By Office of Communications and Public Affairs
The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) proudly celebrated its 144th Graduation Ceremony, on 17 December 2025, marking milestones of academic and research excellence.
The ceremony witnessed 209 graduates from 19 countries receive their degrees, including 32 doctoral and 177 master’s graduates. By school, 81 students graduated from the School of Engineering and Technology (SET), 42 from the School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD) and 86 from the School of Management (SOM).
These graduates now join AIT’s global alumni network of more than 27,000 members from over 108 countries, continuing the institute’s legacy of producing leaders and innovators who drive positive change worldwide. The ceremony was attended by diplomats, dignitaries, members of the AIT Board of Trustees, faculty, families, and friends, making it a memorable occasion that highlighted the institute’s global academic community.
AIT President Professor Pai-Chi Li congratulated the graduates, and described the ceremony as a defining moment that celebrates both academic achievement and the collective effort behind it. Welcoming the graduating class into AIT’s alumni network, he acknowledged the guidance of faculty, the support of partners and donors, and the continued encouragement of families.
Emphasizing AIT’s role as a regional institution, Prof. Li noted the institute’s continuous evolution over its 66-year history to meet changing global needs, including a growing focus on artificial intelligence, semiconductors, sustainability, and business innovation. “Staying current in your field is no longer optional; it is essential”, he added, stressing the importance of lifelong learning and encouraging graduates to uphold AIT’s values of unity in diversity, cooperation, and contribution to regional and global progress.
Inspiring Messages from Distinguished Speakers
The ceremony featured distinguished keynote speakers who shared inspiring messages on leadership, resilience, and innovation.
Dr. Nalinee Taveesin, Former President of Thailand Trade Representatives and Co-Chairperson of the ICAPP Business Council, framed graduation as a moment of transition and responsibility. She described AIT graduates as global problem-solvers shaped by a uniquely international institution, ready to address interconnected challenges across development, sustainability, and economic transformation. Emphasizing AIT’s interdisciplinary strength, she said that their education is not merely a qualification, but a license to lead and create impact.
She urged graduates to move forward with courage and empathy, emphasizing the “and” mindset, and reminding them that today’s challenges call for integration rather than division. She noted that progress comes from connecting engineering and environment, technology and humanity, innovation and inclusion and encouraged graduates to see complexity as opportunity, where meaningful solutions emerge when diverse disciplines and perspectives come together.
Professor Kala Vairavamoorthy, Executive Director of the International Water Association (IWA), encouraged graduates to view commencement not as an endpoint, but as the beginning of a journey shaped by action, adaptability, and purpose. Drawing from his own career, he noted that success is rarely linear and urged graduates to stay grounded, support one another, and take the first step, reminding them that “the future will not be shaped by those who wait until they feel ready, but by those who have the courage to begin”. He encouraged them to lead with confidence, humility, and generosity of spirit as global citizens building meaningful careers and lasting impact.
He underscored the importance of clear communication, collaboration, and perspective in turning knowledge into real-world impact, encouraging graduates to value their relationship across classmates, mentors, and the wider AIT community, recognising that we succeed on the shoulders of those who came before us and by holding the ladder steady for others to climb.
Honoring Excellence in Teaching and Academic Impact
The ceremony also recognized excellence in teaching through the AIT Distinguished Teaching Awards 2025, honoring faculty members whose dedication have shaped meaningful learning experiences across the institute.
From SET, Associate Professor Dr. Ekbordin Winijkul was recognized for excellence in teaching and research-driven instruction in environmental engineering, particularly his work in air quality management and policy-relevant environmental research.
SERD’s Professor Kyoko Kusakabe received the award for her outstanding contributions to gender and development studies, known for integrating real-world perspectives and international research into her teaching.
SOM’s, Associate Professor Dr. Joseph J. French was honored for excellence in finance education and leadership in international finance, recognized for delivering impactful, globally oriented learning that prepares students for professional practice and leadership roles.
Reflection from the Graduating Class
Speaking on behalf of the Class of December 2025, Dr. Sarnai Battulga, a doctoral graduate from the Climate Change and Sustainable Development program, described graduation as a transition from learning how to generate knowledge to deciding how to use it responsibly in the world. She emphasized that AIT had prepared graduates to think critically, act with purpose, and bridge evidence with action in addressing complex global challenges, noting that “research finds its highest purpose when it moves beyond explanation and becomes a force for change.” Expressing gratitude to AIT faculty and staff, family members, and peers, she encouraged graduates to carry forward AIT’s values of global citizenship, diversity, and service as they help shape a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Dignitaries and Special Guests
The ceremony was graced by distinguished guests representing government, diplomatic missions, academia, industry, and the AIT community who congratulated the graduates and reaffirmed AIT’s commitment to global education and sustainable development. Attendees included H.E. Dr. Subin Pinkayan, Honorary Advisor to the AIT Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Former Foreign Minister of Thailand and Former Chairman of the AIT Board of Trustees; Dr. Siri Jirapongphan, Former Minister of Energy of Thailand, Executive Director of the Petroleum Institute of Thailand (PTIT), and Chairman of the Audit Committee and Independent Director of Bangkok Bank PLC and Mrs. Hoang Diem Hanh, Counselor of the Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
Also present were Mr. Galdanjamts Batnasan, First Secretary of the Embassy of Mongolia; Ms. Pham Thi Kim Chi, Attaché of the Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam; Dr. Ludovic Andres, Attaché for Scientific and Higher Education Cooperation at the French Embassy; Ms. Kajal Gupta, Attaché of the Embassy of the Republic of India; Mr. Hsiao, Te-Wang, Chairman of Peng Shen Technology (Thailand) Co., Ltd.; Prof. Eiji Nawata, Director and Specially Appointed Professor at the Kyoto University ASEAN Center; Ms. Rinyapat Ariyapolchaichod, Managing Director of K Group Drilling and Engineering Co., Ltd.; Mr. Yuya Maejima, Representative of the SIT ASEAN Satellite Office (Bangkok), Shibaura Institute of Technology; Mr. Kuo, Chih-Ling, Project Manager at Peng Shen Technology (Thailand) Co., Ltd.; Mr. Norio Yoshikawa, Staff member of Shibaura Institute of Technology; Mr. Jeyannathann Karunanithi, representative of the International Water Association (IWA); and Dr. Donald M. Ugsang, President of the AIT Alumni Association (AITAA).
This year’s graduating class also included our senior student, Dr. Somsak Nontaganok, who received a Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) from the School of Management. Upon receiving his degree, he expressed his gratitude to AIT for supporting his enrollment and for championing lifelong learning. Dr. Somsak’s journey is a powerful reminder that learning doesn’t stop; it’s a lifelong pursuit.
Graduate message:
Dr. Tatsaneewan Phoesri, Doctor of Engineering in Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (Thailand)
During my time at AIT, I realized graduation is not just an ending, but a collection of small stories that shaped who we became. From the first nervous days to the long nights of coding, failed experiments, and drafts full of corrections, I learned patience, resilience, and confidence. Just as meaningful were the quiet victories, a figure that finally made sense, a paper submitted, a presentation that went well, and the friendships that made this campus feel like home. I am deeply grateful to my professors and advisors, the staff who supported us behind the scenes, my family and loved ones, and my fellow graduates. As I move forward, I hope to carry AIT’s values and contribute to positive change in our communities and beyond.
Dr. Sreejita Banerjee, Doctor of Philosophy in Disaster Preparedness, Mitigation, and Management (India)
My doctoral journey at AIT has been transformative. The vibrant, multicultural environment not only broadened my perspective but also helped me grow both academically and personally. I learned resilience, humility, and perseverance, especially during the more challenging moments of my doctoral studies. I am deeply grateful for the support from my faculty, peers, and loved ones, who were with me every step of the way.
As I graduate, I hope to carry forward the values and legacy of AIT and to contribute meaningfully as a researcher and practitioner, working to create positive change in our communities and beyond.
Mr. Aung Pyae Pho Paing, Master of Business Administration (Myanmar)
I still remember my first days at AIT, arriving with uncertainty, missing home, and feeling out of place in an unfamiliar environment. Over time, new friendships and shared experiences transformed that loneliness into a deep sense of belonging. Through late-night projects, student leadership roles, and simple moments with friends, I found purpose, comfort, and connection. Serving in the SOM Student Ambassadors, the Student Union, and later the Myanmar Society tied me closely to the AIT community. More than an academic institution, AIT embraced and shaped me, becoming a place I will always call home.
Ms. Rikka Marsani, Masters of Science in Development and Sustainability (Nepal)
My master’s journey at AIT in Development and Sustainability has been a truly memorable chapter of my life. Living on campus and sharing everyday moments, from meals to celebrations of cultural diversity, fostered friendships that made AIT feel like a second home. The program reshaped how I understand sustainability, gender, and development, linking academic learning with real-world realities. With the constant support of faculty and peers, I gained confidence in my research and in my own voice. This experience not only clarified my career goals but also shaped who I am today, giving me a home away from home at AIT, Thailand.
