By Office of Public Affairs
8 August 2022 – Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) welcomed more than 400 new students during a hybrid orientation event held in the AIT Conference Center. Over 250 new students attended the event in person for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, while the remaining students joined virtually due to some travel-related issues.
AIT President Dr. Eden Woon welcomed new students and delightedly shared AIT’s plan to resume its regular class module, i.e., in-person from the upcoming session. “The COVID-19 pandemic was challenging, but I am proud that AIT continued its operation without missing a beat. We are very happy to have been able to welcome you all in person this semester. Despite the chaos, you made it to AIT, and now it is up to you to seize what AIT has to offer and pursue the discipline of your passion,” he added.
AIT offers various opportunities to students, like exchange programs, student internships, assistantships, and summer programs among others. Several capacity-building and networking events, seminars, workshops, and competitions are organized by the institution in collaboration with various organizations such as UN agencies, universities, and private sector companies. Stressing the importance of extra-curricular activities, Dr. Woon added, “We encourage everyone to engage in activities organized by the campus and by the Student Union, an integral part of AIT. Make sure you grab the numerous opportunities around the campus which will add value to your growth and development”.
Although courses will continue to be delivered in a hybrid mode to allow students of flexible programs or with travel restrictions to continue their studies, he asked all students to join in-person classes on campus.
AIT is an international institution with a multicultural community. Dr. Woon advised all to utilize this global exposure by expanding their networks and strengthening their connections. He further urged the students to lead a balanced academic and personal life and make their time at AIT memorable.
He also recommended everyone remain updated with the COVID-19 situation, restrictions, and guidelines. Intending to create a safe environment within the campus, the AIT Coronavirus Task Force was formed in January 2020, which developed and implemented policies and measures to curb the spread of the virus within the campus premises. “Although the world is gradually moving back to normalcy, we still have to be vigilant and continue following the precautionary measures because COVID is still here,” he added.
A total of 427 new students from 26 countries joined AIT in the August 2022 semester, while there are still more students incoming through late enrollments. Of the total, 15 percent of the total admissions are Doctoral candidates. Forty-five percent of new students are female. Forty-three percent of students have joined the School of Engineering and Technology (SET), 31 percent in the School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD), and 24 percent in the School of Management (SOM). Additionally, 1260 students are already pursuing their studies at AIT.
In his remarks, Vice President of Academic Affairs Prof. Shobhakar Dhakal highlighted AIT’s goal of developing global leaders for sustainable development. “The Asia Pacific region is witnessing unprecedented economic growth and development, and there is a need for a new generation of leaders. We want to see you as changemakers in this region, and we are proud that we are preparing our students for this. AIT’s success is measured on what our students and graduates do”, he added, stating that AIT graduates are working in prestigious positions globally in different sectors. He also advised all the new students to tap into the strengths and opportunities available at the institution, maintain ethical conduct and standard, management of study-life balance, and huge academic resources that are accessible easily.
Stressing the importance for the students to expand their horizons, Vice President for Knowledge Transfer Dr. Naveed Anwar highlighted the outreach programs offered by AIT. He shed light on AIT’s connection with various national and global industries, businesses, non-profit organizations, universities, thinktank among others. “AIT has a lot to offer, and we support students who want to expand their network and prospect for developing themselves as strong professionals,” he said.
Dr. Anwar recommended the students take advantage of AIT’s various research, outreach, and academic centers. The centers focus on mentorship and organize different activities for the capacity building of students. He added, “AIT has a lot of prospects and opportunities, and one has to be vigilant and interactive to grab the opportunities. Students are provided with assistantship opportunities, and many of our graduates have also received job opportunities in different centers”.
Vice President for Administration, Mr. Russell Rein, stressed two major aspects of student life at AIT: leading a balanced life and making good choices. He asserted that AIT’s administrative services and facilities are designed and developed to make the lives of students, faculty, and staff safe and comfortable. Focusing on the new challenges ahead for the incoming students, Mr. Rein shared about the wellness and counseling services provided by the institution. “Students can freely discuss the issues they are facing as it will be strictly confidential and receive proper care,” he said.
Mr. Rein also urged the international students to respect and follow Thailand’s rules, culture, and etiquette. Stating the importance of empathy in a multicultural environment such as AIT, he further added, “I encourage everyone to be ‘FAT’ – Flexible, Adaptable, and Tolerant. This is a lifetime opportunity, so I ask you to make new friends, help each other, learn about a new culture, be kind, and support one another.”
Following the welcome remarks from the senior leadership, the students were also oriented on the AITs Harassment Policy, the Office of Sustainable Campus, and the Entrepreneurship Centre. Furthermore, they were briefed on academic requirements and practices, career center and student welfare, language center services, English language requirements, campus-wide IT services, and facilities management and accommodation policies by directors and staff of the respective unit.
Students were also introduced to the Student Union (SU), a student-led representative body within the campus that functions as a ‘student voice’ and organizes several activities throughout the semester aimed at student welfare, capacity building, networking, and cultural exchange.
