To watch a video presentation on
the event, please click here.
To view H.E. Dr. Tej Bunnag's opening remarks, please click here.
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With the help of a star-studded field of inaugural round golfers, the
Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) on January 7 opened its
newly-refurbished 9-hole public golf course. H.E. Dr. Tej
Bunnag (second from right), Chairman of the Asian Institute of
Technology Board of Trustees, and Assistant Secretary General for
Administration, Thai Red Cross Society, and former Minister of Foreign
Affairs, Thailand, and Mr. Preecha Boodsri (far
right), Governor of Pathum Thani province, co-presided over the
official AIT Golf Club Opening Ceremony at the course located on the
AIT campus, 42-km north of central Bangkok.
Among the other distinguished guests
at the opening ceremony were (from left, above photo) Prof.
Dennes T. Bergado, AIT faculty; AIT alumni Mr. Thanin
Bumrungsap, Vice President Italian-Thai Development Public
Company Ltd. and Dr. Chainarong Na Lamphun, President
& CEO, Index International Group Co. Ltd., and former President of
the AIT Alumni Association; Mr. Jean-Pierre Verbiest,
Chairman of the Executive Committee of AIT Board of Trustees, and
Country Director, Thailand Resident Mission, Asian Development Bank
(ADB); and AIT President Prof. Said
Irandoust.
The 125-rai course was recently redeveloped by Innotech Sports
Management of the Innotech Group of Companies, which oversaw the
changed layout and reconstructing the clubhouse. Renovation work began
in March 2008 and was completed in nine months. Early indications are
the new course offers a much greater challenge to players, regardless
of handicap.
At the opening ceremony, H.E. Dr. Tej Bunnag, said one of his
important initiatives when joining the Board of Trustees (for the first
time) about five years ago was for AIT to renovate the golf course to a
very high standard. Looking out at the challenging new design, Dr. Tej
said this goal has been achieved, and more.
He expressed his gratitude to all concerned for developing this
wonderful recreational facility for AIT. The Chairman was
confident it would also boost tourism in the Institute’s home province
of Pathum Thani. Dr. Tej hoped that all AIT students, as well as those
from Thammasat University, would make good use their very own on-campus
golf course.
AIT President Said Irandoust shared his delight on the re-opening of
the AIT Golf Club, saying: “It’s not just a place to play golf. More
importantly, I see it as a platform for positive meetings not only
amongst staff, students, faculty and alumni, but also between the AIT
community and our neighbors from Thammasat University, NSTDA’s Thailand
Science Park and also people from other organizations. This is an
excellent venue for us to increase our visibility and networking. The
course will become a fabulous meeting place for dynamic interactions
and communication.” Although the AIT president admitted that he does
not play golf, this fact may soon change. “I don’t play golf but I have
many good reasons to start learning soon,” he said.
For more pictures you can see here.
H.E.
Dr. Tej Bunnag (left), Chairman of the Asian Institute
of Technology Board of Trustees, addresses the
crowd.
Invited guests mark the
official AIT Golf Club Opening Ceremony.
Mr. Preecha Boodsri (right),
Governor of Pathum Thani
province, readies to tee off as President Irandoust looks on.