By Alistina Shrestha
August 13, 2025 — The classrooms and halls of the School of Engineering and Technology (SET) at AIT are buzzing with new energy. On Wednesday, SET officially welcomed 278 bright and ambitious students from 30 countries to its community, marking the start of a transformative academic journey. The orientation, held at the AIT Conference Center, brought together 206 participants both in person and online, kicking off the August 2025 semester with a truly global spirit.
From the moment they arrived, new students were immersed in an atmosphere of innovation and possibility. They were welcomed into the SET family, AIT’s largest and most populous academic school by academic leaders, faculty, and staff, all ready to guide them on their path toward becoming the problem-solvers of tomorrow.
A Mission to Solve Global Challenges
Following an introduction by Masters of Ceremonies Mr. Hoang Minh (Thomas) Nguyen (PhD Candidate) and Ms. Grace Richardson (SET student), SET Dean Prof. Sangam Shrestha began his inspiring welcome address. A scientist recognized among the top 2% worldwide by Stanford University, he began by formally introducing the school, its advanced centers, and the wide range of opportunities available to the new students. He then spoke passionately about SET’s mission to prepare graduates to solve the 21st-century’s most pressing global challenges.
“By being here, you prove your commitment,” he told the students. “You chose to tackle meaningful problems, you value the impact you will create, and you are ready to build a future with purpose.”
He emphasized that SET is more than a place to study; it’s a launchpad for leaders and innovators who will create a lasting impact on a global scale. He encouraged them to fully engage with the diverse community, a unique advantage that allows students to learn from a world of different cultures, ideas, and perspectives.
The vibrant energy of the room was sustained between each formal session. The Masters of Ceremonies kept the excitement high by leading a series of fun quizzes about AIT and engineering trivia.
Students eagerly participated, raising their hands and competing to answer questions. Their active engagement was rewarded with fun gifts and prizes, which delighted the happy audience and fostered a sense of community and friendly competition.
Shaping the Future, Department by Department
Department heads then took the stage to showcase the breadth of opportunities available to the new students.
Civil and Infrastructure Engineering (CIE): Associate Professor Djoen San Santoso presented the Department of Civil and Infrastructure Engineering (CIE), highlighting its focus on developing practical solutions for urban growth, infrastructure development, and disaster resilience. He stressed the department’s strength in combining academic excellence with real-world applications, supported by internationally recognized faculty and collaborations with global industry partners. He also encouraged students to balance their studies by exploring new opportunities and traveling around the region to make the most of their international journey.
Information and Communications Technologies (ICT): Dr. Sarawut Ninsawat, Department Head, described the Department of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) as a place where technology is developed to serve people and society. He highlighted the department’s modern learning spaces, including smart classrooms, co-working hubs, the Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (RS-GIS) laboratory, and the AI and Simulation Lab. He also emphasized the importance of cultivating integrity, empathy, and teamwork alongside technical expertise, noting that the international environment offers a unique chance to build lasting networks.
Industrial Systems Engineering (ISE): Prof. Huynh Trung Luong, Department Head, introduced the Department of Industrial Systems Engineering (ISE) as a driving force of industrial innovation. Drawing on his 23 years of experience at AIT, he encouraged students to find their own rhythm and approach to success, rather than feeling pressured to follow those of their seniors. He highlighted that success in ISE comes not just from technical skills but also from creativity, persistence, and the ability to work collaboratively across disciplines.
Water Resources and Environmental Engineering (WREE): Dr. Ekbordin Winijkul, Department head, highlighted the Department of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering (WREE), which focuses on sustainable solutions for water and environmental challenges. He spoke about the department’s active research projects and its state-of-the-art facilities, including the Environmental Engineering and Management laboratories and the Hydraulics Laboratory, which is one of the largest of its kind in South Asia. He encouraged students to use these resources to not only sharpen their expertise but also to broaden their perspective as global citizens.
During their respective departmental sessions, each head introduced their faculty members, showcasing the diverse fields of study available to the new students and providing them with a chance to meet the diverse range of experts who would be guiding them throughout their studies at SET.
Beyond the Classroom: Building Your Career
The orientation also went beyond academics to focus on career-building and personal growth. Ms. Alistina Shrestha, Manager for Marketing, Recruitment, and Digital Strategy at SET, provided students with key advice on how to make the most of their time at AIT. She encouraged them to take advantage of exchange programs across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, highlighting how such experiences are crucial for broadening perspectives and building lifelong professional networks. She stressed the importance of internships as a way to connect classroom learning with real-world practice, helping students build confidence and professional readiness.
Additionally, Ms. Shrestha also emphasized the value of the many conferences hosted at AIT, explaining that these events give students opportunities to volunteer, participate, and network with international experts and industry leaders. She added that students will also find valuable opportunities to attend conferences outside AIT, further widening their exposure and networks. To ensure they stay informed about these and other programs, she urged students to regularly follow SET’s social media pages and check their emails for important updates and announcements.
Understanding the Student Information System
Following the career session, Ms. Pricilla Faye T. Simon, PhD candidate in AIT, provided a hands-on introduction to the Student Information System (SIS). She demonstrated how to use the SIS application, giving students the tools to manage their academic journey from day one. Her presentation ensured that all new students were equipped with the knowledge to navigate their courses, schedules, and administrative needs effectively.
A Memorable Start
As the day concluded, a lively Question and Answer (Q&A) session took place, where students were active and asked questions with enthusiasm. The excitement then built to a final raffle draw, where five lucky winners took home special prizes. The smiles and excitement in the audience reflected the spirit of community that SET aims to foster, one where academic rigor is balanced with joy, collaboration, and shared experiences.
As the new students begin their journey, they join a vibrant community of 780 fellow students at SET from 35 countries. The stage is set, the opportunities are limitless, and the journey has only just begun.
