By Office of Communications and Public Affairs
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 7–9 November 2025 — The Asian Institute of Technology Alumni Association (AITAA) convened its 54th Governing Board Meeting (GBM) and International Conference in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, welcoming alumni, leaders, academics, partners, and friends from more than 20 countries. The three-day gathering celebrated AIT’s global alumni community and reaffirmed its international reach, the lasting influence of its alumni, and the institute’s strategic shift towards research excellence, financial sustainability, and regional development leadership.
Themed “AIT Connects: Real Intelligence. Real Automation. Real Impact,” this year’s GBM showcased how artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and automation are reshaping societies, and how AIT and its alumni are positioned to lead in this evolving landscape. Hosted by the AITAA Vietnam Chapter, the gathering also underscored Vietnam’s longstanding relationship with AIT and its expanding role in Southeast Asia’s digital innovation ecosystem.
AIT’s Strategic Vision
In his welcome message, AIT President Professor Pai-Chi Li expressed deep appreciation to AITAA President Dr. Donald M. Ugsang, AITAA Vietnam President Le Thanh Quyen, and the AITAA Vietnam Chapter for hosting the international gathering. He emphasized AIT’s renewed vision of becoming a research-driven, financially sustainable, and globally connected institution, noting, “As digital innovation and artificial intelligence redefine industries, AIT remains committed to nurturing ethical, globally minded professionals who address the complex challenges of our time.”
President Li highlighted AIT’s long-standing connection with Vietnam, acknowledged its vibrant alumni community, and reiterated AIT’s commitment through AITCV to support Vietnam’s national digital transformation agenda toward 2030.
Echoing this strategic direction, Dr. Anat Arbhabhirama, Chairman of the AIT Board of Trustees, lauded the alumni community for sustaining AIT’s international footprint. He underscored the alignment between AIT’s institutional transformation and the global trends in AI, automation, and innovation: “AIT’s legacy of producing ethical, skilled, and globally minded professionals remains vital in an era defined by digital technologies and AI.”
The AIT official delegation is led by AIT President Prof. Pai-Chi Li, accompanied by Mr. Sanjeev Jayasinghe, Executive Director of the Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs, and Mr. Karma Rana, Institute Secretary. Joining the delegation as observers were Ms. Chotiros Mongkolchotirat, Director and Executive Secretary to the President; Ms. Rungnapar Sa-Nguanphuak, Administrative Assistant, Office of Institute Secretary; Ms. Lucena D. Talaid, Senior Alumni Affairs Officer; and Mr. Bhaskaran Jacob, Senior Advancement Officer from the Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs.
GBM Proceedings: Governance, Chapter Updates, Elections, and Strategic Planning
The GBM opened with remarks from AIT and AITAA leaders. Key agenda items included the approval of the 2025 GBM agenda and the confirmation of the 2024 minutes. The meeting also covered the AITAA 2025 Financial Report, the President’s Report, chapter activity updates, reviews of proposed statute amendments, and the nomination and election process for the incoming AITAA President.
These sessions showcased strengthened coordination among AITAA chapters, enhanced alumni engagement strategies, and continued commitment to supporting AIT’s students, research initiatives, and institutional partnerships.
Strengthening the Global Alumni Network
Alumni chapters presented updates on community development programs, scholarship fundraising, mentoring initiatives, and collaborations with AIT. Their contributions underscored the power of AIT’s 27,000+ alumni across more than 100 countries, whose collective efforts continue to advance education, research, and sustainable development throughout the region.
Conference Highlights: AI, Automation, Sustainability, and Industry Synergy
The conference segment, titled “AIT Connects: Real Intelligence. Real Automation. Real Impact,” featured presentations from distinguished speakers across academia, industry, and government. Building on these themes, speakers offered diverse perspectives connecting technology, policy, and practice. The program was joined by Prof. Nguyen Quan, Former Minister of Science and Technology of Vietnam, as Honorary Chair of the Technical Committee; Prof. Huynh Ngoc Phien, former Dean of the School of Advanced Technologies at AIT, as Advisor; and Assoc. Prof. Le Hoai Quoc, former Director of Saigon High Tech Park, as Principal Advisor.
Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai, former AIT President, delivered a keynote address on “When AI Rules the World, How Do Humans Live?” Prof. Yu Hoe Tang of the University of Nottingham Malaysia, Dr. Viraphan Rasphone, Director of the Savan Institute of Management, Laos, and Mr. Aseem Andrews, Director of eKosmos Services PVT. Ltd., India, discussed how AI-savvy youth networks can advance ASEAN sustainability.
Dr. Le Nhan Tam, former CTO and Lead Architect for Microsoft and IBM in Vietnam, shared practical pathways for implementing AI in enterprises, while Dr. Pabhawan Suttiprasit of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University outlined strategic frameworks for sustainable, AI-driven industrial automation.
Mr. Meinardo Teves of EON The Stakeholder Relations Group, Makati City, Philippines, highlighted AI-powered communication and stakeholder engagement, and Dr. Han Phoumin, Senior Energy Economist at the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), discussed ASEAN’s evolving role in the global semiconductor supply chain.
Dr. Phạm Thanh Hữu, Chief Executive Officer of IVS Joint Stock Company, addressed real-time production, MES development, and startup opportunities in Vietnam’s manufacturing sector, while Dr. Ir. Arman Hakim Nasution of the Department of Business Management, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), Surabaya, Indonesia, explored investment models for technological business in Asia.
Gala Dinner & Cultural Immersion
The Gala Dinner on 8 November celebrated cultural unity and global friendship, featuring Vietnamese performances and intergenerational alumni networking. The prestigious AITAA Lifetime Service Award (ALSA) was presented to alumnus George S. Y. Chen from Taiwan, while other distinguished alumni and partners were recognized with the DAA and Honorary Member Awards for their global contributions.
On 9 November, participants joined a guided tour of Ho Chi Minh City, visiting landmarks such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Independence Palace, offering cultural enrichment and strengthening connections among alumni and their families.
Mock check presentation of the donation for the earthquake victims in Myanmar
Mr. Sanjeev and Dr. Donald jointly presented a mock cheque to Dr. Lwin Lwin Aung, President of the AITAA Myanmar Chapter, Ms. Khin Aye Aye Mon (Alice) and Mr. Win Latt, representing a total donation of THB 809,979. The contribution includes THB 600,000 from Dr. Ashraf Habibullah, Founder and CEO of Computer and Structures, Inc., U.S.A., along with donations from AIT alumni, faculty, staff, and students. The funds are dedicated to supporting earthquake victims in Myanmar.
Donation towards supporting the Renovation of a single-unit student dormitory in Dorm F (group naming)
Dr. Lwin Lwin Aung, President of the AITAA Myanmar Chapter, together with Ms. Khin Aye Aye Mon (Alice) and Mr. Win Latt, presented a donation of THB 50,000 to AIT President Prof. Pai-Chi Li. A thank-you letter from Prof. Li was also presented to the group in appreciation of their support.
This contribution demonstrates the Myanmar Chapter’s commitment to enhancing campus facilities and student well-being. The donation will support the “Rooms for Change” campaign – alumni support towards renovation of a single-unit student dormitory in Dorm F as part of a group naming and dormitory improvement initiative, aimed at creating a more comfortable and conducive living environment for students.
A Unified Global Community Moving Forward
The event concluded with renewed purpose and stronger bonds across the global network. The event upheld AIT’s role as a neutral, international institution; a hub for research-driven innovation; and a connector of governments, industry, and academia. With expanding partnerships and the continued dedication of its alumni, AIT moves forward with confidence, educating future-ready leaders, generating high-impact research, and contributing to a more sustainable and digitally empowered world.
