By AIT Public Affairs
The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) celebrated the academic achievements of 252 postgraduate students from 25 countries during its 143rd Graduation Ceremony, held on 23 May 2025. These graduates now join AIT’s global alumni network of over 27,000 members spanning more than 105 countries.
The ceremony featured two separate sessions: the morning was dedicated to graduates from the School of Engineering and Technology (SET), while the afternoon honored those from the School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD) and the School of Management (SOM). The event was graced by diplomats, dignitaries, members of the AIT Board of Trustees, faculty, families, and friends, marking a proud milestone in the lives of the graduates.
Among the 252 graduates, 28 were awarded doctoral degrees and 224 earned master’s degrees. By school, 104 students graduated from SET, and 74 each from SERD and SOM.
AIT President Pai-Chi Li congratulated the graduates, commending their perseverance and dedication. He highlighted AIT’s strong foundation in technology, sustainability, and management—areas that equip students with advanced problem-solving abilities and a holistic understanding of interconnected global systems. “Stay true to your original aspirations, never forget your roots, and always remember AIT, your alma mater,” President Li urged, encouraging graduates to serve as leaders and advocates for sustainable solutions worldwide.
Graduation Addresses: Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders
Three distinguished keynote speakers addressed the graduating classes, inspiring them to lead with integrity, vision, and adaptability.
In the morning session, Ms. Deepali Khanna, Vice President of The Rockefeller Foundation’s Asia Regional Office, and Prof. Dr. Kriengsak Chareonwongsak, Senior Fellow at Harvard University and Chairman of the Nation-Building Institute, delivered motivational commencement addresses to the SET graduates.
In the afternoon, Dr. Dindo Campilan, Regional Director for Asia and Hub Director for Oceania at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), addressed SERD and SOM graduates, sharing reflections on leadership and sustainability.
Dr. Naveed Anwar, AIT alumnus (Class of 2004) and CEO of CSI Bangkok, offered insights from his forty-plus-year-career in structural engineering and leadership. Speaking in the morning session, the prominent alumni speaker emphasized that an advanced degree is not merely a title but a responsibility. “You are leaving with a different identity, and that will impact everything you do from now on,” he said, stressing lifelong learning, adaptability in the age of artificial intelligence, and the value of AIT’s global network.
In the afternoon session, Mr. Navin Surana, CEO of TCI Global Ventures and AIT alumnus (Class of 1994), reflected on the importance of values-based decision-making. “Where you start today is not where you will end,” he noted, highlighting how AIT helped shape his global perspective and ethical leadership approach. He credited AIT for helping him adopt a mindset he believes will set humans apart in an AI-driven world of the future. “Your journey will be shaped by the decisions you make, each carrying responsibility and consequences,” he stressed.
Recognizing Research Excellence
AIT also honored outstanding faculty members with Distinguished Researcher Awards for their exemplary contributions. The awards recognize impactful research, innovation and scholarly excellence that contribute to the institute and their respective fields. Recipients of the award included Prof. Avishek Datta, Head, Department of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources (Professor category); Dr. Jai Govind Singh, Head, Energy and Climate Change (Associate Professor category); Dr. Sushil Kumar Himanshu, Department of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources (Assistant Professor category); and Dr. Malay Pramanick, Department of Development and Sustainability (Assistant Professor category).
Graduate Voices: Reflections and Aspirations
Four students delivered inspiring messages on behalf of the graduating class, sharing their journeys of growth and transformation. Their speeches highlighted resilience, self-belief, and gratitude to AIT for providing a supportive academic environment. Each speaker emphasized the importance of using their education to make meaningful contributions to society.
Dr. Bui Phan Quoc Nghia, from the Disaster Preparedness Mitigation and Management program in the Department of Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, spoke on behalf of all doctoral graduates from the SET. Dr. Toma Deb Nath, from the Agricultural Systems and Engineering Program, FANR delivered a message on behalf of the doctoral graduates from SERD and SOM. Master’s graduates Mr. Takid Hossain Asif, from the Geotechnical and Earth Resources Engineering program in the Department of Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, and Mr. Natapat Chawannatum, from the Sustainable Energy Transition Program in the Department of Energy and Climate Change, also addressed the assembly
Dignitaries and Special Guests
The Graduation Ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including H.E. Dr. Subin Pinkayan, Honorary Advisor to the AIT Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Former Foreign Minister of Thailand; Dr. Anat Arbhabhirama, Chairman of the AIT Board of Trustees and former Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Thailand; General Dr. Boonsrang Niumpradit, Former Supreme Commander of the Royal Thai Armed Forces; H.E. Mr. Saroeun Hun, Ambassador of the Royal Embassy of Cambodia; H.E. Mr. Dhan Bahadur Oli, Ambassador of the Embassy of Nepal; Mr. Saroar Ahmed Saleheen, Economic Counsellor, Embassy of Bangladesh; Mr. Sub Samkhan, First Secretary, Royal Embassy of Cambodia; Ms. Vo Thi Ngoc Diep, Commercial Counsellor, Embassy of Viet Nam; Mr. Sonam Palden, Second Secretary, Royal Bhutanese Embassy, Ms. Kajal Gupta, Attaché, Embassy of India and Ms. Nuanwan Tohthong, Plan and Policy Analyst, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Thailand.
Notable attendees also included Fr. Franciso Antonio T. Estepa, SVD, PhD, President, University of San Carlos; Dr. Twinchok Tanthuwanit, President, Regional Container Lines PCL; Fr. Jesuraj Anthoniappen, SVD, PhD, Vice President for Academic Affairs, University of San Carlos, Philippines; Dr. Parag Jain, Senior Postdoctoral Fellow, AIT and Director, Roorkee Institute of Technology; Dr. Angie M. Ceniza-Canillo, PhD, Chair, Department of Computer, Information Sciences and Mathematics, University of San Carlos, Philippines; Ms. Teeranun Neamhoe, HR Manager, ALLPLUS (Thailand) Co., Ltd.; Mr. Siraphob Meenamphant, Assistant Manager, Delta Electronics (Thailand) PCL., Dr. Md. Zakir Hosain, Executive Secretary, AIT Alumni Association; and Dr. Phung Van Dong, Executive Director of AIT Vietnam.
Student Reflections
Ms. Nongnapat Rugniyom (Master’s in Agri-Business Management, SERD)
During my time at AIT, I made many good friends from different countries and built strong connections. Coming from a business and logistics background, studying agribusiness was challenging, especially with some subjects related to engineering. But I managed to do well and gained both theoretical and practical knowledge. I also joined the Student Union and took part in many student-led events and activities, which helped improve my teamwork and overall skills. Studying at AIT was a fantastic experience.
Ms. Pornpetch Gansaree (Master’s in Telecommunications Engineering, SET)
After working for four years, I decided to pursue a Master’s degree at AIT. It became more than an academic experience – it was a journey of personal growth. I made meaningful friendships, experienced new cultures, and gained new perspectives. AIT gave me a sense of belonging and many good memories that I will always be grateful for.
Mr. Abhishek Rama Hulloli (Master’s in Business Administration, SOM)
The MBA program at AIT was flexible and practical. We had the choice of attending classes during the day or evening, online or in person. This helped me apply what I learned while also starting my own cafe on campus. Balancing studies, events, job hunting, and running a business was possible because of the program’s structure. AIT gave me a space to grow, learn, and build friendships. It was more than just academics – it was a great experience.
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