By Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs (OAAA)
On December 9, 2024, Mr. Anan Sittitanasut, Managing Director of Nippon Kikai Engineering Co., Ltd. (NKE) and a 1999 alumnus of AIT’s Mechatronics program, signed a donation agreement with AIT President Prof. Pai-Chi Li. The donation will support the refurbishment of a student dormitory unit in Dorm F (Room No. 47), further enhancing AIT’s commitment to providing students with an enriching and supportive living environment.
In his remarks, AIT President Prof. Pai-Chi Li expressed appreciation to Mr. Anan for his support for the student dormitory renovation and also for the scholarship he provided in 2021 to Ms. Su Kyi, a PhD student in the IoT program at AIT’s School of Engineering and Technology (SET). Prof. Li also outlined AIT’s strategic goal of restructuring its academic programs to ensure that students are better equipped to address real-world challenges upon graduation. He emphasized the potential for collaboration with companies like NKE to provide practical learning experiences for AIT students, especially given the company’s expertise in factory automation, a key sector in both Thailand and the broader region.
Mr. Sanjeev Jayasinghe, Executive Director of the Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs (OAAA), warmly welcomed Mr. Anan back to AIT. He noted that AIT actively engages with its alumni to keep them informed about new initiatives, such as the current dormitory refurbishment campaign, which resonates with many alumni. Mr. Sanjeev also reflected on his conversation with Mr. Anan, who fondly recalled his own experience living in the AIT dormitory during his master’s program for 22 months. This connection to student life inspired Mr. Anan to support the renovation, as he recognized the long-term benefits it would bring to both current and future students.
Mr. Anan shared his gratitude for his time at AIT, reflecting on the transformative education he received despite facing challenges. He stated, “The knowledge AIT gave me is the best. That’s why I feel inspired to give back and support AIT students.” He also expressed his desire to continue supporting AIT’s initiatives whenever possible.
Ms. Su Kyi, a PhD student from Myanmar in the IoT program at AIT’s Department of Information & Communication Technologies, expressed her heartfelt thanks to Mr. Anan. She noted that the scholarship had significantly reduced the financial burden on her family, allowing her to focus on her studies. “I am proud to be the recipient of the scholarship supported by Nippon Kikai,” she said. Ms. Su Kyi is set to graduate in December 2024.
Also present at the signing ceremony were Ms. Lucena D. Talaid, Senior Alumni Affairs Officer, and Mr. Bhaskaran Jacob, Senior Advancement and Alumni Affairs, from the Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs.
