By Office of Communications and Public Affairs
20 January 2026 – The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) welcomed Mr. Manish Kothari, Vice President of the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) on 19 January 2026 for a strategic visit to explore potential areas of collaboration. Discussions focused on training, capacity building, and industry-relevant learning across Asia.
Mr. Kothari met with AIT President Prof. Pai-Chi Li, followed by discussions with AIT senior officials and representatives. The visit highlighted existing collaboration and explored ways toward a more coordinated approach.
Dr. Bindu Lohani, Vice Chairperson of the AIT Board of Trustees, said the visit offered an opportunity to explore a more structured collaboration focused on practical outcomes, building on existing collaboration through joint programs and longer-term capacity building across the region.
Mr. Kothari noted the value of collaboration and expressed interest in strengthening the AIT–FIDIC relationship during his tenure. “FIDIC and AIT have a prior relationship and shared purpose. I hope to expand our collaboration through capacity building and training that link academic expertise with practical needs.”
AIT and FIDIC have collaborated through multiple initiatives over the years. Several AIT units have also supported FIDIC-related trainings. AIT Yunus Center has delivered professional development programs for 13 years, training over 1,200 energy utility professionals from South Asia, including 200 women engineers through the We POWER program. AIT Extension has also conducted FIDIC Red Book and Yellow Book training for the China Construction Company.
Moving forward, both sides discussed formalizing collaboration at the institute level and exploring selected joint programs with the FIDIC Academy, including short courses and potential integration into existing initiatives such as WePOWER.
Representatives from AIT included Dr. Faiz Shah, Executive Director, Yunus Center; Mr. Thaung Htut Aung, Executive Director, AIT Solutions; Mr. Karma Rana, Institute Secretary; Mr. Fazle Karim, Senior Advisor to Executive Director, AIT Extension; Mr. Sanjeet Amatya, Director, Office of Communications and Public Affairs and Ms. Sirima Sirimattayanan, Senior Program Officer, Office of International Affairs.
Mr. Kothari also toured the AI and Simulation Lab, CSI Bangkok, and AIT Solutions.
