By Office of Communications and Public Affairs
20 January 2026- The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) have jointly launched a new program: the Master of Science (Professional) in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Applications (PMDS). The launch and orientation were held on 19 January 2026.
As emerging technologies reshape societies and global governance, there is a growing need for professionals who can use data and AI to address real-world challenges. In response, AIT and UNITAR have jointly developed PMDS to help learners build practical, job-ready skills for today’s fast-changing landscape.
This is AIT’s first joint academic program with UNITAR. PMDS combines strong technical foundations with hands-on learning and was co-designed with input from industry experts, academic leaders, and policy advisors. A key feature is project-based learning, where each student completes a Master’s Project based on a real problem from their professional or organizational context.
Speaking at the event, AIT President Prof. Pai-Chi Li said the program marks an important milestone for both institutions. “This launch is a significant step forward in the AIT–UNITAR collaboration, and a proud moment as our first joint academic program. We are grateful for UNITAR’s strong support in making this program possible, and we look forward to building meaningful impact through applied learning and real-world projects,” he said.
Mr. Rabih El-Haddad, Director, Division for Multilateral Diplomacy at UNITAR, highlighted the program’s relevance as AI brings both opportunity and uncertainty. He said, “This partnership with AIT is deeply important for UNITAR. As AI reshapes societies and global systems, we need learning spaces that bring together academia, the United Nations, and practitioners to develop solutions grounded in dialogue, ethics, and real-world needs. PMDS is exactly that kind of platform.”
The first cohort includes 12 students from eight countries across Asia and the Americas. The program begins with an Immersion Week, helping students build a shared foundation and explore how data science and AI can be applied to complex global challenges.
PMDS is a 12-month, modular professional degree delivered in a hybrid format, combining in-person sessions at the AIT campus in Thailand with online learning. The program includes lectures, case studies, interactive sessions, group work, and stakeholder discussions, and concludes with a Master’s thesis/project (submission and defense). Key topics include programming, data management, machine learning, governance, tech diplomacy, and cybersecurity. It is designed for working professionals with relevant undergraduate backgrounds who are balancing study with career and other commitments.
