By AIT International Affairs
21 August 2025, Bhutan – The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) has further expanded its academic and institutional partnerships in Bhutan following a high-level visit by a five-member delegation led by AIT President, Prof. Pai-Chi Li, from 13 to 17 August 2025. The visit aimed to reinforce existing collaborations and explore new opportunities in capacity building, scholarship programs, joint research, and academic exchanges.
The delegation held a series of strategic meetings with key government bodies, financial institutions, educational organizations, and private sector partners, advancing AIT’s commitment to supporting Bhutan’s national development priorities through education, innovation, and research collaboration.
On 13 August, AIT signed an Addendum to the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Bhutan Development Bank Limited (BDBL) to expand the number of BDBL employees eligible to pursue Master’s degree programs at AIT under the BDBL scholarship scheme. This follows the initial MoA signed in July 2024, under which two BDBL scholars are currently enrolled in AIT’s MBA program.
The MoA was signed by BDBL Chairman Mr. Karma Tshering and AIT President Prof. Pai-Chi Li, in the presence of Ms. Tshering Om, CEO of BDBL, along with the Board of Directors and senior management.
On 14 August, AIT entered into a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Druk Holding and Investments (DHI), the commercial arm of the Royal Government of Bhutan, encompassing 24 affiliated companies. Signed by Mr. Ujjwal Deep Dahal, CEO of DHI, and President Li, the agreement focuses on capacity-building programs and professional Master’s degree offerings for DHI employees as well as short-term training and certification courses. It also outlines cooperation in joint research and development in fundamental and applied areas, collaboration with the Jigme Namgyel Wangchuk Super Fablab and DRIVE Center, and facilitation of internship and exchange programs for AIT students and DHI employees.
President Li also held courtesy meetings with key government officials, including Dasho Tashi Pem, Chairperson of the Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC), Lyonpo Lekey Dorji, Honorable Minister of Finance, and Dasho Chewang Rinzin, Vice Chancellor of the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB). Discussions focused on reviving the RCSC-AIT Scholarship Program for Bhutanese civil servants, supporting RUB’s faculty development initiatives, and securing support from the Ministry of Finance for scholarships and training programs targeting Bhutanese professionals.
On the same day, the AIT delegation met with Dr. Karma Tshering, Managing Director of the Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation (BTFEC), to explore collaboration in joint research funding, scholarships, and environmental training initiatives. They also met with Dasho Karma Wangchuk, Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MoIT), to discuss Master’s degree scholarships and short-term capacity-building programs for MoIT personnel.
On 15 August, President Li and the delegation visited Bhutan National Bank Limited (BNBL) and held discussions with Mr. Sonam Tobgay, CEO and AIT alumnus, along with other alumni including Mr. Hem Kumar Acharya, Director of Banking Operations, and Mr. Dorji, an AIT Extension trainee. The conversations focused on potential scholarship opportunities and professional development training for BNBL staff.
That same day, the delegation met with the leadership of the De-suung Skilling Programme (DSP) to explore opportunities for short-term training programs for De-suups and DSP staff. They also discussed possibilities for AIT experts to deliver specialized courses in Bhutan and for creating internships and volunteering opportunities for AIT students and staff.
Later that evening, a dinner meeting was hosted by the CEO of the Institute of Happiness (IoH) and attended by members of its Board. Discussions centered on the potential development of joint student mobility programs connecting students from AIT, Bhutan, MIT, and Harvard University.
On 16th August, a dinner meeting was hosted by Dasho Gyem Dorji, President of the AIT Alumni Association Bhutan Chapter, bringing together approximately 15 senior AIT alumni, including Lyonpo Yeshey Penjor, former Minister of Agriculture and Forests. President Li provided updates on developments at AIT and acknowledged the vital role of alumni in strengthening AIT’s presence in Bhutan.
Alumni, then, invited AIT to consider participating in Bhutan’s flagship initiative, the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), as a potential hub for future academic collaboration and physical presence.
President Li was accompanied by Mr. Voravate Chonlasin, Executive Director of AIT Extension; Mr. Sanjeev Jayasinghe, Executive Director of the Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs (OAAA); Dr. Sumana Shrestha, Director of International Affairs, Office of International and Public Affairs; and Ms. Chotiros Mongkolchotirat, Director, Office of the President and Executive Secretary to the President.
This visit marks a significant milestone in AIT’s growing engagement with Bhutan and reflects the institute’s long-standing commitment to promoting sustainable development and academic excellence across the region.
