By: International Affairs, Office of International and Public Affairs
11 June 2025 – Bangkok, Thailand: Professor Pai-Chi Li, President of the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), paid a courtesy visit to H.E. Mr. OTAKA Masato, Ambassador of Japan to Thailand, at the Embassy of Japan. The meeting reaffirmed the deep and enduring partnership between AIT and the Government of Japan, which dates back to 1969.
President Li expressed appreciation for over five decades of Japanese support encompassing scholarships, infrastructure development, faculty secondments, equipment and operating grants, and joint research initiatives. He also sought continued collaboration, particularly in scholarship programs, faculty exchange, research, and private sector engagement.
Ambassador OTAKA reiterated Japan’s commitment to supporting AIT, including the continuation of scholarship programs and faculty secondments, and invited AIT to explore future cooperation in space technology.
The discussion also highlighted the significant impact of the Japan Government Scholarship Program, which has supported 940 students from 29 countries since its inception, as well as Japan’s role in infrastructure projects such as the AIT Conference Center and Library.
Other notable initiatives between AIT and Japan include:
- The Marine Plastics Abatement (MPA) Program, launched in 2020 with $3.05 million in funding from Japan, benefiting nearly 100 students.
- The secondment of 163 Japanese faculty members through JICA, JAXA, and universities, significantly contributing to AIT’s academic development.
- The establishment of AIT’s Gender and Development Studies Program, the first of its kind in Southeast Asia.
AIT has also graduated 119 Japanese students, many of whom received scholarships and are now thriving in their professional careers.
The collaboration with Japan extends to over 20 Japanese universities and institutions through student exchanges, dual degree programs, summer programs, internships, and research projects, including growing engagement with the Japanese private sector.
This long-standing partnership reflects a shared commitment by both AIT and the Government of Japan to advancing sustainable development across the region.
From the Embassy, Mr. NISHIOKA Tatsushi, Minister, Deputy Chief of Mission and Permanent Representative of Japan to ESCAP, Ms. OSAWA Yurie, First Secretary; and Mr. TANIMURA Takamasa, First Secretary also attended the meeting.
From AIT, President Li was accompanied by Prof. Kyoko Kusakabe, Professor of the Gender and Development Studies Program, Department of Development and Sustainability of the School of Environment, Resources and Development and Dr. Sumana Shrestha, Director of International Affairs of the Office of International and Public Affairs.
