Eighty alumni of transportation engineering from the Asian Institute
of Technology (AIT) joined hands to donate 1 Million Baht in memory of
their teacher, late Prof. Yordphol Thanaboriboon. Prof. Yordphol, who
passed away in June 2006 at a young age of 55 years, was remembered by
his former students and AIT President Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai at
the donation ceremony at AIT on 2 April 2015.
Prof. Yordphol had passed away in his sleep while leading a group of
15 students and research staff at a visit to the Volvo Car Research
Center in Gothenburg, Sweden. The group was working in a research
project for AIT’s Thailand Accident Research Center (TARC). The
donation was received by Prof. Worsak from Police Colonel Dr. Narongsak
Bovornvongpitak (TRE ’99) and Mr. Apiphan Naewphanassawa (TRE ’00), on
behalf of a group of alumni who call themselves the “AIT Transport
Group,” and former faculty members from Japan.
Also donating 1 Million Baht was the AIT Alumni Association
(Thailand), and Panya Consultants who gave 500,000 Baht taking the
total contribution for the AIT Library Modernization to 2.5 Million on
a single day.
Mr. Supachai Rakpanitmanee, Vice President of AITAA (Thailand) and
Managing Director, Panya Consultants Ltd, while making the donation,
echoed the sentiment of Mr. Chusak Gaywee, AITAA (Thailand) President,
stating that they would do everything possible to help AIT. Announcing
their unstinted support, he added that they are also working with
private sector to contribute towards AIT.
President Worsak commended the spirit of the donors, stating that it
is not the amount that matters, but it is the spirit of associating
with their alma mater that is critical. Describing the AIT Library has
the “heart of the campus,” Prof. Worsak said that he had received
several suggestions regarding unique features that could be
incorporated in the modernization plans. Suggestions under
consideration are the use of RFID technology instead of bar codes, use
of robotic arms, an open air green space within the AIT library, and
the creation of a solar rooftop.
The AIT President also solicited innovative suggestions from the AIT
community for making the AIT library a unique place. He added that
requisite arrangements will be made so that the AIT alumni can fully
utilize the earmarked alumni room within the AIT Library. Mr. Sanjeev
Jayasinghe, Director, Fundraising, stated that “the alumni lounge will
benefit visiting local and overseas alumni who can use these facilities
free of cost."
Prof. Worsak also shared his vision of the renovation of the campus
infrastructure which includes renovation of air conditioning,
electricity and water supply, pavements and ground areas.
Office bearers of AIT Alumni Association (Thailand) who participated
in the donation ceremony included Mr. Anuthep Chaovanalikit, Treasurer,
AITAA (Thailand); Mr. Chom Tantitamtaworn, Registrar, AITAA (Thailand);
and Dr. Siriluk Chumchean of Panya Consultants.Prof. Pennung Wartnichai
and Dr. Sarawut Ninsawat of AIT’s School of Engineering and Technology
(SET), and Ms. Chalita Lertwinyu, Assistant to the AIT President, also
joined the donation ceremony and thanked the donors.
