By Office of International and Public Affairs
On 9th July, The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) welcomed a distinguished delegation from Japan, led by H.E. Mr. KUNISADA Isato, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of the Environment, Ministry of Environment, Japan. The visit underscores Japan’s enduring commitment to fostering educational and technological collaboration with one of Asia’s leading institutions.
Mr. KUNISADA, joined by Dr. KUDO Syunsuke, Assistant Director, Office of Director for International Cooperation for Transition to Decarbonization and Sustainable Infrastructure, Global Environment Bureau; Ms. OSAWA Yurie, First Secretary, Embassy of Japan in Thailand and Ms. MATSUDA Sachiko, Secretary to Parliamentary Vice-Minister of the Environment, engaged in fruitful discussions with AIT’s leadership, including the president, vice presidents, deans, faculty and senior officials. This high-level courtesy visit was designed to strengthen bilateral ties and explore the impact of Japan-funded facilities and initiatives at AIT.
The delegation’s itinerary included tours of the AIT Conference Center and the AIT Library, both emblematic of Japan’s philanthropic support. In 1979 the Japanese Government generously funded US$4.6 million for the construction of the new Library Building which was officially opened on 21st August 1981.
At the AIT Regional Resource Centre for Asia and Pacific (RRC.AP) Dr. Guilberto Borongan, the center’s director and head of the waste and resource management cluster, elaborated on the center’s pivotal role in regional sustainable development initiatives and several Japan-funded projects.
Additionally, a visit was made to the Mercury Lab and IDEA EEM Laboratory/IDEA R&D Center, launched on 27th January 2023 and 31st January 2017, respectively. The labs are supported by IDEA Consultants, Inc. and Nippon Instruments Corporation (NIC), Japan, and are one of a kind in Southeast Asia. Dr. Ekbordin Winijkul, Head of the Department of Water Resources and Environment Engineering, and Mr. Wirote Chansri, General Manager of UAE-IDEA Advance Analytical Company Limited (UIA), showcased cutting-edge lab equipment and research projects conducted at Mercury Lab and IDEA EEM Laboratory.
AIT’s reception committee, including Prof. Nitin Tripathi, Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs; Mr. Russell Rein, Vice President for Administration; Prof. P. Abdul Salam, Dean of the School of Environment, Resources, and Development; Prof. Kyoko Kusakabe, Professor, DS/SERD; Karma Rana, Institute Secretary; Dr. Geoff Chao, Head of the Department of Civil and Infrastructure Engineering; Dr. Sumana Shrestha, Director of International Affairs; Mr. Sanjeet Amatya, Director of Public Affairs, warmly welcomed the delegation.
On 10th July, Mr. Yoshinori Suga, Director for Sustainable Infrastructure, Office of the Director for International Cooperation for Transition to Decarbonization and Sustainable Infrastructure, Ministry of the Environment, Japan (MOEJ), also made a courtesy call on the AIT President and discussed possible collaborations between AIT and Japan. The meeting was joined by Dr. Sumana Shrestha, Director of International Affairs, who thanked Mr. Suga for his continued support to AIT, especially for the Marine Plastics Abatement Project that he was involved in earlier when working in the Embassy of Japan in Thailand.
These visits highlight the robust partnership between Japan and AIT, reflecting a shared vision for advancing technological education and sustainable development in the region. Japan’s ongoing support is instrumental in enhancing AIT’s educational infrastructure and research capabilities, propelling the institute towards its goal of becoming a global leader in innovation and sustainability.
As Japan continues to invest in AIT, this visit demonstrates the profound impact of international cooperation in higher education, promising a brighter future for technological advancements and environmental stewardship across Asia.
