By Alistina Shrestha, School of Engineering and Technology
AIT School of Engineering and Technology undertook a productive venture to Nepal from October 6th to 8th, 2023, conducting roadshow, seminar, and official meetings with the dual objectives of promoting AIT to new prospective students in Nepal, while also strengthening ties with Nepali institutions and fostering academic collaborations. Led by a team of SET representatives, the visit was marked by productive discussions, and a strong desire to collaborate was evident in every meeting.
On October 6, 2023, six representatives from AIT arrived in Kathmandu. The AIT delegation included the following SET representatives: Prof. Sangam Shrestha, Dean of SET and Co-Director of the Global Water & Sanitation Center; Dr. Sarawut Ninsawat, Head of the Department of Information and Communication Technologies; and Ms. Alistina Shrestha, Manager of Marketing, Recruitment, and Digital Strategy.
The first meeting of the trip took place at the Center of Research for Environment, Energy & Water (CREEW) in Baluwatar. Key attendees included Dr. Dhundi Raj Pathak, President of CREEW, Dr. Rabin Malla, Executive Director of CREEW and Dr. Saurav KC, Deputy Executive Director of CREEW.The discussions centered around capacity development for staff members, joint research initiatives, hosting SET students in Nepal for their research projects, and promoting SET within engineering colleges during their visits and events. The attendees expressed a strong desire to foster collaboration between CREEW and SET.
The AIT delegation also had a successful meeting with Khwopa College of Engineering, Khwopa Engineering College, and Khwopa College in Bhaktapur. The attendees were Dr. Rajesh Kumar Shrestha, Vice-Principal of Khwopa College, and Ms. Meera Prajapati, BSc & MSc Incharge. The discussions in this meeting focused on capacity development of faculty members, unified programs, and joint workshops, leaving the attendees enthusiastic about future collaboration possibilities.
On October 7, 2023, the AIT Roadshow was a significant event conducted at Aloft Hotel, Thamel. The program included registration, introductions to AIT and its schools, program presentations, information on scholarships and study options, and insights from AIT alumni and AIT Nepal Chapter President. Throughout the event, the participants’ enthusiasm to study in AIT was palpable. Outcomes of the roadshow included a total attendance of 200 plus participants, with a strong representation of 110 individuals from the SET. Students were particularly interested in financial aid, living costs, job opportunities after graduation, program preferences, and student opportunities like internships and exchanges. The eagerness to study in AIT was evident in the many questions and interactions.
In the evening, SET representatives held a meeting with Dr. Surya Prasad Adhikari, Research and Development Director of the College of Biomedical Engineering and Applied Sciences at Aloft Hotel, Thamel. The discussion revolved around unified programs in Bio-Nano Materials Science and Engineering and Medical Engineering, and a mutual desire for collaboration was expressed.
On October 8, 2023, the SET delegation continued its engagements with three more meetings. The first was with the Department of Roads, which was attended by Mr. Sushil Babu Dhakal, Director General of the Department of Roads, Mr. Naresh Man Shakya, Director General and Joint Secretary, and Mr. Kiran Dongol, Senior AIT Alumni. Discussions involved capacity development for staff members and short-term training for these individuals. The attendees were keen to explore collaboration opportunities with AIT.
The second meeting took place at the Department of Water Resources & Irrigation, with attendees including Mr. Churna Bahadur Wali, Director General of the Department, Mr. Kedar Shrestha, Joint Secretary, Dr. Yogendra Mishra, AIT Alumni, and Mr. Kiran Dongol, Senior AIT Alumni. Similarly, the discussions covered capacity development and short-term training opportunities, with both parties expressing a strong interest in collaboration.
The final engagement was with Nepal Telecommunications (NTC) which was attended by Mrs. Sangita Pahadi Aryal, Acting Managing Director, NTC & AIT Alumna, Mr. Babu Ram Poudel, Deputy Manager, Central Procurement, NTC, and Mr. Kiran Dongol, Senior AIT Alumni. The conversation revolved around capacity development for staff members and short-term training. The enthusiastic response from NTC staff members indicated a strong willingness to collaborate with SET.
The journey continued with AIT Colloquium held at Shankar Hotel, Lazimpat. The event featured Status of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene in Nepal by Dr. Rajit Ojha, Department of Water Supply and Sewerage, Government of Nepal, and Introduction to AIT’s Global Water and Sanitation Center by Prof. Sangam Shrestha. The panelists included Mr. Rameshwor Shrestha, Former Minister and Honorable Member of Parliament, Bagmati Provincial Government, Mr. Ashok. K. Byanju, Mayor, Dhulikhel Municipality, Er. Narayan P. Acharya, Senior Divisional Engineer, Ministry of Water Supply and Ms. Bhawana Sharma, Executive Director, ENPHO.The AIT Colloquium provided an insightful platform for in-depth discussions on crucial water and sanitation issues in Nepal and the initiatives led by AIT’s Global Water and Sanitation Center. The event was marked by a strong desire t o collaborate and synergize efforts to address these pressing challenges.
The Nepal Trip showcases the commitment of the School of Engineering and Technology to foster academic cooperation and knowledge sharing. The eager and enthusiastic response from the attendees at every meeting underscores the willingness of Nepali institutions to collaborate and work closely with SET, promising a brighter future for academic and research endeavors between AIT and its partners in Nepal.
