By AIT Public Affairs
24 April 2025 – The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and the European Federation of Financial Analysts Societies (EFFAS), Germany, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster academic collaboration between the two institutions.
The MoU was signed by Prof. Pai-Chi Li, President of AIT, and Dr. Jesús López Zaballos, President of EFFAS. This agreement aims to explore and identify opportunities for cooperation in developing and implementing educational, training, and capacity-building activities. These activities will leverage the expertise and capabilities of both parties to address mutual needs and interests.
Under this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), AIT and EFFAS will collaborate in areas of mutual interest. This includes the exchange of students, faculty, researchers, staff, and experts, as well as the sharing of information and publications. They will also work together on developing joint research projects and creating capacity-building activities. Furthermore, the two institutions will partner to develop joint teaching and outreach programs, particularly focusing on ESG specialization, and will promote courses, lectures, and symposia to enhance academic and professional engagement.
Prof. Pai-Chi Li said, “This partnership, built on our shared interest in executive education and ESG, will greatly strengthen AIT’s School of Management, particularly by enhancing the ESG specialization within our EMBA program. I look forward to working closely together in education and research to create more development and career opportunities.”
Dr. Jesús López Zaballos said, “This collaboration is a milestone for advancing sustainable finance and responsible management education across Asia. As the financial sector grows more complex, the need for skilled, forward-thinking professionals is greater than ever. Together, we are committed to delivering world-class ESG education, fostering innovation, and building capacity. By combining global expertise with regional excellence, we aim to shape a future of finance that is responsible, resilient, and aligned with societal and environmental needs.”
Prof. Anthony Cheung, GHG Protocol Independent Standards Board member and EFFAS Representative, Asia Pacific, said, “This collaboration marks the beginning of our efforts to support executive education in Thailand and beyond. With new programs focusing on climate risk, we aim to share knowledge across Asia and align with international best practices.”
Prof. Yuosre Badir, Dean of the AIT School of Management, said, “We are excited for this collaboration. With AIT’s strong regional presence and EFFAS’ ESG expertise, we can advance executive education and contribute to a more responsible, sustainable future. True progress comes through collaboration, and we look forward to making a lasting impact together.”
From EFFAS, Dr. Valeria Fauner, Director of Training and Certification, and Dr. René Nicolodi, Head of Equities & Themes and Deputy Head of Asset Management at Swisscanto Invest, attended the signing.
From AIT, the signing was attended by Dr. Kamonkanok Kiatisakchai, Assistant Dean and MBA Program Director; Mr. Sam Hanna, Director of Corporate and Business Development; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Joseph French, SOM Faculty; Mr. Shawn Kelly, Executive Director of International and Public Affairs (OIPA); Mr. Sanjeet Amatya, Director of Public Affairs, OIPA; and Ms. Sirima Sirimattayanan, Senior Program Officer – International Affairs, OIPA.
The European Federation of Financial Analysts Societies (EFFAS), is a federation of financial analyst associations across Europe. Its mission is to lead investment professionals in the development of their profession, aligned with the EFFAS Code of Conduct, aiming to foster a positive social impact.
