By School of Engineering and Technology
6 March 2025: A total of 22 students from the Geotechnical and Earth Resources Engineering (GTE) program at the School of Engineering and Technology (SET) participated in the Global Project-Based Learning (gPBL) Program at Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT) in Tokyo, Japan, from February 23 to March 5, 2025. They were accompanied by Dr. Geoff Chao, Head of the Civil and Infrastructure Engineering (CIE) Department; Dr. Avirut Puttiwongrak, Chair of the GTE Degree Program Committee; and Ms. Nussarin Sudrohman, a GTE staff member.
The gPBL program aimed to foster discussions on the expectations and roles of civil engineering across different countries. Participants collaborated to develop a shared vision for the future of the field, centered around the concept of “engineering for citizens”.
During the program, students engaged in collaborative group discussions with peers from Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT), Kasetsart University (KU), King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), Suranaree University of Technology (SUT), and National Taiwan University (NTU). These interactions provided valuable opportunities for cross-cultural exchange and academic enrichment.
In addition to academic activities, students participated in a Yukata (informal kimono) workshop, offering an immersive experience into Japanese aesthetics and culture. This cultural component added a meaningful dimension to their academic journey in Japan.
Student Feedback:
Mr. John Allan Alayon Gulles (Philippines)
As young engineers, the gPBL provided a valuable platform for us to better understand and engage with the current landscape of our profession. It gave us meaningful insights, and the connections we built will surely serve as a foundation for future opportunities and collaborations. It was truly an amazing experience—not only for our academic growth but also for our overall personal development.
Mr. Pachara Khunawong (Thailand)
The gPBL program in Japan was an unforgettable experience—one that combined learning, adventure, and cultural exchange. Working with students from diverse backgrounds to solve real-world engineering problems was truly enriching. The cultural activities, from wearing Yukata with Prof. Inazumi (SIT) to visiting Mount Fuji with Prof. Geoff Chao (AIT), made the journey even more special. I would gladly join the program again without hesitation!
Ms. Pida Seab (Cambodia)
The gPBL program has been an incredible journey—one that deepened my understanding of civil engineering through collaboration with peers from around the world. It was inspiring to see how cultural diversity shaped our approaches to problem-solving. Beyond academics, bonding with classmates and professors—especially during our Mount Fuji trip—made the experience even more meaningful. I am truly grateful to have been part of this amazing program.
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Geotechnical Earth Resources Engineering (GTE) Program at AIT
The GTE Program is under the Department of Civil and Infrastructure Engineering in the School of Engineering and Technology, AIT. The program offers two major areas of specialization, Geotechnical Engineering (GE) and Geosystem Exploration & Petroleum Geoengineering (GEPG).
