“Always be proud to be a part of our world-class institute,” he said,
listing some of the major initiatives that are pushing the Institute
forward, such as its successful Library Modernization Campaign and
entry into the international university rankings tables for the first
time in its history.
The AIT library will be modernized this year through the patronage of
HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and the generosity of so many
notable and substantial individual and corporate donors, including Mr.
Pote Narittakurn (Lee Pit Teong) and Colonel Yanyong Phataralaoha, the
president noted.
AIT has been ranked for the first time in its history, and scored no.
1 in the world for “international orientation,” according to the
EU-supported U-Multirank 2015.
The graduates should also feel proud that AIT has responded to its
partner country Nepal, devastated by the recent earthquake, with its
home-grown Habitech housing technology, emergency communications
networks, and remote sensing and satellite imagery to support water,
sanitation and hygiene efforts for the victims. Our heart goes out to
Nepal, and our faculty, staff and students have all reached out to
assist the country at its time of need, he said.
The new alumni join AIT’s 21,000-plus alumni, many of whom have
reached the pinnacle of success in their professions, such as the
current Premier of Taiwan and Governor of the Bank of Thailand, he
remarked.
Read entire speech at this link
.
GRADUATION ADDRESS (MORNING CEREMONY)
In an inspiring speech, Mr. Lee explained his life as a real-life
‘rags to riches’ tale of what is possible if one is patient,
perseveres, and has passion.
The amiable and hugely successful entrepreneur, restaurateur, and
international education technologist – who revealed to the 123rd
Graduating Class, VIP guests and parents that he arrived “without one
cent” in Thailand from Myanmar on December 18, 1971 – offered specific
‘life pointers’ for each graduate to “live well and prosper.”
Urged by his uncle Bangkok to try his luck and apply to AIT, he did so
and earned a scholarship to study for a Master’s Degree in Water
Engineering. In doing so he became the first student in AIT history
from Myanmar, and he studied under Dr. Subin Pinkayan, then a faculty
member at AIT and now the Chairman of the AIT Board of Trustees.
“Don’t be afraid of change, as it often leads to opportunity,” he
said. “As long as you conduct yourself in good spirit, you have no
reason to be afraid in life.”
He stressed that having integrity in one’s professional and personal
life is a prerequisite to happiness. Moreover, “the 3-Ps" of patience,
passion, and perseverance, are essential to achieving success in the
end, he said, and as his life story has been prime example.
Finally, he urged the class of 2015 of international graduates to
never forget where they came from. Be humble and patient in all that
you do, he advised. “Don’t forget your country, your roots, your
family, and those who helped you get to where you are today, like
graduating from AIT. And always give back if you can.”
Read the speech at this link
.
GRADUATION ADDRESS (AFTERNOON CEREMONY)
Colonel Yanyong Phataralaoha, D.Eng. who was the Graduation Speaker
for students from the School of Engineering and Technology (SET),
traversed his journey from his early days in the Armed Forces Academy
Preparatory School to chartering the course of Thai Pipe Industry,
which is one of the largest PVC pipe manufacturers in the region.
“The objective of a commencement address is to inspire and prepare you
for the real world outside,” Col. Yanyong remarked. Life is a mystery
adventure, he remarked, as he traced the contours of his own personal
story.
“Every decision you make will always lead to something big or small,”
Col. Yanyong said, adding that it is only with “real determination”
that individuals can move forward. Urging students to explore the world
and meet people from various cultures, he narrated his experience at
AIT when he shared his dorm with a French Canadian and an architect
from Papua New Guinea. His graduation address, which was peppered with
experience dealing with students from various countries, asked AIT
students to savor the institute’s internationality. “You graduates are
lucky to have greater exposure to diversity and connections.” he said,
while exhorting upon them to keep in touch with AIT friends since these
associations help in networking.
Col. Yanyaong described life as “nonlinear, chaotic, unpredictable and
often counterintuitive.” “Be adventurous, make each moment count, and
optimize your effort,” he quipped. He concluded his address by asking
graduands to maintain a sense of duty and honor. “And when you succeed,
give back,” he added.
Read the speech at this link
.
PHOTO ALBUMS from AIT's 123rd Graduation are
available at these links:
Facebook (Album I)
Facebook (Album II)
Facebook (Album III)
VIDEO TELECAST of the Graduation Ceremony is
available at this link at YouTube:
https://youtu.be/gYIPJEZDAX8
