“ADB is very pleased with AIT’s engagement in Vietnam, particularly
the training activities in Hanoi,” Mr. Steffenson said. He added that
ADB will be willing to associate with AIT in furthering the cause of
development in the Mekong Sub Region. The ADB Country Director evinced
interest in AIT’s Poverty Reduction and Agricultural Management (PRAM).
Stating that his personal association with AIT traces back to the time
when Prof. Alistair North was the President of AIT, Mr. Steffensen
remarked that AIT’s greatest asset is its alumni.
Welcoming Mr. Steffensen, Prof. Said Irandoust, President, AIT, stated
that AIT was proud of its long association with ADB. Elaborating on
AIT’s new initiatives, Prof. Irandoust said the Institute had
formulated a strategy called “Strategy 2013”. AIT has also entered
undergraduate programs, and launched Professional Master’s and Doctoral
programs.
Requesting Mr. Steffensen to impress upon ADB to sign the AIT Charter,
the AIT President said four countries have confirmed their intent to
join the 14 existing signatories. The President also spoke about AIT’s
intention to pursue Public Private Partnership (PPP) as a funding
model.
The ADB Country Director toured the facilities at AIT Consulting,
where he met its Executive Director, Dr. Naveed Anwar. He also visited
the Center of Excellence (CoEN) in Nanotechnology, where Prof. Joydeep
Dutta, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Center Director,
elaborated on the research and business ventures of the Center. Mr.
Steffensen also met Dr. Jonathan Shaw, Director, AIT Extension; Dr.
Sandro Calvani, Director, Director of the ASEAN Regional Centre of
Excellence on Millennium Development Goals (ARCMDG); and Ms. Leena
Wokeck, Director, Corporate Social Responsibility Asia Center at
AIT. Ms. Sumana Shrestha, Program Officer, External Relations and
Communications Office (ERCO) also attended the meeting.
From left to right: Prof. Joydeep Dutta,
Mr. Craig M. Steffensen, Prof. Said Irandoust, and Dr. Naveed
Anwar.