On 17 October 2007, the AIT administration welcomed a delegation of State Universities and College Presidents and Faculty Members from the Bicol Region, Philippines, who were in Thailand as part of an international benchmarking visit. AIT President Said Irandoust was able to update them of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) plans to support two-stage master's programs, and he encouraged them to approach DOST for this purpose. The delegation expressed interest in the AIT Satellite Center concept, which AIT is pursuing in Pakistan, and will try to find ways in which AIT could collaborate with them. Dr. Monsita G. Ilarde, President of the Camarines Sur Polytechnic College, who is the new President of the Association of Universities in the Bicol Region, will serve as the contact person.