MAY & JUNE 2020

1

ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

MAY & JUNE 2020

AIT RE-OPENS 1 JULY

26 June 2020

DEAR AIT FAMILY

The AIT Campus will re-open on 1 July. In the past measures will still be in place, so please pay attention to few months, due to the gradual y implemented

the Covid-19 Task Force messages and the Intranet for

strict measures and the vigilance of the entire

these measures and any gradual relaxation. The Covid-19

community, our campus has stayed safe from Covid-19,

situation in Thailand seems to be under control, but global y and academic instructions went on without delay. Work

the pandemic still rages on. At AIT, we must continue to

was going on in many different areas, and we thank al

be watchful, and social distancing in gathering and seating those mission-essential personnel who had to come in to

will still be the mandatory practice for some time. We are serve our students and community, and we also thank al

requiring health checks for all employees and vendors and those who worked from home diligently. In less than one

students, and new dormitory assignments will be made

month, more students will graduate from Intersem, thus

with proper separations in mind. Our highest priority

completing their very chal enging final six months at AIT.

continues to be the health of everyone at AIT.

We appreciate their perseverance and we congratulate

them!

As for academics, we are instal ing a system which wil

provide Hybrid Instruction this Fall and more innovative

Even though the campus will re-open on 1 July, work wil

teaching beyond that. A number of Smart Modified

be on a shift basis for one month, plus certain cautionary Continued on Page 2

INSIDE ISSUE..

Feature............................................... 2-10 Scholarships & Other Donations........ 18-20

Recent News Covid-19 Situation.......... 11-13 Webinars / Liveshows........................... 21

Student Exchange............................. 14-16 Backpage............................................ 22

Research............................................... 17

MAY & JUNE 2020 • 2

Continued from Page 1

Classrooms are being outfitted—with support by several generous donors—with technology that will make the experience of those students who are not on AIT campus as interactive and close to being here as possible. It wil also al ow the Instructors to focus on the teaching with ease. Continuing research students who are overseas wil have special arrangements being put together by the Schools. For the students who are able to come on campus, their AIT experience will be even better than before with the new equipment, and classrooms and laboratories will also be arranged with social distancing in mind, providing a safe place to learn.

We know that some AIT students who are at home overseas may not be able to come back to our campus in time for the start of the Fall (August) Semester—classes are scheduled to begin on 4 August. But we are getting excel ent support from various offices of the Thai Government—from the Prime Minister’s Office, to the Center for Covid-19

Situation Administration, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, to Thai embassies in different countries, as well as from various Ambassadors here, to facilitate the arrival of our students as quickly—and as safely—as possible. As you can imagine, because of varying seriousness of the Covid-19 situation in each country and the very cautious and prudent attitude of the Thai Government, because of the uncertainties of international air travel and other restrictions, because of visa processing and a likely quarantine requirement, a number of our overseas students may not be present in the classrooms on time. But as I mentioned above, with our Hybrid Instruction system in place, AIT “will not miss a beat”, and instruction and learning wil continue for ALL our students, wherever they may be.

We are wel -prepared and very much looking forward to the Fall Semester. Please continue to take care and stay safe, and the whole AIT family will get through this difficult period together successful y—that is the AIT Spirit!

Dr. Eden Woon, President

FEATURE

PROF. SHOBHAKAR DHAKAL APPOINTED

AS DEAN OF AIT SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENT,

RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

AIT President Dr. Eden Woon has announced the appointment of Prof.

Shobhakar Dhakal as the new Dean of the AIT School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD) starting from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2022. A Nepal national, Professor Dhakal has been a faculty member of the School of Environment, Resources and Development since 2012.

He earned his PhD from The University of Tokyo, Japan in 2000 and was a Special Graduate Student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States in 1999. Prior to this, he earned his M.Engg from the Asian Institute of Technology in 1996 and B.Engg from the National Institute of Technology, Surat in India in 1993. As the Dean, he will lead the School and all its activities and is accountable to the President for the delivery of all education, research, consultancy and outreach activities of the School, as well as marketing and promotional activities, and for the internal management of the School.

In an email to AIT faculty, staff and students, President Woon wished Prof. Dhakal every success in this new role and invited the AIT Community to give its support and cooperation to the new dean.

President Woon also took the opportunity to express his appreciation to Prof. Rajendra Shrestha for his dedicated service to the School of Environment, Resources and Development in his capacity as the School Dean for more than four years. He has also been a valuable member of the AIT Governing Team and the President thanked him for his representation of SERD and his contribution on policy matters which are instrumental to transforming AIT.

FEATURE

MAY & JUNE 2020 • 3

GRADUATION MESSAGE FROM

AIT PRESIDENT TO THE

GRADUATES OF MAY 2020

DEAR GRADUATES

First, I must apologize to you that one of the

unforgettable moments of your life will not happen

this May, namely your Graduation Exercise. This

is because another unforgettable moment of your

life has happened—namely, the Coronavirus

Crisis that is hitting the world.

This virus has devastated many countries,

including some of your home countries. The

AIT President Dr. Eden Woon

devastation takes its toll in human lives, in illness,

in the economy, and in our way of life. AIT’s way

Second, is an appreciation of how globally

of life was affected starting March 18th when

connected we are and how dependent we are on

we had to stop our face-to-face instruction and

each other. This pandemic cannot be solved by

migrate to interactive online learning. Thanks to

one or a few countries. It can only be tackled by

our faculty’s diligence, our staff’s hard work, and

the whole world working in unison. AIT being

thanks to your adaptability and patience, we were

one of the truly international universities in the

able to deliver a good quality AIT education to

world, with students from 33 different countries

you without delaying your graduation. It is just

and no country having a majority of students here,

that, sadly, the Graduation Ceremony itself cannot

gave you an excellent opportunity to interact and

take place this Spring. I do welcome you all to

empathize and work with people from different

come back, however, in December and “walk the

corners of the world.

ceremony” again if you so wish, and bring your

Third is an ability to adapt. You should be

parents too at that time!

confident that you will be able to adapt to the new

But I have to admit, whether “normality” can be

world, to the “New Normal” as many people put

achieved by December is anybody’s guess at this

it. The education you received at AIT not only

point. This is because this is a global pandemic,

provided you with specific knowledge, but an

with impact globally. And even if the pandemic

ability and nimbleness and belief in yourself to

subsides, what the Post-Covid-19 world looks like

adapt to new environments and new requirements.

is a big question mark. Therefore, our graduates

As the world is being turned upside down by

are walking very much into an uncertain world.

Covid-19, with the outcome very much unclear,

Frankly, life as we knew it before January may not

this is a good confidence to have.

return again soon, or some say even ever.

So as you graduate today from AIT, equipped

But hopefully as you graduate from AIT, you

with an appreciation of nature, a willingness

leave equipped with three characteristics:

to work with global partners, and the ability to

adapt, we wish you success in a very different

First is a dedication to study and improve the

world than the one you experienced when you

human race’s relationship with nature. AIT being

entered AIT a few years ago. But we are proud

an institution whose mission is “Social Impact

of your achievements, and we are thankful to

with Innovation” and which places a heavy

you to persevere through your last few months

emphasis on Sustainability should have given you

of education at AIT as unforeseen circumstances

an appreciation of how formidable nature is, even

forced us into emergency measures. You will

as this virus has brutally reminded us of this fact.

never forget your last few months at AIT, and we

The world needs you, more than ever, to explore

will never forget you! Good luck!!

and teach and promote the way we co-exist with

Mother Earth.

Watch The President’s Video Message

FEATURE

MAY & JUNE 2020 • 4

ROBOT STANDS IN FOR GRADE 6 GRADUATES AT AITIS VIRTUAL

GRADUATION 2020

AIT International School holds a Virtual Graduation for its 6th Grade graduates kept home by the

COVID-19 situation

Principal Thomas with one of the graduates at the AITIS Virtual Graduation Ceremony on June 10, 2020.

The AIT International School (AITIS) in June introduced some innovation into its annual graduation ceremony during the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic, when an AIT robot represented members of its Grade 6 Graduating Class and received their graduation certificates from the school principal, while proud parents and the young graduates watched online from home.

At the AITIS Virtual Graduation Ceremony 2020, Principal Ms. Oluwayemisi Ayoola Thomas warmly congratulated each of the 27 young graduates by handing over their certificates to the robot, which displayed the beaming young face of each graduate it represented.

The special event on June 10 was carried live via the internet from the Robert B. Banks Auditorium, AIT.

The number of teachers, and technical staff was limited, and social distancing was practiced to ensure a safe environment for all.

Continued on Page 5

FEATURE

MAY & JUNE 2020 • 5

Continued from Page 4

Commenting on the children’s achievements in the face of the coronavirus, Principal Thomas said: “You have more than proved to us in these past three months that you are ready for the challenges ahead.

You kept on studying, as the whole world was going through this pandemic crisis that drove us out of our comfort zone - the classroom. Through it all, you came through with flying colors and you have accomplished the impossible!”

Mr. Russell Rein, AIT Vice President of Administration, said that graduation day is one of the most special and memorable experiences that all students should have, and the children deserved to celebrate their graduation even during the coronavirus pandemic. “This is why we were determined to celebrate this virtual graduation ceremony at the AITIS, and with the help of our own technology and experts on campus, this special event for our Grade 6 graduates materialized,” he said.

The robot is designed by the Industrial Systems Engineering Program at the AIT School of Engineering and Technology and was made available by Prof. Manukid Parnichkun and his graduate students at the Advanced Robotics Lab. All dressed up as a graduate in gown and mortarboard, it artfully navigated back and forth across the auditorium stage with the help of research specialist Mr. Hoang Hung Manh.

Following the ceremony, the robot returned to its normal duty station at the AIT Library. Live streaming was provided by technicians from the AIT intERLab and ITSERV.

Mr. Rein added: “For AITIS, we are proud that all our young graduates leave us at this point in time, to go on to other primary and middle schools around Thailand and sometimes they even go overseas, which is why it is very important for us to commemorate the time that they’ve had with us at the AITIS. We wanted to make sure that it would be a moment for them to remember. Even though they are not here in person, I have a feeling they felt like they were back home at AITIS today.”

Watch the Graduation Video

FEATURE

MAY & JUNE 2020 • 6

AIT TEAMS UP WITH SCB AND DEPA IN DIGITAL MANPOWER

DEVELOPMENT ON ‘DATA ANALYTICS FOR UPSKILLING PROGRAM’

Dr. Naveed Anwar, Vice President for Knowledge Transfer, the Asian Institute of Technology (left), Dr. Nattapon Nimmanphatcharin, Director Associate Professor, the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (middle) and Mr. Worawat Suvagondha, First Executive Vice President and Head of SCB Academy, Siam Commercial Bank (right) The Asian Institute of Technology has joined with Siam Commercial Bank and the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) of Thailand to launch a “Data Analytics for Upskilling” program with the objective of developing personnel skills related to data analytics in the labor market in the face of ‘new normal’ challenges.

Mr. Worawat Suvagondha, SCB First Executive Vice President and Head of the SCB Academy, said that in this ‘new normal age’, where the economy is driven by digital technology, it is vital for private and state organizations to groom personnel with data analytics skills because data is an instrumental factor propelling businesses forward. Thailand is developing quickly and consumer behavior is changing rapidly, so leading business organizations are paying greater attention to data and how to turn it into a tangible asset. Because of this, data analytics skills are a significant discussion topic among new-age business organizations.

SCB Academy, an academic arm of SCB, is recognized for its experience and expertise in developing knowledge and skills for personnel both inside and outside of the bank through modern course content catering to the needs of learners and organizations. Under the cooperative agreement with depa and AIT for inaugurating the “Data Analytics for Upskilling” program, SCB Academy has been entrusted to jointly design and develop learning courses and materials in terms of content, study cases, practical approaches, and tests to ensure that the knowledge, techniques, and preliminary skills being taught meet the real needs of learners and the labor market.

Continued on Page 7

FEATURE

MAY & JUNE 2020 • 7

Continued from Page 6

Dr. Nattapon Nimmanphatcharin, Director

Associate Professor of depa, noted that the

program is the first-ever cooperation by these three

leading organizations (depa, AIT, and SCB) in an

attempt to enhance the data analytics skills of the

workforce to ensure that they are ready to enter a

new global age driven by digital technology. The

key objective of the program is to:

• Promote and encourage the development of high

quality, top caliber workforce, and personnel in

Dr. Naveed Anwar (left), Mr. Worawat Suvagondha,

the digital technology area to serve the needs of

Dr. Nattapon Nimmanphatcharin (right)

society, the economy and the nation.

media platforms, audiobooks, and podcasts. This

• Promote and encourage the exchange of

is a good opportunity for members of the younger

knowledge and experience between organizations

generation to choose any learning pattern they find

in the state, educational, and private sectors.

suitable.

• Integrate tripartite cooperation to upgrade course

Unlike traditional learning programs, what learners

development and education management.

will get from these courses is a focus on real-life

situations and practices and the applicability of

Those qualified to participate in the program are

what they learn. The course preparers surveyed

students who will be graduating, new graduates,

needs and collaborated with the private sector

those entering the labor market, existing workers

to design practical courses that suit labor market

who want to enhance their skills, and general

requirements. Each course will take only 10 hours

personnel in both the state and private sectors who

through digital learning (anywhere, anytime,

want to develop data analytics skills. The program

anyone). Learners can manage their learning

will run for one year from now until May 2021.

schedule as they want.

Dr. Naveed Anwar, Vice President for Knowledge

Mr. Worawat said that collecting data and analyzing

Transfer of AIT, said that life-long learning is

it to predict and understand change is inevitable in

unavoidable during the current economic and an age where technology is changing every second, social conditions where news and information impacting consumer behavior. Data is therefore technology are propelling changes in educational

seen as a new armory. The more any organization

systems and labor markets. Existing learning

possesses this database, the greater it can understand

patterns may no longer ensure life-long career

consumer needs and win their loyalty. It is essential

sustainability for members of the new generation.

for SCB to count on personnel with data analytics

Those who earn a living must adjust and be ready

skills, develop knowledge through existing “Big

to learn, while industrial entrepreneurs need to

Data”, and make important decisions more quickly

develop their employees’ skills properly. Learning

and efficiently. The more “Big Data” is valuable to

patterns that suit the news and information era must

organizations in every industry, the more personnel

be able to apply mass technology and be tailored

with data analytics skills are needed. This trend

to individual needs, such as massive open online

will proceed not just in the short term, but also in

courses (MOOCs), Youtube videos, games, social

the long run.

FEATURE

MAY & JUNE 2020 • 8

PRESIDENT WOON PRESENTS DONATION OF PPE AND N95 MASKS

TO THAMMASAT HOSPITAL, MADE POSSIBLE BY DEEP ROCK

COMPANY OF SHENZHEN

AIT President Dr. Eden Woon presents the donation to Thammasat University Rector Assoc. Prof. Gasinee Witoonchart.

AIT President Dr. Eden Woon on June 9, 2020 presented a humanitarian donation of 160 sets of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and 1200 N95 Face Masks to Thammasat University Hospital, made possible by its Chinese partner Deep Rock Company, a Shenzhen Enterprise. Deep Rock and AIT

signed earlier this year a MOU to facilitate AIT cooperation with Shenzhen enterprises.

The Rector of Thammasat University, Assoc. Professor Gasinee Witoonchart, received the medical supplies on behalf of the hospital at a handover ceremony that was also attended by the deputy director of the hospital and other senior officials.

Expressing thanks to the AIT President and Deep Rock, the rector and deputy director commented on the critical need by Thammasat Hospital for such medical equipment. They were particularly pleased with the high quality of the medical supplies and each noted that N95 masks were becoming hard to source.

They said that the donation was very timely and useful for the physicians, nurses and staff of the hospital.

President Woon told Rector Gasinee that he was very impressed by her active leadership to keep the Thammasat University campus safe, despite the tremendous disruptions and uncertainties involved during the coronavirus pandemic. The president added that he was moved to facilitate the donation from China by the instrumental role played by Thammasat University Hospital at the national level in caring for COVID-19 patients since the onset of the global crisis.

Expressing his solidarity with the rector and her faculty, staff and students over the ongoing situation in Thailand, President Woon said he was appreciative of the longstanding partnership that AIT has maintained with AIT neighbor Thammasat University.

“AIT is truly thankful for having Thammasat University as our valuable neighbor and trusted friend. Our ties are deep, and I am pleased that this legacy of cooperation remains strong today,” President Woon said.

FEATURE

MAY & JUNE 2020 • 9

MPA FIELD SURVEY TO PREPARE MARINE ECOSYSTEMS AND

EMERGING POLLUTION COURSE IN RAYONG, THAILAND

By Kanda Yaemboonruang

To get ready for the launch of the AIT Master’s As part of the study visit, MPA officials visited in Marine Plastics Abatement (MPA) program

the Eastern Marine Fisheries Research and

this Fall Semester, researchers and partners from

Development Center (EMDEC, Rayong), the

the project on June 29 conducted a seaside field

Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center,

survey in Rayong province, Thailand.

and the Eastern Gulf of Thailand for discussions

The scientists gathered to prepare the Marine with people in the local fishery community and Ecosystems and Emerging Pollution Course,

local fish market at Ban Phe.

which will be a core course offered as a part of

Rayong province will be a study area for the MPA

the MPA program starting in August.

program. Enrolled students will do research on

The team was led by Prof. Thammarat Koottatep,

micro-plastics and marine ecosystems, working

Coordinator of the Marine Plastics Abatement

together with the NGO “Mahasamut Patrol” which

Program at the AIT School of Environment,

is involved in solving the problem of marine waste,

Resources and Development, along with

and learn to create publicity campaigns to raise

expert researchers from the Faculty of Science,

awareness of the plastics pollution crisis along with

Ramkhamhaeng University, Assoc. Prof. Wanna

partner “Magic Eyes.”

Musig, Dean of the Faculty of Science, Assoc.

On this trip, several Thai media outlets joined for

Prof. Thammasak Yeemin, and Dr. Tatchai

news coverage, such as Thai PBS World, Thai PBS

Pussayanawin, co-designers and creators of the

News Online, Bangkok Post, INN News Agency,

Marine Ecosystems and Emerging Pollution

Green News Agency, Manager and Brick Info TV.

course

FEATURE

MAY & JUNE 2020 • 10

MARINE PLASTICS ABATEMENT – AIT JOINS UNESCO’S PLASTIC

INITIATIVE

AIT has joined UNESCO’s newly unveiled

‘The Plastic Initiative’ along with Southeast

Asian Ministers of Education Organization

(SEAMEO), UN-Habitat, United Nations

Economic and Social Commission

for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP),

International Union for Conservation of

Nature (IUCN), National Science Museum

(NSM), Thailand and the United Nations

Environment Programme (UNEP).

Dr. Benno Böer - Chief, Natural Sciences Section,

UNESCO Bangkok office

The Plastic Initiative partnership formally kicked-off at a webinar held on 12 June 2020 to celebrate World Environment Day 2020: Biodiversity. AIT President Eden Woon was a featured speaker at the online event moderated by Dr. Benno Böer, Chief, Natural Sciences Section, UNESCO Bangkok Office.

Spearheaded by UNESCO Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau for Education, The Plastic Initiative aims to support sustainable waste management and behavior in the Asia-Pacific region. Many countries in the Asia-Pacific region do not currently have proper action plans for waste management, including effective solutions to address plastic pollution in countries across the region. The Plastic Initiative intends to provide assistance to countries through the implementation of strategies to tackle plastic pollution, the development of sustainable national environmental policies, and the improvement of environmental education to raise awareness among young people.

AIT’s membership in the initiative follows the recent launch of a new 1-year Master’s degree program in Marine Plastics Abatement (MPA) planned for the Fall Semester 2020. Supported by a financial contribution from the Government of Japan, the MPA program will train a new generation of environmental leaders to combat the ocean plastic litter problem through advanced technologies and sound management practices.

Plastic pollution is one of the greatest problems affecting the marine environment today. A staggering 8 million tons of plastic ends up in the world’s oceans every year, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

The top 6 countries in the world

that discharge the most plastic

debris into the ocean are in Asia,

according to scientific research. The

specialized MPA program seeks

to empower young practitioners,

social entrepreneurs, officials

and professionals who can play

significant roles in marine plastic

abatement, which is key for

attaining Sustainable Development

Goals (SDGs).

Image: B. Böer

RECENT NEWS COVID-19 SITUATION

MAY & JUNE 2020 • 11

WEBINAR ON INTERNATIONALIZATION IN THE POST-COVID-19 ERA AIT President Dr. Eden Woon speaking at the webinar

President Eden Woon was the feature speaker at an international webinar organized by AIT on the topic of Internationalization in the Post-AIT

President

COVID-19 Era. The virtual event on June 16 was the fourth part of the Dr. Eden

Thriving after Massive Global Disruption: A Global Thought Leadership Woon,

Series hosted by the University of Strathclyde in the United Kingdom.

Speaker

Dr. Denis Simon, Executive Vice Chancellor of Duke Kunshan University, China, and Prof. Ian Rowlands, Professor, School of Environment, Dr. Denis

Resources and Sustainability (and formerly Associate Vice-President, Simon,

International), University of Waterloo, Canada, joined Dr. Woon as Panelist

panelists for a robust 90-minute session of reflections and insights.

Dr. Phil Considine, Director of Executive Development, University of Strathclyde, moderated the online event. In his opening remarks, Dr.

Considine noted that the AIT webinar had attracted the most diverse Prof. Ian international audience to date in the series, with 260 students, academicians Rowlands,

and attendees registering from all continents.

Panelist

Of the many deep impacts that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on higher education globally, one of the most critical has been to universities’

internationalization, Dr. Woon told the internet audience. “There is no more business as usual,” he stressed, as he called on university administrators Dr. Phil

to consider new and innovative modes of international cooperation, such Considine,

Moderator

as the Pipeline Partnership Program (PPP), which he introduced as a new strategic internationalization effort developed by AIT.

In response to questions, Dr. Simon suggested that the post-COVID era will be marked by “ambiguity and uncertainty” for universities and society at-large. To cope with this, Dr. Simon emphasized the need for students to cultivate an “agile mindset” to succeed amid the rapidly changing forces shaping a future world.

In his remarks, Prof. Rowlands examined the importance of rethinking and redefining the meaning of internationalization through the context of key drivers such as teaching and learning, and research and development. University alliances and networks can provide opportunities in the new environment, he said, in particular through the changing relationships between higher education institutions in the developed and developing world.

RECENT NEWS COVID-19 SITUATION

MAY & JUNE 2020 • 12

AIT’S FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19

The AIT Entrepreneurship Center (AIT EC) released an Open Call: AIT’s Fight Against Covid-19 in April inviting the AIT community and alumni to take part in fighting the global pandemic that struck the world. The competition was looking for projects that can create real impact to fight Covid-19 within 6 months. The AIT

President supported this initiative and released 250,000 Thai Baht to be used as seed funding for the winning projects.

A Virtual Pitch Competition categorized under Software and Hardware projects was held on 15 May 2020.

Six software projects presented during the morning session in front of the judges including Dr. Sarayoot Eaimkhong, Senior Consultant, Healthcare Innovation Management, NSTDA; Mr. Emmanuel Prado, Financial and Business Consultant; and Dr. Chaklam Silpasuwanchai, Assistant Professor, ICT, AIT. In the afternoon session, seven hardware projects pitched in front of the judges Dr. Volker Patzel, Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National University Singapore; Mr. Jeff Hamilton, Founder, GoMo; and Prof. Manukid Parnichkun, Professor, Mechatronics, AIT.

The winners for the software projects were:

The winners for the hardware projects were:

• Alpha Protect, a mobile app that utilizes

• Super Mask, a mask that has self-cleaning

Bluetooth and Beacon technology to find out

capability, improves communication while wearing

the presence of any infectious person in the near

the mask and includes viral detection.

vicinity.

Presenter: Dr. Attaphongse Taparugssanagorn

Presenter: Mr. Aujaswi Maurya

• Personalized Breathing Device, this product

• FreMen-Contra-COVID-19, a mobile app

addresses the issues of air pollution and provides safe

which uses spatio-temporal models developed in

air for all to breath by filtering and sanitizing air with the robotics domain to forecast people density at

Nano-technology solutions.

exposed locations.

Presenter: Dr. Tanujjal Bora

Presenter: Dr. Waqar Shahid Qureshi

• Wawe Air Purifier, a multifunctional highly

• Social Distancing Monitoring System, a

efficient air purifier that has the combination of two

camera (CCTV) application monitors social

technologies: HEPA (High-efficiency particulate air)

distancing, especially under queuing conditions.

and Photocatalysis

Presenter: Mr. Pramod Wickramatilake

Presenter: Mr. Saikiran Gaddamedi

All the winners received seed funding of 50,000 THB for hardware projects and 35,000 THB for software projects, as well as additional support from the AIT Entrepreneurship Center (co-working space, promotion, and IP support).

The winning teams are expected to make final presentations on the development of their projects in August 2020.

Source: AIT Entrepreneurship Center

RECENT NEWS COVID-19 SITUATION

MAY & JUNE 2020 • 13

ENSURING SAFETY IN FOOD SYSTEMS DURING AND AFTER

COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Prof. Anil Kumar Anal, Head of AIT’s Department of Food Agriculture and Bioresources and Sushil

Koirala, a Research Associate in the same department, published an article in Nepal’s popular news

site ‘Online Khabar’. They wrote:

“As the world responds to this pandemic and seeks to restore global prosperity, we must focus on food safety management systems at all times so that we can navigate this crisis together. Food is imperative to our survival when the situation is not normal or becomes a new normal. However, the safety and quality of food cannot be compromised. Undoubtedly, there is a need to avoid ‘business as usual’ practices and to think out of the box on food safety points so that we can safely negotiate the pandemic and/or any such crisis of our generation. This implies to policy developers, food entrepreneurs, food experts, consumers, and other stakeholders.”

Click to Read the Full Article

SOM ALUMNUS AWARDED

“ICON OF SIAM 2020”

AIT alumnus Mr. Navin Surana, who graduated from

the School of Management (MBA, 1994), recently

received the “ICON OF SIAM 2020” award for

his service to Thai society and organizing various

COVID-19 and PM2.5 related awareness activities.

He also developed a cost-effective reusable mask to

solve the PM2.5 dust issue in Thailand using ECO

recycled PET and innovative technologies. The

award ceremony was organized by the Broadcaster

and Journalist’s Assembly of Thailand (BJ.AT) at

IPM Television Station, Bangkok on 28 June 2020.

General Jittasak Charoensombat, a former advisor to

the Minister of Defense and the National Legislative

Assembly, presented the award on behalf of General

Phichit Kullawanich, the Privy Councillor in the 9th

Reign, who was the Chair.

MAY & JUNE 2020 •

STUDENT EXCHANGE

14

MY EXPERIENCE IN AIT, THAILAND

By Santaute Venslaviene

Currently, I am studying at Vilnius Gediminas I found the cuisine to be fascinating, with different Technical University in Lithuania, in the Faculty flavours, aromas, and abundance of spices. The fruit of Business Management. I am a PhD student in was perfect!

the Financial Engineering Department. I write to Overall, the food was very cheap and delicious, so tell you about my three-month Erasmus exchange we hardly cooked at home. Though we experienced experience at the Asian Institute of Technology many impressions every day, we would still be (AIT) in Thailand. I heard about the opportunity surprised by things on a regular basis. I have to study at AIT in early November 2019. Thailand never seen so many contrasts. It is quite difficult motivated me to go overseas for some very simple to describe, since without being there you will not reasons. Along with my family, I have always understand everything. Our expectations paid off dreamt to live differently than I am accustomed handsomely.

to – and get to know other cultures by running

away from the Lithuanian winter! Asia seemed We lived on the AIT campus, in a family dorm like a great opportunity because we have never apartment. In addition to the university buildings, been there. Moreover, AIT itself is a high-level there were grocery stores, cafes, hairdressers, international university with highly-educated massage parlours, a bakery, a bookstore, a medical professors from different countries. Lectures are clinic, a post office, a private school, a gym and all held in English.

spaces for outdoor sports, such as tennis, badminton,

football, basketball and even a swimming pool.

So, combining all these factors, we made a Having everything in one place, it was not even decision very quickly in January of this year to necessary to leave the institute’s main territory. Even go forward on our big three-month adventure. In though on campus distances were not great, most Thailand, we lived a completely different life than of the time the students rode bicycles everywhere.

in Lithuania – the mix of cultures was huge, the The whole campus is surrounded by tropical nature nature was incredible, the colours were bright, and there is a canal with fish, a large fountain, many and the number of people was incomprehensible. green trees, fruit trees, and many species of birds.

STUDENT EXCHANGE

MAY & JUNE 2020 • 15

AIT is also inseparable from

the large monitor lizards that

live on campus. In fact, they

are the residents who have

stayed there the longest! These

big lizards roam around the

campus freely and can grow to

about 2 meters long. Although

they are not dangerous to

humans if you don’t bother

them, they were the biggest

challenge for us, as we came

across them almost daily.

In terms of studies, AIT lecturers were very competent, spoke English fluently, and usually came from countries other than Thailand. The staff and administration at AIT were also very friendly and always ready to help with any issue. I studied at the School of Management (SOM). The lectures were very interesting and a course I took on quantitative decision methods was presented in an attractive way. SOM

had a branch office outside the campus in the central business district of Bangkok on the 15th floor of a skyscraper. I had my lectures there. The view through the window was breathtaking, surrounded only by gleaming towers. I did not have many courses for my studies, so I had more “free” time for literature analysis and information gathering for my research. I also had various meetings with professors and students, and participated in regular discussions and seminars.

Within the three-month period, I was also able to get to know many of Thailand’s cities. We saw a variety of animals, plants, very beautiful beaches, beautiful mountains and spectacular cities. We travelled with two small children (three and one years old), so we often received a lot of attention from both tourists and locals. Thai people are very family-oriented and friendly. As we seemed to stand out enough from the environment to them, many Thais wanted to talk with our children and us, and take pictures together. At first, it was difficult to understand situations where strangers approach, greet, and even take children by

their hands, but later we got used to such an open

culture.

In conclusion, I am very happy that we had the courage

to seize this opportunity and face the challenge to study and live abroad. Although we did not run away from

the Lithuanian winter completely, as it was snowing

when we came back, we definitely broadened our

horizons, learned many new things, and met plenty

of interesting people. I think my communication with

AIT professors and fellow students will last a very

long time. It was an absolutely invaluable experience

that will remain in the memory of my whole family.

STUDENT EXCHANGE

MAY & JUNE 2020 • 16

FROM FRANCE TO THAILAND - MY SHORT BUT SWEET STUDENT

EXCHANGE EXPERIENCE AT AIT

Hey, I’m Claire from France!

They quickly became my dearest friends. Because

I came to AIT during the Spring Semester 2020 of this, I learned Indian, Nepali and other kinds of from Polytech Nice Sophia in France on a student dance styles.

exchange program. It was my best experience Moreover, I had the chance to participate in the ever!

“Cultural Show” later in the semester. I enjoyed

From the first day, I already felt that I was part it so much! This show is a wonderful contest of the AIT family. Everyone was very nice and representing all the wealth of cultures that AIT can friendly with me and my fellow exchange students offer to a stranger like me. I went to Thailand, but from France.

learned about so many more cultures and traditions.

If I could give one piece of advice to anyone who Yes, my Cultural Show experience will stay as my would like to come to AIT it would be: Be Part of best memory in AIT. Every exchange student should the AIT Community. There are many ways to be be part of it!

the part of this wonderful institute, be it through Unfortunately, I could not stay more than three sports, music, or cinema and more. For me, it was months at AIT because the COVID-19 pandemic the dance club.

eventually forced me to return to France. But I

The first time I saw a dance club performance, I learned so much more about everything and about wanted to join right away. It was during the annual myself than I ever would have. So thanks to AIT for campus ‘Welcome Show.’ I attended the show, as hosting me this semester.

I wanted to learn some new dance styles. It was Thank you for everything. Hope I can come back as the best idea ever! I met some wonderful people soon as possible.

there.

By Claire-Victoria Carles

Exchange Student for Microelectronics and Embedded Systems (MES) School of Engineering and Technology, AIT

RESEARCH

MAY & JUNE 2020 • 17

AIT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE CENTER JOINS “RAMA 4 MODEL”

PROJECT TO TACKLE TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN BANGKOK – WITH A.I.

By Kanda Yaemboonruang

AIT’s Artificial Intelligence Center is now a director of the AI Center, explained that A.I.

key part of the “Rama 4 Model” project, the

collects and interprets real-time data such as the

latest effort to tackle traffic congestion in Bangkok.

speed of cars, traffic lane congestion, the number

Scientists are applying Big Data and Artificial

of vehicles on the road, and congestion period

Intelligence (A.I.) to analyze and alleviate the

footage from cameras located along the road.

traffic problem on a 12-kilometer section of Rama

After that, all data will be uploaded to the cloud

IV Road, one of the busiest routes in Bangkok,

for storage. Chulalongkorn University will then

stretching across the capital’s business districts

consolidate the data collected by AIT researchers

from Hua Lamphong to Phra Khanong districts.

and others for final analysis. The big data from the

The 18-month project was launched in November

project will prove very beneficial for the Bangkok

2019 and carries an overall budget of 50 million

Metropolitan Administration and its police

Thai baht. Led by Chulalongkorn University, the

departments in their ongoing effort to manage

partnership also includes the Intelligent Traffic

traffic more efficiently, officals said.

Information Center (iTIC) and the Toyota Mobility

“Almost 90% of the CCTV cameras around

Foundation. According to Rama 4 Model officials,

Bangkok are used for security. Only 7 or 8 CCTV

the project will use digital databases from various

cameras are used for traffic control and monitoring

sources, such as GPS data from Grab cars,

in and around the Rama IV area. This lack of data

public transportation vehicles, and images from

has become a real challenge. If we really want to

CCTV cameras at various points in the city – to

fix traffic problems, we need data from every road

analyse and predict traffic conditions using A.I.

since traffic routes in Bangkok are connected.

technology.

Therefore, this project will be a prototype that we

AIT Assoc. Prof. Mongkol Ekpanyapong, co-

can use as a guide to fix traffic problems in the

future,” Dr. Mongkol Ekpanyapong said.

SCHOLARSHIPS AND OTHER DONATIONS MAY & JUNE 2020 • 18

GLOBAL POWER SYNERGY PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED OFFERS ONE

FULL MASTER’S SCHOLARSHIP TO AIT

AIT President Dr. Eden Woon (right) with Mr. Chawalit Tippawanich, President & CEO of GPSC, June 22, 2020.

Global Power Synergy Public Company Limited (GPSC) will offer one full scholarship to a Master’s student to pursue their education at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in the amount of 1.2

Million Thai Baht. GPSC strives and persists to be the main power and utility company of PTT Group.

GPSC was established in January 10, 2013 through the amalgamation of PTT Utility Company Limited (PTTUT) and Independent Power (Thailand) Company Limited (IPT). Founded to be PTT Group’s Power Flagship, GPSC operates in operating developing, and investing in power business domestically and internationally.

A formal signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) by Mr. Chawalit Tippawanich, President and CEO of GPSC and Dr. Eden Y. Woon, President of AIT took place on 22 June 2020 at GPSC.

This scholarship is for any nationality in the fields of Data Science and AI, School of Engineering & Technology (SET) or Energy, School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD) and also offers an opportunity for the recipient to get employment at GPSC after completing the studies at AIT.

Mr. Chawalit was delighted with this collaboration and stressed the fact that this will be the first important step for a further collaboration between GPSC and AIT. GPSC strives to be innovative not only in the power sector but also in renewable energy. He said that this MoA will mark a key collaboration amongst the PTT group and AIT.

President Woon thanked Mr. Chawalit and is grateful for this scholarship to help AIT. He also mentioned that since GPSC is also focusing on innovation, and this donation also matches what AIT is trying to do in its vision of I2E2S2. He explained: This particular donation brings several things together, namely, financial support, helping students, research and education, and relations with private sector. And finally, this relationships benefits both parties.

Also attending the signing ceremony from GPSC were, Mr. Laksanapreecha Krutkuntode, Vice President, Energy Disruptive Innovation, Ms. Narisa Tumma-Upakorn, Ms. Mantana Kunakorn, Ms.

Anchana Tisadeekun, Human Resources Development and Mr. Somchai Klinsuwanmalee CSR Division.

Representing AIT were Mr. Sanjeev Jayasinghe, Director of Advancement and Alumni Affairs and Ms.

Sitahng Puttha, Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs.

SCHOLARSHIPS AND OTHER DONATIONS

MAY & JUNE 2020 • 19

Prof. Kazuo Yamamoto Agrees to support AIT towards a Named 12 credits Tuition and Two Semesters Registration Fee Master’s Degree Scholarship

Prof. Kazuo Yamamoto, a former AIT Vice President for Administration and a former Professor at the Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate, School of Environment, Resources and Development has agreed to support AIT towards a 12 credits Tuition and two semesters registration fee Master’s Degree Scholarship in the amount 232,000 Thai Baht. This scholarship will be for one student of any nationality (non-Japanese) enrolled in Environmental Engineering and Management (EEM), School of Environment, Resources and Development for August 2020 intake.

Prof. Yamamoto is currently the Audit & Supervisory Board Member (External), IDEA Consultants, Inc.; President, Water Reuse Promotion Center; Emeritus Professor, The University of Tokyo; Professor, Research and Development Initiative, Chuo University; and Visiting Professor, Kindai University.

AIT President Dr. Eden Woon expressed his appreciation and thanked Prof. Yamamoto for his support to the Institute.

Dr. Seni Karnchanawong (M. Eng. EE’82 & D. Eng. EE‘89) Agrees to Support AIT’s Environmental Engineering and Management (EEM) Laboratory

Dr. Seni Karnchanawong, an AIT alumnus who graduated Master of Engineering 1982 and Doctor of Engineering 1989 in Environmental Engineering has agreed to support AIT in the amount of THB 100,000

towards student research at Environmental Engineering and Management (EEM) Laboratory.

Dr. Seni is working as Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chiang Mai University, Thailand. His field of specialization is Anaerobic Digestion of Solid Waste; Wastewater Treatment by Anaerobic Process, i.e. UASB, Acidification and Water Reuse in Agriculture.

AIT President Dr. Eden Woon expressed his sincere thanks to Dr. Seni Karnchanawong for his support to the Institute. President Woon said: “Having good laboratory facilities is a very important resource for students to conduct good research output. And we are always grateful to our alumni who remember their Alma Mater. Dr. Seni’s contribution is deeply appreciated.”

SCHOLARSHIPS AND OTHER DONATIONS

MAY & JUNE 2020 • 20

School of Engineering and Technology received donations towards Student Research

The School of Engineering and Technology received numerous donations from individual alumni and private sector to the following laboratories:

Computer Science and Information Management (CSIM):

1. Prof. Djoko Santoso, an AIT alumnus who graduated Master of Science 1982 in Computer Science, and also an inductee of AIT Hall of Fame in the first batch donated 95,567.76 Thai Baht.

Structural Engineering (STE):

1. Prof. Kam Tim Chau, an AIT alumnus who graduated Master of Engineering 1987 in Structural Engineering and also an inductee of AIT Hall of Fame in the second batch donated 200,000 Thai Baht.

2. Mr. Taweesak Triloga, an AIT alumnus who graduated Master of Engineering 1999 in Structural Engineering donated 100,000 Thai Baht.

3. Mr. Sathien Vongvichien, an AIT alumnus graduated Master of Engineering 1965 in Community & Regional Development donated 50,000 Thai Baht.

4. JWS Construction Co., Ltd. donated 150,000 Thai Baht.

Water Engineering and Management (WEM):

1. Mr. Khandaker Mesbah Uddin Ahmed, an AIT alumnus who graduated Master of Engineering 1978

in Water Resources Engineering donated 86,792 Thai Baht.

AIT President Dr. Eden Woon expressed his sincere thanks to Prof. Djoko Santoso, Prof. Kam Tim Chau, Mr. Taweesak Triloga, Mr. Sathien Vongvichien, Mr. Khandaker Mesbah Uddin Ahmed and JWS

Construction Co., Ltd. for their support to the Institute.

President Woon said: “AIT students will be able to do their research using good laboratory facilities that will enhance their quality research output. And we are always grateful to our alumni who remember their Alma Mater. Their contributions are deeply appreciated.”

Source: Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs

WEBINARS / LIVE SHOWS

MAY & JUNE 2020 • 21

EVENTS

LIVE SHOWS

AIT Facebook Liveshows

Gain Momentum

AIT started streaming liveshows earlier

this year, interviewing AIT officials,

students and notable influencers. The

regular online episodes have been

gaining popularity with international

audiences.

WATCH: AIT President’s Liveshow

2ND Distinguished Entrepreneur Talk

“How to Sell Yourself and Your Company?”

Mr. Pham Thanh Hung, Vice Chairman, Cengroup | Chairman,

Ceninvest | Shark, Shark Tank Vietnam

30 June 2020

Alumni Talk Series “Opportunities for Innovation:

Conquering COVID-19”

Speakers: Dr. Bindu Nath Lohani and Mr. Mangesh Lal Shrestha 30 June 2020

Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) webinar on:

“Climate Technologies and Technology Needs Assessments Activities in Asia Pacific”

16 June 2020

BACKPAGE

MAY & JUNE 2020 • 22

NEW MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMS OFFERED FOR

COMING UP IN JULY!

FALL SEMESTER 2020

• Ensuring quality

School of Engineering and Technology

and reliability of

electricity with

Bio-Nano Material Science and Engineering

best practices

Data Science and AI

in distribution

network

IoT Systems Engineering

14 July 2020

School of Environment, Resources and Development

• Exploring solutions

Food Innovation, Nutrition and Health

to cope with

emerging norm:

Marine Plastics Abatement (1 year Master’s program)

Transforming

School of Management

Mindset

Business Analytics and Digital Transformation

16 July 2020

International Finance

GENDER, TECHNOLOGY AND DEVELOPMENT JOURNAL

News RISING IN REPUTATION AND RANKINGS!

You The AIT journal Gender, Technology

and Development (GTD) had

Can Use its Scopus CiteScore rating almost

double in the past year in the Gender

Studies category, and has ranked as a

Q1 Journal for the past two years in a

row, GTD Co-Editor-in-Chief, Assoc.

Prof. Philippe Doneys reports. Gender,

Technology and Development is an

official journal of the Asian Institute of

Technology. It now ranks 35 out of 144

journals.

More Info:

Scopus

Scimago Journal & Country Rank

Follow AIT at

• Website

www.ait.ac.th

• Facebook www.facebook.com/aitasia

• YouTube

www.youtube.com/aitasia

• Twitter

www.twitter.com/aitasia

For feedback, contact

• LinkedIn

www.linkedin.com/school/ait-asia

Office of Public Affairs

• Pinterest

www.pinterest.com/aitasia

opa@ait.ac.th

• Instagram www.instagram.com/aitasia