The AIT Board of Trustees convened on August 22, 2024, was chaired by Dr. Anat Arbhabhirama. This special meeting included a Presidential Handover Ceremony, with incoming President Prof. Pai-Chi Li in attendance.
A warm welcome was extended to H.E. Ms. Rukhsana Afzaal, Ambassador of Pakistan, and H.E. Mrs. E.A.S. Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, Ambassador of Sri Lanka, both attending for the first time. The newly elected Faculty Representative, Dr. Ekbordin Winijkul, and Mr. Awaneendra Kishor Labh, President of the AIT Student Union, were also welcomed.
The Board approved the appointments of two distinguished individuals as new Trustees: Mrs. Sudha Murty, former Chairperson of the Infosys Foundation and Nominated Member of the Upper House of the Indian Parliament, and Dr. Roshan Shrestha, Deputy Director of the Global Growth and Opportunity Division at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Mr. Paisan Rupanichkij, Deputy Permanent Secretary, has been appointed as the new representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thailand, to the Board. The Board also appointed H.E. Mr. Pham Viet Hung, the new Ambassador of Vietnam as a new trustee, and the appointment of the incoming Ambassador of Bangladesh was approved.
The Board approved a one-year special extension of the terms for Mr. Chaiwat Kovavisaruch, Chairman of the Executive Committee, and Mr. Chaovalit Ekabut, Chairman of the Audit Committee, recognizing that 2025 will be a transition period for AIT. This extension will allow the Executive and Audit Committees to continue their work with the current members during this important time.
Additionally, the Board approved the “2023 Audited Financial Reports.” Other agenda items included a report from Mr. Chaiwat on the outcomes of recent meetings, a progress update on the AIT Strategy Implementation Task Force by Vice Chairman of the Board Dr. Suwit Khunkitti, and a report from the President on accomplishments over the past two years, as well as handover and pending issues for President Designate Prof. Pai-Chi Li.
The Board also received reports from the Board Faculty and Staff Relations Committee meetings held on August 14 and 21, 2024.
Following the Board meeting, a Handover Ceremony was held to officially transition leadership from outgoing President Professor Kazuo Yamamoto to incoming President Professor Pai-Chi Li. Dr. Anat Arbhabhirama expressed deep gratitude for Professor Yamamoto’s remarkable 37-year association with AIT, highlighting his dedication and leadership during challenging times, particularly in the post-COVID recovery phase. Under Professor Yamamoto’s guidance, AIT achieved its highest student enrollment in over a decade and launched several impactful initiatives, including the “Botanical Garden Campus Towards Net Zero” and the establishment of the Kazuo Yamamoto Fund, which has supported various sustainability and scholarship programs. In his acceptance remarks, Professor Pai-Chi Li emphasized his commitment to ensuring a smooth transition and building upon the strong foundation laid by his predecessor, aiming to enhance AIT’s global presence and continue fostering innovation and excellence in education and research.
During the Handover Ceremony, there was a symbolic transfer of the AIT Medallion from Professor Yamamoto to Professor Li. This medallion is a historic symbol worn by AIT Presidents during graduation ceremonies.
Following the Handover Ceremony, a Board reception was held, providing members with the opportunity to meet and interact with President-designate Prof. Li.
