By AIT EC and AIT Public Affairs
3 August 2025: The Asian Institute of Technology Entrepreneurship Center (AIT EC) hosted the Youth Impact Summer Program 2025, welcoming a vibrant student delegation from the International College of Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics, China. Under the theme “UN and its SDGs for Youth Empowerment through Innovation and Global Collaboration”, the week-long program offered students an inspiring blend of academic sessions, cultural immersion, and hands-on learning experiences.
The Spark International Dream Team arrived on campus on July 27 and was warmly received at the opening ceremony, where Mr. He Tao, CEO, Rainbow Health International (RHI), Singapore, and Mr. Mao Haibin, Coordinator, Rainbow Health International (RHI), Singapore, highlighted the significance of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Students shared their personal aspirations, explored AIT’s green campus, and ended the evening with a joyful welcome dinner.
Over the next two days, the group explored the richness of Thai culture and sustainability practices through visits to Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market, Benjakitti Park, and malls -Iconsiam and Terminal 21. They also engaged with regional and global organisations, including the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Bangkok, the Confucius Institute, and Chulalongkorn University, gaining insights into cultural preservation, education, and academic excellence.
A highlight of the program was the full-day workshop at AIT EC, led by AIT faculty and experts, including Prof. Dieter Trau, Director EC; Dr. Lakeesha Ransom, Adjunct Faculty, AIT School of Management and Mentor, EC, and Mr. Russell Rein, Former Vice President for Administration, AIT and Adjunct Faculty, AIT School of Management. Other speakers from AIT include Dr. Wenchao Xue, Faculty, School of Engineering and Technology and Director, Belt and Road Research Center; Ms. Sireesha Bantu, Director, Office of Sustainable Campus, and Erwin Lizarondo, Social Innovation Lead, AIT Yunus Center. From lean innovation and sustainable business strategies to leadership and pitching skills, the sessions challenged participants to think critically, collaborate in teams, and communicate their ideas with confidence.
The program further deepened participants’ understanding of the UN system and the SDGs through a virtual session with United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and in-person discussions with experts from United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). The delegation also visited the United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC) in Bangkok, where they attended a briefing at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) on the “SDG Outlook in Asia and the Pacific.” These sessions offered valuable regional perspectives on sustainable development progress and challenges.
Technology and innovation took center stage with visits to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA). Students learned how ICT can drive inclusive development, empower youth, and strengthen resilience, while NSTDA showcased Thailand’s leadership in renewable energy, solar technology, and innovation at Thailand Science Park, located next to AIT.
The program concluded with cultural visits to the Grand Palace and Central World before returning to AIT for the closing ceremony. Student teams presented their reflections on the SDGs and received certificates of participation from Prof. Dieter Trau and Mr. He Tao. A networking dinner at the AIT Golf Club provided a warm conclusion to a transformative week.
The program not only expanded students’ knowledge of the UN and its SDGs but also highlighted AIT’s role as a hub for youth empowerment, innovation, and global collaboration. Participants left inspired and motivated to take what they learned back to their communities, ready to drive positive change in the world.
