September 2013. The Executive Vice President of Asia’s top-ranked
University stated that AIT is “very international,” and he is “very
surprised and impressed with AIT’s activities and research”. He added
that AIT has been very successful in establishing an international
campus.
Prof. Isoda was visiting AIT along with Ms. Mutsuko Inoue, General
Manager, International Affairs Deparment; Dr. Hiroshi Sakai, Project
Assistant Professor; and Mr. Koji Tawara, First Secretary, Embassy of
Japan in Thailand.
Prof Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai, AIT’s Interim President stated that AIT
enjoys a historic relationship with The University of Tokyo. He
recalled his own appointment as Associate Professor in 1984 at The
University of Tokyo, when he was the second foreign faculty officially
employed at the University. AIT’s long relationship with Japan and the
generosity of award of scholarships by Japan to AIT is appreciated,
Prof. Worsak said. He added that after the Royal Thai Government, the
Government of Japan has been the second largest donor to AIT, and
prominent buildings like the AIT Conference Center, and the AIT library
building have been donated by Japan.
Prof. Worsak suggested AIT could serve as a platform for ASEAN, East
Asia and South Asia, along with the rest of the world. He proposed that
top scholars, faculty and researchers could use AIT as a platform where
they can be stationed for 1-2 years. This will enable the formation of
a very strong Asia-wide network, and would lead to the strengthening of
international cooperation. Prof. Worsak and Dr. Fumio also deliberated
on the possibility of joint appointment of faculty at both institutes.
Ms. Inoue was keen to known whether AIT hosts offices from different
international universities.
The meeting was also attended by Prof. C. Viswanathan, Acting Dean,
School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD); Dr Donyaprueth
Krairit, Acting Dean, School of Management (SOM); Dr. Sangam Shrestha,
Acting Associate Dean, School of Engineering and Technology (SET); Dr.
Pennung Warnitchai, Dr. Gregory L.F. Chiu and Dr. Masahiko Nagai of
SET; Mr. Ahmed Amjad Ali, Head External Relations and Communications
Office (ERCO); and Ms. Sumana Shrestha, Program Officer, ERCO.
