibbons and even tigers, the group proceeded to Koh Samet National Park, where they enjoyed themselves in the island's clear and warm water. The group also conducted parlor games along the fine sandy beach where everyone joined the fun-filled games organized by the juniors.
The highlight of the event was the dinner sponsored by UEM doctoral student Mr. Yongyut Tiyapairat, where graduating students were given tribute for their academic accomplishments. Mr. Brian Carisma, class representative of 2004 formally bequeathed responsibilities to the junior's representative, Mr. Ply Pirom. In his short message, Mr. Carisma said, 'The days of our schooling may be over but I hope our relationships will continueÂ….as each one of us carries responsibilities once we got back home in our country, let us remember that these responsibilities are transboundary and we still need each other even if we are already on our own.'
The reminder was well accepted and the junior representative, Mr. Pirom said, ' We are part of the generation where the world is becoming borderless and AIT is preparing us for that challenge .... We are taking learning beyond the classroomÂ…. We need to develop our skills and confidence to become informed and active city managers in the future keeping in mind that we have the capacity to change things for the better.'
The event was closed with a sing-along activity in which students performed songs from the countries they represented, showcasing the internationality of UEM. (Meinard Teves)