By Shawn Kelly and Karma Rana
The Asian Institute of Technology recently made a forward step to engage with Taiwan, beginning with an AIT mission to Taipei led by AIT Chairman Dr. Anat Arbhabhirama from July 30 to August 1, 2024.
The visit included a series of strategic meetings aimed at bolstering the institute’s relationships with key institutions and companies. The visits underscored AIT’s commitment to fostering international partnerships, advancing educational models, and promoting industry-academia collaboration.
One of the mission’s key meetings was a courtesy call on Professor Wen-Chang Chen, President of National Taiwan University (NTU). The meeting, organized by AIT’s President-Designate, Prof. Pai-Chi Li, served as an opportunity for Dr. Anat to express gratitude to NTU for supporting Prof. Li to take up the AIT presidency. Discussions during the meeting also explored potential avenues for deeper cooperation between AIT and NTU under Prof. Li’s leadership.
Professor Wen-Chang Chen (Left) and Dr. Anat Arbhabhirama
Dr. Anat highlighted AIT’s historical ties with NTU and emphasized the Institute’s commitment to international cooperation. Both parties acknowledged the opportune timing for developing new joint programs in priority technological fields with strong industry links. The meeting concluded agreement to explore joint collaborations and academic programs.
In a heartfelt gathering, the AIT Alumni Association (AITAA) Taiwan Chapter hosted a dinner to honor Dr. Anat and outgoing President Yamamoto while welcoming President-Designate Prof. Li. The event highlighted the enduring bond between AIT and its alumni and underscored the vital role alumni play in the institute’s future.
During the event, Dr. Anat provided an update on AIT’s initiatives, challenges, and opportunities, stressing the importance of continued alumni support. President Yamamoto expressed confidence in Prof. Li’s leadership, while Prof. Li acknowledged the critical role of alumni in driving AIT forward. The event reinforced the commitment of all parties to supporting AIT’s future endeavors and ensuring a smooth leadership transition.
The AIT team also paid a visit to the global headquarters of the engineering consulting giant MDX, focusing on creating innovative educational models aligned with global trends in digital technology, sustainability, and the rise of Asia. Dr. Anat highlighted MDX’s potential to work with AIT.
The partnership looks to develop a pilot project, with a focus on training professionals to address pressing global challenges, including climate change and technological advancements. Officials expressed optimism the projects could bolster AIT’s position as a leading educational institution in the region, with the potential for further collaboration and expansion.
In another significant meeting, AIT explored potential collaborations with Sinotech Engineering Consultants, Inc., a leading Taiwanese engineering firm. Discussions centered on scholarship opportunities, training programs, and strategies for attracting students and professionals to AIT.
Sinotech, led by AIT alumnus Dr. Sheng-Bao Tseng, has a strong international presence and a solid reputation in various engineering fields. The meeting highlighted the alignment between Sinotech’s expertise and AIT’s academic offerings, which could lead to a proposal to formalize collaboration. This would include scholarships for Sinotech employees, training programs, and internships for AIT students, with a broader strategy to resume scholarships.
The mission concluded with a visit to Zhen Ding Tech. Group (ZDT), the world’s largest PCB solution provider. AIT expressed interest in partnering with ZDT to leverage its global leadership in the sector for academic-industry collaborations. The visit with its Chairman Mr. Charles Shen and his senior executive team was arranged by the AIT President Designate, Prof. Pai-Chi Li who also joined the meeting.
Discussions focused on potential R&D projects, capacity-building initiatives, and international platforms for learning and brand growth. ZDT’s Vice President Yang provided an overview of the company’s strategy under the visionary leadership of Chairman Shen, stressing its significant investments in Thailand, highlighting the potential for AIT to collaborate in these initiatives.
The mission led by AIT Chairman Dr. Anat, successfully strengthened ties, laying the groundwork for future collaborations. More partnerships could enhance the institute’s academic offerings, foster innovative educational models, and promote industry-academia collaboration, AIT officials said.
Shawn Kelly is Executive Director of International and Public Affairs, AIT
Karma Rana is Institute Secretary, AIT
