A new batch of students hailing from 32 countries were welcomed at the Orientation Day organized at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) on 4 August 2016.

Prof. Lawrence Stephen Abeln has joined as the new Dean of School of Management of AIT with effect from 1 August 2016 initially for a term of 4 years. His appointment as Dean was endorsed by the AIT Board of Trustees at its meeting held on 14 July 2016. The announcement of Prof. Abeln’s appointment was made by AIT President Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai in an email to the AIT community.

SIXTY-ONE students were awarded degrees at the informal inter-semester graduation ceremony organized at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) on 27 July 2016. Held two months after AIT’s 125th Graduation ceremony, this informal event saw six doctoral, 43 Master’s and 12 Bachelor’s degrees being awarded.

Till a few years ago, very few specialists were working on the analysis and use of satellite images. However, for the past 15 years, a niche area has developed of those experts who are using satellite data for disaster management. Tracking these developments over the past decade and a half is an article titled “Global trends in satellite-based emergency mapping,” published in the latest issue of the prestigious Science Journal (15 July 2016).

While 2014 was the year of restraint, rehabilitation and reflection, 2015 had AIT bouncing back to life. AIT plugged the leaks and reinvigorated the three most important parts of the AIT engine – faculty, students and finances. The year 2016 has so far witnessed a strengthening of local partnerships, expansion of international cooperation, new initiatives, consolidation of AIT’s position in international rankings, and internal restructuring. This now paves the way to positioning AIT’s future in 2017-18.

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is expanding in Thailand, and will focus on human resource development in the field of engineering and science. Visiting the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) on 14 July 2016, a three-member JICA delegation explored AIT’s expertise and offerings, and hoped that the two organizations can work toward human resource development in the region.

Ever since the commencement of the Oil Age 150 years ago, the world has witnessed many “Black Swan” events leading to unpredictable oil prices. This signals a need to focus on sustainable bioeconomy with a renewed emphasis on innovation.