A Task Force for the 50th Anniversary Celebrations of AIT in 2009 has
been formed, chaired by the Vice President for Development and
Resources, Dr. Ir. Khin Ni Ni Thein. AIT’s 50th Anniversary
Celebrations are also expected to coincide with the declaration or
reaffirmation of AIT’s international status. All activities should
focus more on external partners, AIT Alumni body and the collaborating
institutions of AIT. The 50th anniversary celebration will be unique
from previous celebrations in the form of a year-long celebration (from
January 2009 to December 2009) with the peak on 8 September 2009. An
update on the ongoing and planned activities includes the
following:
- The
institute-wide logo and slogan contest for the 50th Anniversary
Celebrations has just been concluded. The winning Logo and Slogan will
be used in all communications of the institute as of 1 Jan 2009 to the
end of 2009. The award will be presented on 8 September 2009.
- Presentation
of AIT’s outputs/achievements of the past 5 decades, which may include
concrete examples from alumni (e.g. alumni that are instrumental in the
development of the region), will be published as a “Golden Jubilee
Book”. It would exemplify the achievements by sharing profiles of
prominent individuals associated with AIT, such as prominent leaders
and personalities and recipients of honorary doctorate degrees from AIT
will also be included. The potential author has been identified and a
TOR is being developed.
- A video film
dedicated to the life of AIT will also be produced. This will include
AIT's achievements to be launched with invited media and special guests
to garner publicity.
- Other
publications include e-card, brochures, historical reflections of
former senior administrators, and self-reflections from the AIT Alumni
all over the world – we have already received few write-ups.
- A road-show,
photo and poster exhibits will be held at AIT, Bangkok, and big cities
in the region where AIT alumni population is strong and where the AITAA
country chapter can lead such initiatives.
- All Schools /
fields of study planned scientific seminars /conferences/ workshops
will be marked as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations
and will be integrated into the AIT Academic Calendar.
The AIT Development Network Forum, an online interactive forum, has
been developed and more than 16,000 Alumni and friends of AIT have been
invited to share information and solicit ideas from the AIT community
and extended community. So far more than 730 subscribers have enlisted
on the Forum.
- “Electronic”
anniversary celebrations, such as simultaneous video-conferencing in
various countries are planned.
- Professors
from Chulalongkorn University have agreed to collaborate with AIT in
celebrating the 50th Anniversary of AIT at Chulalongkorn
University, where the SEATO Graduate School of Engineering was
housed.
- For publicity,
an array of research talks, lectures or appearances in the Bangkok
Post, radio and TV etc. has been planned.
There is a possibility of hosting a special “Science and Technology in
Society Forum” in 2009.
- A Stakeholders
Forum, AIT Community Dinner and Donors Meeting will be held during
2009.
- AITAA National
Chapters are encouraged to hold national celebrations in their
respective countries and also to join the major event “AIT Alumni Home
Coming Seminar” on 8 Sept 2009.
Unique and commemorative gifts to be given to guests during the
celebration – AITAA Nepal chapter has just made a pledge, Dr.
Chainarong the former President of AITAA mother chapter and CEO of the
Index International Group has also pledged one gift.
- Alumni
class-wise homecoming celebrations have been proposed.
- A small
roundtable meeting involving three areas: science and technology,
environment and development, and management. These roundtables will
involve AIT faculty and deans together with key practitioners in the
region to identify challenges and niche areas for higher education in
Asia.
Recreational activities for students, faculty, admin, guests will be
arranged.
- A budget
estimate has been prepared for the events outlined and an event
organizer company contacted.