By Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs
10 June 2024: i-bitz Company Limited, a leader in geoinformatics technology and geographic information systems, has generously donated a high-performance computer specifically designed for AI and simulation applications to the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT). Valued at THB 375,000 (Three Hundred Seventy-Five Thousand Thai Baht), this in-kind donation will significantly bolster the research capabilities of AIT’s AI and Simulation Lab. It will support critical data processing and simulation tasks for ongoing and future projects in the Department of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) within the School of Engineering & Technology (SET).
The official donation agreement was signed during a ceremony on Monday, June 10, 2024 at AIT. The event marked a significant milestone in the collaboration between AIT and i-bitz, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing research and education in cutting-edge technologies.
Prof. Kazuo Yamamoto, AIT President, extended a warm welcome and sincere appreciation to the i-bitz delegation. He highlighted that this donation is a testament to the crucial role that partnerships between educational institutions and industry play in driving innovation. AIT has always been at the forefront of management studies and computer science, and this new high-performance computer will further empower the institute’s research and development initiatives.
Mr. Sanjeev Jayasinghe, Executive Director of the Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs, expressed his profound gratitude to Mr. Prasong Patheepphoemphong, CEO of i-bitz, noting the invaluable support provided by the high-performance computer for the AI and Simulation Lab benefiting the present and future students in their research endevors. He emphasized the strong partnership between AIT and i-bitz, highlighted by previous donations such as the Vallaris software as a service (SaaS) cloud computing platform, which supported student research and study activities in the Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (RS & GIS) program at the ICT Department, SET. Mr. Sanjeev welcomed further cooperation, inviting i-bitz to utilize AIT’s qualified students for future projects.
Prof. Sangam Shrestha, Dean of SET, thanked i-bitz for their generous contribution. He emphasized the significant impact of the AI and Simulation Lab, which aims to support students, faculty, and staff conducting research in AI, machine learning, and other high-performance computing areas. He also mentioned that AIT would be very happy to invite i-bitz staff who wish to pursue master’s or PhD degrees or any other training-related activities and conduct more research in the future.
Dr. Sarawut Ninsawat, Head of the ICT Department, expressed his gratitude for the long-standing relationship with i-bitz, dating back to 2006. He highlighted that this latest donation is another milestone in their shared journey. Dr. Ninsawat emphasized AIT’s role as a collaborative hub for research and education, inviting companies to partner with AIT for regional and international endeavors. He also noted that AIT, as a Board of Investment (BOI) promoted organization, offers companies opportunities to set up their operations not only to cover Thailand but also the Southeast Asia region.
Mr. Prasong Patheepphoemphong, CEO of i-bitz, expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome from AIT. He mentioned that they are happy to support AIT’s mission to advance education and research. This donation is a small step towards a larger goal of contributing to the development of cutting-edge technologies and fostering the next generation of innovators. Mr. Prasong highlighted the unique partnership between AIT and the business community, expressing eagerness to support AIT’s mission and future initiatives.
The signing ceremony was also graced by the presence of distinguished guests: Mr. Pongsakorn Udombua, Chief Technical Officer, i-bitz, Ms. Patpida Patchranuntawatch, Finance and Accounting Manager, i-bitz, Dr. Chaklam Silpasuwanchai, Assistant Professor, CSIM, AIT, Dr. Sanit Arunplod, Research Scientist & Remote Sensing Lab Manager, AIT and Mr. Bhaskaran Jacob, Senior Advancement Officer, Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs, AIT.
