By Alistina Shrestha
August 5, 2024 – The School of Engineering and Technology (SET) at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) warmly welcomed a record-breaking 262 new enrollees from 22 countries Thailand, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Cambodia, China, Maldives, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Canada, Colombia, Korea (Republic of), Lao PDR, Liberia, Tanzania, and Uzbekistan for the August 2024 intake. This diverse group of students, participated in an engaging and informative orientation session held on August 5, 2024. The event, aimed at providing students with a comprehensive overview of the programs and opportunities at SET, took place at the Robert B. Banks Auditorium in the AIT Conference Center. With over 190 attendees, the session marked a significant milestone for SET, reflecting its growing appeal and reputation. This intake represents the highest number of new students since 2011, showcasing the university’s enhanced popularity and academic excellence.
August 2024 Intake SET Orientation Attendees
The orientation commenced with a warm welcome and an overview of the program, briefly introducing AIT and its achievements. Professor Sangam Shrestha, Dean of SET, delivered an inspiring welcome address. He emphasized the importance of networking with students from different nationalities, urging students to embrace the diverse, multicultural environment at AIT. Professor Shrestha highlighted the facilities of SET, encouraging students to leverage these resources to their fullest potential. He stressed the significance of dedicating research efforts towards sustainable development and making a global impact, aligning with AIT’s mission of fostering innovation and excellence.
Professor Shrestha also provided an overview of SET’s academic programs, detailing the various academic and research growth opportunities. He motivated students to strive for academic excellence and take advantage of the collaborative and innovative environment at SET. Additionally, he informed the students about Thailand’s new visa scheme, which allows graduates to stay for one more year after graduation to seek job opportunities.
Prof. Sangam Shrestha delivering welcome remarks
Following the Dean’s address, the Heads of Departments and faculty members were introduced: Dr. Kuo-Chieh “Geoff” Chao, Head of the Department of Civil and Infrastructure Engineering (CIE); Prof. Huynh Trung Luong, Head of the Department of Industrial Systems Engineering (ISE); Dr. Sarawut Ninsawat, Head of the Department of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT); and Dr. Ekbordin Winijkul, Head of the Department of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering (WREE).
Dr. Kuo-Chieh “Geoff” Chao, Head of CIE
Prof. Huynh Trung Luong, Head of ISE
Each department head provided an overview of their respective programs, highlighting key academic initiatives, innovative research projects, and opportunities for student involvement. The event highlighted the departments’ dedication to academic excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration, setting a tone of inspiration and ambition for the academic year ahead. These introductions highlighted the diverse range of programs and research opportunities available, reinforcing SET’s reputation as a hub for innovation and academic rigor.
Dr. Sarawut Ninsawat, Head of ICT
Dr. Ekbordin Winijkul, Head of WREE
The event also featured AIT’s BOI company, AI Brain Lab, led by Co-founders Dr. Chaklam Silpasuwanchai, Mr. Sanjeet Amatya, and Mr. Raymond Chee, which focuses on accelerating the integration of artificial intelligence technologies into businesses and society. Mr. Sanjeet Amatya shared AIBL’s initiatives to involve students in internships and job opportunities, providing valuable hands-on experience and career development.
Introduction of BOI Companies in AIT
The orientation also featured captivating introductions to SET’s research centers, including Asian Center for Soil Improvement and Geosynthetics led by Dr. Kuo-Chieh Chao; Thailand Accident Research Center led by Prof. Kunnawee Kanitpong; Center of Excellence in Nanotechnology led by Dr. Tanujjal Bora; Center for Health and Wellness Technologies led by Prof. Dieter Trau; Regional Network Office for Urban Safety (RNUS) led by Prof. Pennung Warnitchai; TEAL 2.0 Support and Development Center led by Dr. Chutiporn Anutariya; and Center for Water and Climate Adaptation led by Prof. Mukand S. Babel. In addition to SET’s centers, several institute-wide centers were also introduced: AIT Solutions, led by Mr. Thaung Htut Aung; AIT Extension, led by Mr. Voravate Chonlasin; Artificial Intelligence Center, led by Dr. Mongkol Ekpanyapong, Entrepreneurship Center by Prof. Dieter Trau; Global Water & Sanitation Center led by Prof. Sangam Shrestha and Prof. Thammarat Koottatep, and Belt & Road Center led by Dr. Wenchao Xue.
Each center provided a compelling overview of its current projects, research initiatives, and key achievements, highlighting various student opportunities, including internships, research collaborations, and hands-on training programs. They emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the integration of advanced technologies to address real-world challenges. The presentations underscored the centers’ commitment to fostering innovation, sustainability, and academic excellence, offering students many opportunities to engage and contribute to impactful research and development activities.
Following the center introductions, the event then featured an inspiring address from Mr. Awaneendra Labh, the Student Union President and a SET student, who warmly greeted the incoming students. In his motivating speech, he emphasized the significance of making the most of the available opportunities and urged new students to engage in campus activities to enhance their university experience actively.
The orientation also included a Q&A session where students had the opportunity to ask their queries directly to faculty members. This session provided new students with valuable insights into student life at AIT, addressing concerns about their courses, internship opportunities, programs, and resources available on campus. It was an excellent platform for students to gain clarity and confidence as they embarked on their academic journey.
Dr. Chitrini Mozumder, the SET Student Support Unit coordinator, presented on the various support services, exposure visits, professional development workshops and seminars, and opportunities for research showcases available to students. She emphasized that this comprehensive support system was designed to ensure every student feels reassured and confident in their academic journey at SET. Mr. Rey Calabdan, the Industrial Relationship Manager Consultant, provided an inspiring overview of the extensive internship and job opportunities available to students. He highlighted the importance of industry connections and practical experience, encouraging students to actively pursue these opportunities to enhance their career prospects. Ms. Alistina Shrestha, Marketing, Recruitment, and Digital Strategy Manager, emphasized the importance of exchange programs for students’ growth, encouraging them to seize opportunities to study at top universities worldwide. She motivated students to take these chances to broaden their horizons, gain new perspectives, and enhance their personal and professional growth. Ms. Shrestha also highlighted SET’s social media platforms, encouraging students to engage with these channels to stay updated on research projects, ongoing events, student achievements, and much more. She stressed the importance of following these platforms to stay connected with the SET community and to take advantage of various opportunities and resources available.
The event concluded with an information and fun quiz session led by the senior students. This session provided new students valuable insights into student life at AIT, academic tools, and facilities and concluded with an engaging icebreaker game.
Dasuni Ganepola from Sri Lanka, enrolled in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Program, said, “It was a fantastic event with many informative sessions that guided me about SET from the beginning. It was also a great way to meet newcomers and start networking.” Cao Tien Hiep from Vietnam, enrolled in Water Engineering and Management Program, shared, “The SET orientation event has been a fantastic start to my journey at AIT. Meeting fellow students and getting a glimpse of the program and its resources has truly energized me. With the useful information provided in the orientation session, I’m confident I can dive into the upcoming challenges and opportunities, feeling more connected and prepared for the future ahead.”
The orientation successfully set the stage for the new students, equipping them with the necessary information and enthusiasm to embark on their academic journey at the School of Engineering and Technology, AIT—a heartfelt thanks to all the students, faculty members, and staff members who participated and contributed to the event.
