Batch 107 Graduation and Awardees
On 24 May 2007, AIT held the 107th Graduation Ceremony to 553 students from 27 countries at the AIT Conference Center. AIT President Said Irandoust presided over the ceremony. The event was attended by Dr. Tej Bunnag, Chairman of the AIT Board of Trustees, Gen. Dr. Boonsrang Niumpradit, President of AIT Alumni Association, members of diplomatic corps, and distinguished guests.
Ceremonies were held in the morning session for graduands from the School of Engineering and Technology, and in the afternoon session for graduates from the School of Environment, Resources and Development as well as the School of Management. Chairman of the Executive Committee of the AIT Board of Trustees, His Excellency Mr. Jonas Hafstrom, the Ambassador of Sweden to Thailand, delivered the graduation address in the morning session.
Mr. N. R. Narayana Murthy - Chairman of the Board and Chief Mentor of Infosys Technologies Limited, India who also serves as the Chairman of the AIT School of Management Board and member of the AIT Institute-Level Advisory Board, served as the graduation speaker for the afternoon session.
Among the 553 graduates, 204 from the School of Engineering and Technology, 234 from the School of Environment, Resources and Development, and 115 from the School of Management. Of the 553 graduates, 27 received doctoral degrees, 415 received Master of Engineering or Master of Science, and 111 received Master of Business Administration programs. The total number of AIT degree holders now stands at 15,324.
Batch 107 produced the following outstanding graduates who were presented with respective graduation prizes as follows:
TRAN CONG AN
The Hisamatsu Prize
Batch 107's Hisamatsu Prize recipient is Tran Cong An in recognition of his outstanding academic performance in the field of Computer Science. A Vietnamese citizen, he obtained his B.Sc. degree, major in Computer Science from the Cantho University, Vietnam in 2001. He was admitted in August 2005 and completed his M.Sc. degree with a thesis entitled 'Ontology and Reasoning for Decision Making in the Portfolio Approach to e-Procurement'. Prior to joining AIT, Mr. An worked at Cantho University.
The Hisamatsu Prize is awarded from funds provided in 1982 by Professor Yoshihiro Hisamatsu, former Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Tokyo and now Advisor in Technology to the Nisshin Steel Co., Ltd. of Japan.
THANIT YOURUCHATANGERN
The James A. Linen III Memorial Prize
Batch 107's James A Linen III Memorial Prize recipients is Thanit Youruchatangern in recognition of his outstanding academic performance in the field of Information Management. A Thai citizen, he obtained his B.Sc. degree, major in Computer from the King Mongkut's Institute of Technology, Ladkrabang, Thailand in 2005. He was admitted in August 2005 and completed his M.Sc. degree with a thesis entitled 'An Application Framework for Ubiquitous Supply Chain Management.'
The James A Linen III Memorial Prize was established in 1988 in memory of Mr. Jim Linen, a charter founding member and life member of the Board of Trustees of AIT from 1967 to 1988.
RISDIYONO
The Yoshiro Takasaki Prize
Batch 107's Yoshiro Takasaki Prize recipient is Risdiyono in recognition of his outstanding academic performance in the field of Design and Manufacturing Engineering. An Indonesian citizen, he obtained his B.Eng. degree, major in Mechanical Engineering from the Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia in 1999. He was admitted in August 2005 and completed his M.Eng. degree with a thesis entitled 'Rules of Mixtures for Utilizing Natural Rubber in Color Rapid Prototyping'. Prior to joining AIT, he worked as Lecturer (Mech. Engineering Department) at the Universitas Islam Indonesia.
The Yoshiro Takasaki Prize was established from funds provided in 1999 by Mr. Yoshiro Takasaki, Chairman of Toyo Seikan Kaisha Ltd., Japan, member of the AIT Board of Trustees since 1994.
VU XUAN TRUONG
The Tim Kendall Memorial Prize
Batch 107's Tim Kendall Memorial Prize recipient is Vu Xuan Truong in recognition of his outstanding academic performance in the field of Industrial Engineering and Management. A Vietnamese citizen, he obtained his B.Eng. degree, major in Civil Engineering from the Hanoi University of Civil Engineering, Vietnam in 2002. He was admitted in August 2005 and completed his M.Eng. degree with a thesis entitled 'A Hybrid PSO Algorithm for Multi-mode Resource-constrained Project Scheduling Problems'. Prior to joining AIT, he worked as an Engineer at the Vietnam Machinery Erection Corporation.
The Tim Kendall Memorial Prize was established in 1981 from funds provided by the United Kingdom Appeal, in memory of Mr. R.M. (Tim) Kendall, member of the AIT Board of Trustees from 1971 to 1981.
NGUYEN CHANH NGHIEM
The Werner Von Siemens
Excellence Award
Batch 107's Werner Von Siemens Excellence Award recipients is Nguyen Chanh Nghiem in recognition of his outstanding academic performance in the field of Mechatronics. A Vietnamese citizen, he obtained his B.Eng. degree, major in Electronics from the Cantho University, Vietnam in 2005. He was admitted in August 2005 and completed his M.Eng. degree with a thesis entitled 'Static and Dynamic Objects Recognition for an Intelligent Vehicle'. Prior to joining AIT, he worked as Lecturer at the College of Information and Communication Technology, Cantho University, Vietnam.
The Werner Von Siemens Excellence Award is given from funds provided in 1999 by the Siemens Company, Ltd., one of the major partners of the Mechatronics field of study of the Institute.
NAVEED UL ISLAM
The Infineon Prize
Batch 107's Infineon Prize recipient is Naveed Ul Islam in recognition of his outstanding academic performance in the field of Microelectronics.
A Pakistani citizen, he obtained his B.Sc.E. degree, major in Electronics and Communications from the University of Engineering & Technology, Taxila, Pakistan in 2001. He was admitted in August 2005 and completed his M.Eng. degree with a thesis entitled 'Fabrication of Dye Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) Focusing on Improvement in Cell Performance'. Prior to joining AIT, Mr. Islam worked as Assistant Manager at the National Engineering & Scientific Commission (NESCOM), Pakistan.
The Infineon Prize is given from funds provided in 2003 by the Infineon Technologies AG, through its Asia Pacific Office in Singapore.
TRAN MINH TRI
The John A Hrones Prize
Batch 107's John A. Hrones Prize recipient is Tran Minh Tri in recognition of his outstanding academic performance in the field of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems.
A Vietnamese citizen,he obtained his B.Eng. degree, major in Telecommunications from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, Vietnam in 1994. He was admitted in August 2005 and completed his M.Eng. degree with a thesis entitled 'GIS Based Application in Mobile Cellular Network: A Study of Microcell Propagation in Urban Areas'.
The John A. Hrones Prize is awarded from funds provided in 1996 by the AIT Foundation Inc., U.S.A., in honor of the late Dr. Hrones, who served as a member of the AIT Board of Trustees from 1968 to 1998.
SATISH CHANDAR JHA
The Aoyagi Prize
Batch 107's Aoyagi Prize recipient is Satish Chandar Jha in recognition of his outstanding academic performance in the field of Information and Communication Technologies. A Nepali citizen, he obtained his B.Eng. degree, major in Electronics and Communication Engineering from the Tribhuvan University, Nepal in 2004. He was admitted in August 2005 and completed his M.Eng. degree with a thesis entitled 'Dynamic-Address-Allocation Based Routing for Scalability Support in Wireless Mesh Networks'. Prior to joining AIT, he worked as Lecturer at the Kathmandu Engineering College, Nepal.
The Aoyagi Prize was established from funds provided in 1994 by Prof. Aoyagi, former AIT faculty member.
PRADEEP CHATHURANGA WEERADDANA
The Sonera Prize
Batch 107's Sonera Prize recipient is Pradeep Chathurangan Weeraddana in recognition of his outstanding academic performance in the field of Telecommunications. A Sri Lankan citizen, he obtained his B.Sc.E. degree, major in Electronic & Telecommunication from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka in 2004. He was admitted in August 2005 and completed his M.Eng. degree with a thesis entitled 'Performance Analysis of OFDM Systems with Random Residual Frequency Offset'. Prior to joining AIT, Mr. Weeraddana worked as an Engineer at the Sierra Global Network (PVT) Ltd., Sri Lanka.
The Sonera Prize is given from funds provided in 1991 by Telecom, Finland.
IQBAL SHAHID
The Wireless Personal Multimedia Communications (WPMC) Prize
Batch 107's WPMC Prize recipient is Iqbal Shahid in recognition of his outstanding academic performance in the field of Telecommunications (Wireless Multimedia). A Pakistani citizen, he obtained his B.Eng. degree, major in Electronics Communications from the National University of Sciences and Technology, Pakistan in 2001. He was admitted in August 2005 and completed his M.Eng. degree with a thesis entitled 'Bit-Interleaved Space-Time Coded Modulation with Iterative Decoding over Correlated Fading Channels'. Prior to joining AIT, he worked as Assistant Manager at NESCOM.
The WPMC Prize is given by Yokosuka Research Park R&D; Committee and Communications Research Laboratory of Japan, from funds established in 2001 in recognition of AIT's contributions to WPMC.
RAMYA KANAGANAYAGAM
APINUN TANTIVIRIYAPAN
Mahesh Varma Prize
Batch 107's Mahesh Varma Prize recipients are Ramya Kanaganayagam and Apinun Tantiviriyapan in recognition of their outstanding academic performance in the field of Construction, Engineering and Infrastructure Management.
Ms. Kanaganayagam, a Sri Lankan citizen, obtained her B.Sc.E. degree, major in Civil Engineering from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka in 2003. She was admitted in August 2005 and completed her M.Eng. degree with a thesis entitled 'Making Construction Employment Decent Work: A System Dynamics Investigation'. Prior to joining AIT, she worked as a Civil Engineer at the Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau, Colombo.
Mr. Tantiviriyapan, a Thai citizen, obtained his B.Eng. degree, major in Civil Engineering from the Chulalongkorn University, Thailand in 2005. He was admitted in August 2005 and completed his M.Eng. degree with a thesis entitled 'Analysis of the Office Market Demand and Supply by using Systems Dynamics Approach'. Prior to joining AIT, He worked at the EMC Corporation.
The Mahesh Varma Prize was established from funds provided by Prof. Mahesh Varma, former AIT Faculty member.
THAMRONGSAK SUWANISHWONG
The Deeswasmongkol Prize
Batch 107's Deeswasmongkol Prize recipient is Thamrongsak Suwanishwong in recognition of his outstanding academic performance in the field of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering. A Thai citizen, he obtained his B.Eng. degree, major in Civil Engineering from the Naresuan University, Thailand in 2003. He was admitted in August 2005 and completed his M.Eng. degree with a thesis entitled 'A Study on Aquifer Storage Transfer and Recovery (ASTR) in a Fractured Aquifer, Khon Kaen, Thailand'. Prior to joining AIT, he worked at the A & E Co., Ltd., Bangkok, Thailand.
The Deeswasmongkol Prize is awarded from funds provided in 1996 by Dr. Niyom Desswasmongkol, Project Manager of the MDX Power Public Company Limited.
THAPANA THANATSANG
The Wen-Jei Yang Prize
Batch 107's Wen-Jei Yang Prize recipient is Thapana Thanatsang in recognition of his outstanding academic performance in the field of Structural Engineering. A Thai citizen, he obtained his B.Eng. degree, major in Civil Engineering from Thammasat University, Thailand in 2004. He was admitted in August 2005 and completed his M.Eng. degree with a thesis entitled 'Aerodynamic Effects among Tall Buildings: A Detailed Investigation on Base-Moment Spectra and Correlation among Base-Moment Components'.
The Wen-Jei Yang Prize is awarded from funds contributed by Professor Wen-Jei Yang, Professor Emeritus of the University of Michigan, U.S.A.
PAKORN ANIWATTAKULCHAI
The Barbara and John Hugh Jones Prize
Batch 107's Barbara and John Hugh Jones Prize recipient is Pakorn Aniwattakulchai in recognition of his outstanding academic performance in the field of Transportation Engineering.
A Thai citizen, he obtained his B.Eng. degree, major in Civil Engineering from the King Mongkut's Institute of Technology, Ladkrabang, Thailand in 2005. He was admitted in August 2005 and completed his M.Eng. degree with a thesis entitled 'Injury Mechanism in Road Crash through Accident Investigation'.
The Barbara and John Hugh Jones Prize is awarded from funds provided in 1994 by Professor John Hugh Jones, former Vice President for Academic Affairs of the Asian Institute of Technology.
ANAWAT SUPPASRI
VISHNU PRASARD PANDEY
The Hodaka Prize
Batch 107's Hodaka Prize recipients are Anawat Suppasri and Vishnu Prasad Pandey in recognition of their outstanding academic performance in the field of Water Engineering and Management.
Mr. Suppasri, a Thai citizen, obtained his B.Eng. degree, major in Civil Engineering from the Chulalongkorn University, Thailand in 2005. He was admitted in August 2005 and completed his M.Eng. degree with a thesis entitled 'Hydraulic Performance of Nam Ngum 2 Spillway'.
Mr. Pandey, a Nepali citizen, obtained his B.Eng. degree, major in Civil Engineering from the Tribhuvan University, Nepal in 2001. He was admitted in August 2005 and completed his M.Eng. degree with a thesis entitled 'Assessment of Vulnerability of Freshwater Resources: A Case Study of Bagmati River Basin'. Prior to joining AIT, he worked at the Rural Reconstruction, Nepal.
The Hodaka Prize is awarded from funds contributed in 1990 by Professor Hiroyoshi Shi-igai, President of Japan River Association and a member of the AIT Board of Trustees from 1980 to 2000.
PRADEEP CHATHURANGA WEERADDANA
The AITAA Prize
Batch 107's AIT Alumni Association (AITAA) Prize recipient is Pradeep Chathuranga Weeraddana in recognition of outstanding academic performance in the School of Engineering and Technology.
The AITAA Prize is awarded from funds provided by the AIT Alumni Association (AITAA).
RAMYA KANAGANAYAGAM
The Hiromichi Seya Prize
Batch 107's Hiromichi Seya recipient is Ramya Kanagayagam in recognition of her being the most outstanding academic performer among female graduating students in the School of Engineering and Technology.
The Hiromichi Seya Prize is funded by KEIDANREN, the Japan Federation of Economic Organizations.
NALAVADE PARISH PRAKASH
The Y.Y. Kishida Prize
Batch 107's Y.Y. Kishida Prize recipient is Nalvade Parish Prakash in recognition of his outstanding academic performance in the field of Agricultural Systems and Engineering.
Mr. Prakash, an Indian citizen, obtained his B.Tech. degree, major in Agricultural Engineering from the Dr. A.S. College of Agril. Engineering, MPKV, India in 2005. Mr. Prakash was admitted to the AIT Master degree program in the field of Agricultural Systems and Engineering in August 2005 and completed his M.Eng. degree with a thesis entitled 'Development of a 15-M Tractor Mounted Spray Boom for Increased Field Efficiency'.
The Y.Y. Kishida Prize was established in 1992 by Mr. Yoshisuke Kishida, owner of the Shin Norinsha Co., Tokyo, Japan, in memory of his son, Yoshiyuke.
WATCHARAPORN TRIPANICHKUL
Chinthana Boonthamjinda Memorial Prize
Batch 107's Chintana Boonthamjinda Memorial Prize recipient is Watcharaporn Tripanichkul in recognition of her outstanding academic performance in the field of Aquaculture and Aquatic Resources Management. A Thai citizen, she obtained her B.Sc. degree, major in Marine Science from the Kasetsart University, Thailand in 2002. She was admitted in August 2005 and completed her M.Sc. degree with a thesis entitled 'Sea Cucumber Fishery in Yao Islands, Phang Nga, Thailand and Recommendations for Integrated Management'. Prior to joining AIT, she worked as a Marine Biologist at the Phuket Marine Biological Center, Thailand.
The Chintana Boonthamjinda Memorial Prize was established in May 1998 with funds from her family, AIT alumni, faculty and staff in memory of Mrs. Chintana, a long-serving, dedicated staff in Aquaculture and Aquatic Resources Management.
SHUBHA LAXMI SHRESTHAbr>
The Yoshiro Takasaki Prize
Batch 107's Yoshiro Takasaki Prize recipient is Shubha Laxmi Shrestha in recognition of her outstanding academic performance in the field of Energy. A Nepali citizen, she obtained her B.Eng. degree, major in Mechanical Engineering from the Tribhuvan University, Nepal in 2002. She was admitted in August 2005 and completed her M.Eng. degree with a thesis entitled 'Long Term Energy System Planning of Nepal: An Assessment of Linkage between Electrified Transport Sector and Hydropower Development'. Prior to joining AIT, she worked at the Hilltake Electricals & Refrigeration Industry (P) Ltd., Nepal.
The Yoshiro Takasaki Prize was established from funds provided in 1999 by Mr. Yoshiro Takasaki, Chairman of Toyo Seikan Kaisha Ltd., Japan, member of the AIT Board of Trustees since 1994.
NAVANEETHAN NAVARATNAM
The Robert B. Banks Prize
Batch 107's Robert B. Banks Prize recipient is Navaneethan Navaratnam in recognition of his outstanding academic performance in the field of Environmental Engineering and Management. A Sri Lankan citizen, he obtained his B.Sc.E. degree, major in Civil Engineering from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka in 2003. He was admitted to the AIT Master degree program in the field of Environmental Engineering and Management in August 2005 and completed his M.Eng. degree with a thesis entitled 'Anaerobic Digestion of Waste Activated Sludge with Ultrasonic Pretreatment'. Prior to joining AIT, he worked as a Visiting Instructor at the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka.
The Robert B. Banks Prize named after Professor Robert Banks, one of the Institute's former Presidents, was awarded for the first time in 1994 from funds generated by the continuing education and consultancy activities in Geotechnical Engineering of Professor A.S. Balasubramaniam and his colleagues.
NISHA ONTA
The Alastair M. North Prize
Batch 107's Alastair M. North Prize recipient is Nisha Onta in recognition of her outstanding academic performance in the field of Gender and Development Studies. A Nepali citizen, she obtained her B.A. degree, major in Business of Administration from the Bethel College, U.S.A. in 2001. She was admitted in August 2005 and completed her M.Sc. degree with a thesis entitled 'Reproduction of Newar Identity in the Lives of Young Newar Women, Kathmandu Nepal'.
The Alastair M. North Prize was established from funds contributed by Professor Alastair M. North, former President of the Asian Institute of Technology.
SALAI CUNG LIAN THAWNG
The Tim Kendall Memorial Prize
Batch 107's Tim Kendall Memorial Prize recipient is Salai Cung Lian Thawng in recognition of his outstanding academic performance in the field of Natural Resources Management. A Myanmar citizen, he obtained his B.Sc. degree, major in Forestry from the University of Forestry, Myanmar in 2001. He was admitted in August 2005 and completed his M.Sc. degree with a thesis entitled 'Forest Condition Change and Local Livelihoods in Post Armed Conflict Area: A Case Study of Manwin Village in Kachin State, Northern Myanmar'.
The Tim Kendall Memorial Prize was established in 1981 from funds provided by the United Kingdom Appeal, in memory of Mr. R.M. (Tim) Kendall, member of the Board of Trustees from 1971 to 1981.
LILI SURYANI
The James A. Linen III Memorial Prize
Batch 107's James A. Linen III Memorial Prize recipient is Lili Suryani in recognition of her outstanding academic performance in the field of Pulp and Paper Technology. An Indonesian citizen, she obtained her B.Eng. degree, major in Industrial Engineering from the Petra Christian University, Indonesia in 2004. Ms. Suryani was admitted in August 2005 and completed her M.Eng. degree with a thesis entitled 'Effect of Woodfree Recycled Fiber on the Properties of Woodfree Coated Paper: A Case Study'. Prior to joining AIT, she worked as a Marketing Staff at the Pt. Wings Surya, Indonesia.
The James A. Linen III Memorial Prize was established in 1988 in memory of Mr. Jim Linen, a charter founding member and life member of the AIT Board of Trustees.
NGUYEN THI QUY LINH
The James A. Linen III Memorial Prize
Another Batch 107's James A. Linen III Memorial Prize recipient is Nguyen Thi Quy Linh in recognition of her outstanding academic performance in the field of Regional and Rural Development Planning. A Vietnamese citizen, she obtained her B.Econ. degree, major in Trade Enterprises Finance & Accounting from the University of Commerce, Vietnam in 1997. She was admitted in August 2005 and completed her M.Sc. degree with a thesis entitled 'Farmers' Participation in an Aquaculture Development Project: A Case Study in Quynh Loc Commune, Quynh Luu District, Nghe An Province, Vietnam'. Prior to joining AIT, she worked at the Support to Blackish Water and Marine Aquaculture (SUMA), Ministry of Fisheries (MOFi), Vietnam.
The James A. Linen III Memorial Prize was established in 1988 in memory of Mr. Jim Linen, a charter founding member and life member of the AIT Board of Trustees.
PLY PIROM
The John A. Hrones Prize
Batch 107's John A. Hrones Prize recipient is Ply Pirom in recognition of his outstanding academic performance in the field of Urban Environmental Management. A Thai citizen, he obtained his B.Eng. degree, major in Industrial Engineering from the Thammasat University, Thailand in 2001. He was admitted in August 2005 and completed his M.Sc. degree with a thesis entitled 'Spatial Characteristics and Environmental Issues Associated with Sectoral Transformations: A Micro Level Study of Selected Strategic Areas in Bangkok'. Prior to joining AIT, he worked at the Siam Refractory Industry Co., Ltd. (Siam Cement Group), Thailand.
The John A. Hrones Prize is awarded from funds provided in 1996 by the AIT Foundation Inc., U.S.A., in honor of the late Dr. Hrones, who served as a member of the AIT Board of Trustees from 1968 to 1998.
NGUYEN THI QUY LINH
NISHA ONTA
SHUBHA LAXMI SHRESTHA
The Yoh Kurosawa Prize
Batch 107's Yoh Kurosawa Prize recipients are Nguyen Thi Quy Linh, Niisha Onta and Shubha Laxmi Shrestha in recognition of their being the most outstanding academic performers among female graduating students in the School of Environment, Resources and Development.
The Yoh Kurosawa Prize is funded by KEIDANREN, the Japan Federation of Economic Organizations.
SHUBHA LAXMI SHRESTHA
The AITAA Prize
Batch 107's AIT Alumni Association (AITAA) Prize recipient is Shubha Laxmi Shrestha in recognition of her outstanding academic performance in the School of Environment, Resources and Development.
The AIT Alumni Association Prize is awarded from funds provided by the AIT Alumni Association (AITAA).
JYOTIRMOY PODDER
The Wilhelm Hill Prize
Batch 107's Wilhelm Hill Prize recipient is Jyotirmoy Podder in recognition of his outstanding academic performance among MBA students in the field of International Business. A Bangladeshi citizen, he obtained his M.Com. degree, major in Accounting from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh in 1997. He was admitted to the AIT Master degree program in the field of International Business in August 2005 and completed his M.B.A. degree with a research study entitled 'Corporate Governance and Firm Performance: A Study on Thailand'.
The Wilhelm Hill Prize was established in 1996 from funds contributed by Professor Wilhelm Hill, Head of the Strategic Studies Research and Publishing Unit, University of Basel, Switzerland, and a member of the AIT Board of Trustees from 1993 to 1999.
SAOHARIT NITAYAVARDHANA
The Hisamatsu Prize
Batch 107's Hisamatsu Prize recipient is Saoharit Nitayavardhana in recognition of outstanding academic performance in the field of Food Engineering and Bioprocess Technology. A Thai citizen, she obtained her B.Sc. degree, major in Biotechnology from Chulalongkorn University, Thailand in 2005. She was admitted in August 2005 and completed her M.Sc. degree with a thesis entitled 'Ultrasound Pretreatment of Cassava Chips to Enhance Sugar Release for Subsequent Ethanol Production'.
The Hisamatsu Prize is awarded from funds provided in 1982 by Professor Yoshihiro Hisamatsu, former Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Tokyo and now Advisor in Technology to the Nisshin Steel Co., Ltd. of Japan.