AIT Public Affairs
10–12 July 2025—Beijing, China: In a step toward expanding its regional influence and research collaborations, the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), led by President Prof. Pai-Chi Li, undertook a strategic mission to Beijing from 10 to 12 July 2025. The visit fostered partnerships in sustainable development, innovation, and education with top Chinese institutions and AIT alumni. Accompanied by Dr. Wenchao Xue, Director of the AIT Belt and Road Research Center (BRRC) and Associate Professor of the Environmental Engineering and Management program, the three-day mission marked a series of high-level meetings with research institutions, education associations, innovation parks, and AIT alumni.
Strengthening Collaboration on Big Data and SDGs
The visit began with a tour of the International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals (CBAS) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). The AIT delegation was welcomed by Prof. Fang Chen, Deputy Director of CBAS, and Prof. Yubao Qiu, Secretary General of the Digital Belt and Road Program (DBAR).
Discussions focused on enhancing collaboration under the Digital Sustainable Development Goals Programme (DSP), with both institutions expressing interest in establishing AIT as a regional hub for the DSP in Southeast Asia. AIT and CBAS are now jointly planning to submit a bilateral research proposal to the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and Thailand’s National Research Council (NRCT). A high-level workshop is also being planned for late 2025 to convene Thai partner institutions and advance the initiative.
Engaging with China’s Higher Education Sector
President Li also met with leaders of the China Association for Non-Government Education (CANGE) to explore new academic opportunities. Key discussions included faculty capacity-building programs for private universities in China, potential dual-degree partnerships, and short-term exchange programs to raise AIT’s profile among Chinese students. A potential MOU between AIT and CANGE is under consideration to formalize long-term cooperation.
The delegation also made an informal visit to the Research Center for Eco-Environment Sciences, CAS to explore avenues for expanding ongoing collaboration. Discussions built on the existing MoU signed between AIT and RCEES in 2019, which is set to be automatically renewed for another term, underscoring the shared commitment to research and academic exchange.
Engagement with ANSO for Joint Research and Regional Hub Development
The AIT delegation held a productive session with the Alliance of International Science Organizations (ANSO) Secretariat, led by Executive Director Prof. Weidong Liu. ANSO introduced a wide array of collaborative opportunities in research, fellowships, student scholarships, and staff exchanges. AIT was invited to attend the 4th ANSO General Assembly in October 2025 and to recommend additional Southeast Asian institutions for ANSO membership.
Notably, ANSO expressed interest in jointly establishing a Southeast Asia regional hub with AIT, a significant step in expanding AIT’s global impact in sustainability and science diplomacy.
Innovation and Industry Linkages
At TusPark, one of China’s premier innovation hubs, President Li met with senior leaders from TusHoldings to explore industry-academic collaborations. Preliminary discussions were held on leveraging innovation ecosystems to support entrepreneurship and research commercialization.
Strengthening Alumni Engagement in China
On the final day, the AIT delegation met with representatives of the AIT Alumni China Chapter. Alumni shared ideas to enhance AIT’s visibility in China, including summer camps and short-term programs. They also addressed the need for improved alumni engagement tools, with one alumnus volunteering to develop a WeChat mini-program to support communications, scholarship fundraising, and event coordination.
The alumni expressed strong interest in supporting AIT initiatives and proposed increased engagement with Chinese alumni based in Thailand. The group also confirmed their participation in the upcoming AIT Alumni Association (AITAA) General Assembly and Academic Conference in Vietnam this November.
