Dr Mary Zurbuchen
Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) has proved to be an extremely positive “destination campus” for Ford Foundation fellows, and the AIT partnership with the Ford Foundation International Fellowship Program (IFP) is a demonstrated record of success. This was stated by Dr. Mary Zurbuchen, Director of the Asia and Russia Program for the Ford Foundation IFP, during an interaction at AIT on 8 June 2010.
Dr. Zurbuchen stated that they were extremely enthusiastic about AIT,
and IFP fellows at AIT have not
only been performing well, but have been consistently winning various
awards. Elaborating on the IFP program, she said that 4000 people from
22 countries have been awarded the IFP fellowship since 2001 and that
the 10 year program is ending next year. The IFP program is based on
the premise that there is a connection between higher education and
social change. Half of the fellowship holders have been women.
While complimenting AIT for hosting IFP fellows, she identified the
“bridging program” offered at AIT as a facilitator which helps students
settle in the institute. Dr. Zurbuchen stated that further association
between IFP and AIT needs to be explored, particularly on utilizing the
vast pool of IFP alumni in the region. Mr. Jaruwat Kiatiwongse, Program
Officer, IFP Thailand delved on support provided by their office to IFP
alumni.
Prof. Joydeep Dutta, Vice President for Academic Affairs while thanking
IFP for the program sought feedback of the performance of AIT vis-à-vis
other institutions and universities. He was particularly keen on an
analysis and evaluation of the performance of women candidates.
Dr. Hans Hans Joakim Guttman, Coordinator, Wetlands Alliance Programme
(WAP) delved on the poverty alleviation program particularly in the
Mekong region. He mentioned AIT’s Poverty Reduction in Agricultural
Management (PRAM) program as a possible area of further collaboration.
Mr. Christer Holtsberg, Interim Director, Yunus Center at AIT spoke
about the programs on social business which would be launched by the
Yunus Center at AIT.
Dr. Pritam K. Shrestha, Head, External Relations and Communications
Office (ERCO); Mr. Benjamin A. Gargabite, Coordinator, Admission and
Scholarhship Unit and Ms. Tiamkare Thtithamtada, Programe Office, ERCO
also participated in the meeting.