By Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs
16 January 2024: AIT Chinese Alumni residing in Thailand, led by Mr. Liu Chongming (SEC’93), had the honor of presenting a mock cheque to AIT President Prof. Kazuo Yamamoto. This fifth installment of THB 200,000 is part of their commitment to fulfilling the signed agreement with AIT for their One Million Baht Student Exchange Scholarship Program Fund. The group’s generous contribution will further support AIT’s efforts in providing valuable exchange scholarship opportunities for deserving students.
Furthermore, Mr. Liang Xin and AIT President Prof. Kazuo Yamamoto signed the Supplementary Memorandum of Agreement for the Belt and Road Research Center. This agreement solidifies the commitment to support the Belt and Road Initiative through the Center, with a contribution of THB 886,293. This funding will enable the Belt and Road Research Center to undertake impactful research and activities that align with the goals of the Belt and Road Initiative.
Mr. Sanjeev Jayasinghe, the Executive Director of the Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs, warmly welcomed the group and expressed gratitude for their support. He acknowledged that their support not only benefits Chinese students participating in exchange programs through AIT’s university agreements worldwide but also extends to students from Belt and Road countries who are interested in going for an exchange program at Chinese universities in mainland China.
President Prof. Yamamoto expresses immense gratitude for the generous donations provided by the group of Chinese Alumni in Thailand to AIT. He emphasizes the significance of exchange programs for staff, faculty especially students in universities worldwide. These programs play a vital role in providing diverse exposures and experiences in different environments, contributing to the holistic development and growth of individuals. Prof. Yamamoto recognizes and values the importance of such opportunities at AIT, made possible in part through the support of alumni like the Chinese Alumni group.
Dr. Wenchao Xue, Director of the Belt and Road Research Center expresses heartfelt gratitude for the generous donation from the alumni. Dr. Xue also expresses her appreciation for the support extended to the operation of the Belt and Road Research Center. The seed funding provided by the Chinese alumni is crucial for sustaining and strengthening the Center, and assures that the funds will be effectively utilized over the coming years to enhance growth and impact of the Center. She was also thankful for the support provided to the exchange program, which she plans to encourage her students to apply for this unique opportunity.
Mr. Liu expresses satisfaction in fulfilling the group’s obligations to AIT, reflecting on the commitment made five years ago. However, he emphasizes that the support will not end there. The group is determined to continue providing assistance to AIT in various forms as they recognize the invaluable benefits they have received from the institution. Mr. Liu reiterates the group’s commitment to maintain relationship with AIT and supporting its endeavors ensuring that the collaboration between Chinese alumni group and AIT will thrive in the future.
The meeting was also attended by Mr. Fang Xiangming, Miss. Zhao Jingnan, Mrs. Wu Xiaohong, Mr. Zhang YiZhi, Dr. Prisana Suwannaporn, Dr. Wenchao Xue (Director of AIT Belt and Road Center), Ms. Danielle Duanduan Duan (Head, Emerging Markets Int’l Cooperation, Office of International and Public Affairs), Ms. Lucena D. Talaid (Senior Alumni Affairs Officer, Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs) and Ms. Amanda Karen Townshend (Senior Advancement Officer, Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs).
