The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) is “very popular” and “prestigious” in Viet Nam, and almost everyone knows about AIT. These were the remarks of the Ambassador of Viet Nam, H.E. Mr. Nguyen Hai Bang, during his maiden visit to AIT on 12 March 2018.
President Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai (left) with H.E. Mr. Nguyen Hai Bang.
Ambassador Bang mentioned that since AIT had established an early presence in Viet Nam, it provided a link for Vietnamese students to pursue higher education in a foreign country. Recounting that AIT alumni have reached senior positions in many diverse fields in Viet Nam, the ambassador added that his visit was targeted at ascertaining ways to work together. “AIT is a high priority institute, and we will try and contribute towards the development of AIT,” he added. He mentioned that AIT enjoys many natural advantages, and the Institute can explore ways to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Welcoming the Ambassador, AIT President Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai spoke about the changing role of the Institute amidst the new landscape of higher education. While the initial role of AIT was to serve as a platform to develop this region, today, it focuses on a collaborate role encouraging partnerships. As a neutral platform, AIT seeks to confront challenges that have a cross-country dimension like climate change, disaster management etc. “Unlike other universities that are conducting research for profit, our focus is research for the benefit of mankind,” Prof. Worsak added.
The Ambassador was accompanied by Mr. Pho Hoang Han, Minister Counselor and Deputy Chief of Mission; Mr. Nguyen Dang Hien, Counselor; Mr. Nguyen Hai Ngoc, First Secretary; and Mr. Nguyen Tien Cuong, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tung, and Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Son (Second Secretaries). The Ambassador also interacted with students from Viet Nam. Later the Ambassador also played friendly tennis sets with students as well as the AIT President’s team.
