By Office of International and Public Affairs
Addressing the 141st AIT Graduation Ceremony on 17 May 2024, two commencement speakers struck a similar theme of digital and technological transformation, describing a future full of challenges and possibilities for AIT graduates.
The AIT Graduation Ceremony took place in separate sessions for the School of Engineering and Technology in the morning and the School of Environment, Resources and Development and the School of Management in the afternoon. A large contingent of diplomats and dignitaries graced the day-long event along with faculty, family and friends of the graduates.
Mr. Cao Changlin, Founding Director of the Guangzhou Institute for Modern Industrial Development (MIDRI) think tank in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) of southern China, addressed the AIT Graduation Ceremony in the morning session for graduates of the School of Engineering and Technology.
“Digital literacy is now as essential as traditional literacy.” – Mr. Cao Changlin, GBA-MIDRI Founder
Awarded the “Top 10 Copyright Holders in China” status for his outstanding work in promoting knowledge dissemination, Mr. Changlin called on the AIT graduates to embrace digital transformation and the opportunities it presents for future development. “There is a huge need for talents with international vision and cross-cultural communication skills, and for decades AIT has cultivated outstanding students – like you – for the development of Asia and the world.”
He noted that the modern-day digital economy driven by data resources and modern information networks is reshaping industries, economies and societies. The Chinese educator from the world’s second-largest innovation hub stressed that graduates are “stepping into a world where digital literacy is now as essential as traditional literacy.”
Mr. Changlin cited opportunities presented in applying digital technology in emerging fields like digitization for green development. “These are not just sectors where jobs are being created, these are also fields where you can make an impact on your home countries and communities.”
He also invited AIT to take advantage of engaging with China, which “possesses a vast market and blends ancient traditions with modern innovation.” In parting words of advice, Mr Cao said: “As you embark on your journey, remember that technology is merely a tool; it is how we use it that will shape our future for the better.”
“Today is a special day for you as well as for ITU, because 17 May is the birthday of ITU. We were established on this exact day in 1865 and since 1969 we have celebrated 17 May as the World Telecommunication and Information – Dr. Atsuko Okuda
Addressing graduates on the School of Environment, Resources and Development and the School of Management in the afternoon session, commencement speaker Dr. Atsuko Okuda, Regional Director of the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific noted that AIT’s 141st Graduation coincided with ITU’s 159th anniversary celebration.
“Today is a special day for you as well as for ITU, because 17 May is the birthday of ITU. We were established on this exact day in 1865 and since 1969 we have celebrated 17 May as the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day,” Dr. Okuda said.
The Regional Director also congratulated the institute on its successful application to become ITU’s newest Academia Member, following AIT’s acceptance in April of this year. “AIT is now officially a member of the ITU family. Congratulations, AIT,” Dr. Atsuko Okuda announced to applause from the auditorium.
“The AIT application for ITU membership was accepted in April this year. AIT is now officially a member of the ITU family. Congratulations, AIT!” – Dr. Atsuko Okuda
Offering her reflections on the potential that frontier technologies possess to transform humanity, Dr. Okuda admitted that the future can appear both exciting and frightening at the same time.
“The introduction of A.I. and quantum computing (for example) could solve the persistent and emerging maladies in front of us, such as climate change, new and old diseases, natural disasters, aging society, and inequality, but at the same time might replace jobs, companies, and industries at a speed we never anticipated.
“You are now standing on the edge of that technology evolution, and are in the position to glimpse into that possibly grim but also bright future. Some of you may be (working) on finally solving the mystery of Bangkok traffic jams, or developing quantum computing which can operate at room temperature, or eliminate air, water and plastic pollution all together. You may create that new job, company, or even industry.”
Facing a future marked by exponential change, the ITU Regional Director advised the 141st graduating class to not be “victims of whimsical technology evolutions” and instead take charge of “the evolutions and transformations with purpose, conscience and moral compass,” and to act “for the wellbeing of people, with people at the center.”
Dr. Okuda urged everyone at AIT to remember the transformative power of technology and education in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) and to embrace the rapid technological advancements with a people-centered approach, ensuring no one is left behind.
“We can solve our problems and turn them into opportunities. I am a strong believer of our capability to shape the future, our future, for the better,” Dr. Okuda stressed.
Enjoy some captured memories of the joyful graduation day through picture galleries on our social media platform
