By Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs
AITAA Bangladesh Chapter Dinner Gathering
At the AITAA Bangladesh Chapter dinner party, approximately 20 alumni were in attendance. Mr. Sanjeev Jayasinghe, The Executive Director of the Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs (OAAA) provided an update on the current status of AIT, which was well-received by the alumni. Additionally, during the gathering, the alumni verbally committed to start a fundraising campaign to raise Baht 200,000 towards naming a single-unit student dormitory.
In addition to their financial commitment, the alumni actively engaged in discussions about the institute and the meetings with various companies scheduled for the following day. Their valuable insights, comments, and suggestions greatly enhanced the success and efficiency of these subsequent meetings.
Promising Collaboration Between AIT and BARI: Alumni and Leaders Pave the Way
AIT delegation has made strides towards fostering a collaborative partnership with the Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute (BARI). The gathering, attended by AIT Alumni Dr. Md. Abdur Razzaque Akanda (WEM-1996) and Prof. Dr. Md. Kamal Uddin (GTE-1995) alongside the OAAA Executive Director, marked a crucial step in exploring opportunities for cooperation.
The discussion at the meeting centered on the potential for PhD scholarships and short-term training programs offered through AIT Extension. Formal introductions paved the way for deeper conversations, unveiling the longstanding relationship between AIT and BARI. Notably, 23 BARI scientists have pursued further studies at AIT, with two Director Generals of BARI being AIT alumni.
In summary, an MoU will be jointly prepared whereby BARI scientists can do their PhD programs in their fields of interest through scholarships provided by BARI together with the possibility of a nominal AIT tuition fellowship.
Exploring Collaboration: AIT Engages with BRRI for Enhanced Rice Research
AIT delegation met with senior representatives of the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) which served as a pivotal step in exploring collaborative opportunities, particularly in the domains of scholarships and short-term training programs, with a focus on improving rice varieties.
A central point of interest during the meeting was BRRI’s specialization in rice research. The institute expressed a strong desire for future short-term training programs, specifically in areas like smart agriculture and smart farming, customized to align with their unique requirements. Given Thailand’s reputation for innovative rice research, BRRI also expressed keen interest in incorporating practical elements and field visitations into these training initiatives.
In summary, BRRI agreed to having an MoU with AIT based on meeting discussions. AIT and BRRI has laid a foundation for enhanced collaboration in the field of rice research, with a strong emphasis on tailored training programs and knowledge exchange, setting the stage for future endeavors in the agricultural sector.
AIT Explores Collaboration with Dutch-Bangla Bank for Knowledge Exchange
AIT delegation engaged with Dutch-Bangla Bank, led by Mr. Abdul Kashem Md. Shirin, an AIT alumnus and President of AITAA Bangladesh Chapter, serving as the Managing Director and CEO of Dutch-Bangla Bank.
The meeting commenced with formal introductions, paving the way for discussions centered on AIT’s interest in fostering collaboration with Dutch-Bangla Bank through AIT Extension’s Short-Term training programs. These programs presented opportunities for AIT faculty to provide on-site training in Bangladesh and for Dutch Bangla Bank employees to embark on international bank visits to gain operational insights.
Crucially, the short-term training programs were envisioned as tailor-made initiatives, aligning with Dutch-Bangla Bank’s specific needs. Topics of interest spanned diverse areas, including cyber security in banking, leadership, and team building.
Furthermore, a long-term proposal was discussed, suggesting that Dutch Bangla Bank could send its employees to pursue further studies at AIT, offering flexibility in multidisciplinary course selections to cater to their unique needs.
In summary, the meeting marked a significant step towards a mutually beneficial partnership between AIT and Dutch-Bangla Bank, fostering knowledge exchange and skill development through tailored short-term training programs.
