AIT Public Affairs
8 August 2025 – The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) warmly welcomed its newest cohort of students for the August 2025 semester through a hybrid orientation program held on 8 August, with many attending in person and others joining online.
This semester, AIT welcomes 606 new students, including 556 in regular programs and 50 in special programs, representing 30 countries across Asia, North America, Europe, and Africa. This is the highest intake in the past decade. Of the incoming class, 81% are enrolled in Master’s programs and 19% in Ph.D. programs, including flexible, exchange, and visiting students from partner institutions worldwide. Among them, 47% are enrolled in the School of Engineering and Technology (SET), 31% in the School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD), and 22% in the School of Management (SOM). With this intake, AIT now hosts over 2,000 students from around the world.
AIT President Prof. Pai-Chi Li welcomed the students, highlighting AIT as more than just a place of learning but a diverse, international community dedicated to addressing global challenges. He emphasized the critical role of students in tackling issues such as climate change, digital transformation, and inequality, especially in the rapidly evolving Asia-Pacific region. Encouraging students to embrace diversity and lead with curiosity, compassion, and responsibility, he urged them to make the most of their time at AIT academically, socially, and personally.
Prof. Manukid Parnichkun, Vice President for Academic and Research (VPAR), underscored AIT’s commitment to nurturing future changemakers through academic excellence and holistic development. “As Asia takes center stage in the 21st century, our interdisciplinary and multicultural environment empowers students not just to learn, but to lead with empathy, ethics, and purpose,” he said, emphasizing AIT’s mission to cultivate global citizens ready to drive meaningful impact across the region and beyond
Prof. Siddharth K. Jabade, Vice President for Administration and Development (VPAD), inspired students to aim high and think boldly. “Be bold in having your aspirations. Nothing is stopping you from dreaming big because you are here at AIT,” he said, highlighting the Institute’s strong ties with industry, research commercialization opportunities, and a supportive environment where ideas can thrive.
Deans from all three schools, Prof. Sangam Shrestha (SET), Prof. Abdul Salam (SERD), and Prof. Yuosre Badir (SOM), also extended their warm welcome. They encouraged students to explore global networks, develop leadership and entrepreneurship skills, and make the most of AIT’s diverse and inclusive environment. They assured students that while the AIT journey may come with challenges, it will be deeply rewarding.
Representing the student body, Mr. Milan Acharya, President of the AIT Student Union for August 2025, encouraged students to embrace academic and personal growth, be active, explore opportunities, and engage with AIT’s diverse community.He also emphasized the Union’s dedication to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and vibrant campus environment.
Following the welcome remarks, students took part in orientation sessions introducing them to AIT’s services, policies, and resources. These included briefings from the Office of Human Resources Services on anti-harassment policies, the Office of Sustainable Campus on green initiatives, and guidance on academic expectations, visa requirements, campus IT systems, facilities, accommodation, and support services from various offices, including the Language Center and Career Services.
The orientation aimed to equip new students with practical tools and a sense of belonging as they begin their journey at AIT.
