By Office of Communications and Public Affairs
6 January 2026 – The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) began its new academic term with a hybrid orientation on 6 January, welcoming new students to campus.
Addressing the new cohort, AIT President Prof. Pai-Chi Li said AIT is a truly international learning community where education goes beyond earning a degree, it is about creating real impact. He encouraged students to learn from one another, embrace different perspectives, build lifelong networks, and lead with responsibility, empathy, and action.
This semester, 115 regular students from 27 countries have joined AIT, along with 22 exchange or visiting students from partner universities in Europe and Asia. Of the incoming class, 80% are enrolled in Master’s programs and 20% in Ph.D. programs. Women make up 52% of the regular student intake. The new students join 1,656 continuing students.
The January 2026 intake is the first under AIT’s new academic structure with seven faculties. Among regular students, around 19% are enrolled in the Faculty of Infrastructure, 24% in the Faculty of Technology, 8% in the Faculty of Resources, 21% in the Faculty of Climate Change, 8% in the Faculty of Public Policy, and 20% in the Faculty of Business Management. Intake for the Faculty of Asian Studies will begin from the August 2026 intake.
Prof. Manukid Parnichkun, Vice President for Academic and Research (VPAR), highlighted AIT’s mission to build capacity for sustainable development across the Asia-Pacific and beyond. He encouraged students to take full advantage of opportunities at AIT, grow their skills, lead with integrity, and become change-makers for their communities and the region.
Prof. Siddharth K. Jabade, Vice President for Administration and Development (VPAD), welcomed students and encouraged them to see AIT not only as a place to earn a degree, but as a platform to discover their purpose and turn learning into real-world solutions through applied research, innovation, and partnerships.
Speaking on behalf of the student body, Mr. Francis Sirawith Seritiwat, President of the AIT Student Union (January 2026), encouraged students to stay engaged, explore opportunities, and connect with AIT’s diverse community. He also reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to a welcoming, supportive, and active campus life.
Following the welcome remarks, students attended orientation sessions on key services, policies, and resources. These included briefings on anti-harassment policies, sustainability initiatives, academic expectations, visa requirements, campus IT systems, facilities, accommodation, and student support services, including the Language Center and Career Services.
The orientation aimed to help new students settle in smoothly and feel part of the AIT community from day one.
