Beijing Normal University (BNU), which is a premier public research
university in China, and is over a hundred years old, has close ties
with AIT, hosting the Institute’s golden jubilee celebrations in 2009
at its campus. Prof. Xiaoxi said their keen interest was evident from
the strength of the delegation, which includes three school deans from
BNU. Expressing admiration for AIT’s internationality, Prof. Xiaoxi
said they would like to learn from AIT and sought help in accomplishing
their vision of internationalization. He also presented his book titled
“China’s New Deal” and a book chapter titled “Emerging Markets” to the
AIT President, Prof. Said Irandoust. Prof. Xiaoxi wrote the book
jointly with Mr.Hu Billiang, who is an AIT alumnus (1991 from AIT's
School of Environment, Resources and Development). Prof. Xiaoxi also
holds the position of Director of Economics, Department of Social
Sciences Committee, Ministry of Education.
Prof. Zhou Nanzhao, President, UNESCO Asia-Pacific Network for
International Education and Value Education, remarked that BNU is one
of the most prestigious universities in China. The Ministry of
Education in China has, after consultation with the Embassy of China in
Thailand, included AIT’s name in the list of recognized
universities.This will enhance AIT’s potential in China, Prof. Zhou
added. The list can be viewed at this link: http://www.cscse.edu.cn/publish/portal0/tab674/info1729.htm.
Prof. Irandoust thanked Prof Zhou for facilitating the visit and
helping AIT at various forums. He delved on AIT’s internationality
stating that AIT’s diversity has remained a significant factor through
its five decades of existence. Students at AIT learn not only how to
recognize diversity, but also utilize diversity. “AIT has no single
dominating culture, and that is what makes it unique,” Prof. Irandoust
added. He remarked that AIT is moving towards consolidating its
outreach, consulting and extension activities under one umbrella.
Prof. I.M.Pandey, Vice President for Academic Affairs, mentioned the
innovative programs launched by AIT which were targeted towards
professionals. He cited the MBA in Energy Management as one such
innovative program. Mr. Olivier Drean, Interim-Head, External Relations
and Communications Office (ERCO), mentioned AIT’s diverse offerings
including dual degree programs, joint degree programs, unified programs
and two-stage programs.
Besides Prof. Xiaoxi and Prof. Zhou, the delegation also included
Prof. Tang Renwu, Deputy Group leader, Executive Dean, School of
Management; Prof. Lai Desheng, Dean, School of Economics and Business
Administration;Prof. Shen Yue, Party Secretary, School of Economics and
Business Administraiton; Prof. Zhang Qi, Party Secretary, School of
Economics and Resource Management; Prof. Zhang Wenguang, Deputy Party
Secreary, School of Management; and Dr. Liu Yimeng, Lecturer, School of
Economics and Resource Management. The delegation also met
representatives of AIT Chinese Students Association.
AIT was represented by Prof. Irandoust, Prof. Pandey, Dr. Weerakorn
Ongsakul, Dean, School of Environment, Resources and Development
(SERD); Dr. Jonathan Shaw, Executive Director, AIT Extension, and Mr.
Tenzin Rabgyal, Senior Program Officer, ERCO.
