By Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs
On 14 May 2026, the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) hosted a donation agreement signing ceremony and welcomed back alumnus Mr. Jose M. Ramos, Jr. for his contribution towards the “Rooms for Change Campaign” — Alumni support towards better living spaces in the Student Dormitories.
Prof. Siddharth K. Jabade, Vice President for Administration and Development (VPAD), expressed his appreciation for Mr. Ramos’ generosity and highlighted the deeper significance of such alumni contributions to the overall student experience at AIT. He noted that today’s students arrive with higher expectations for their living environment, making contributions of this nature all the more meaningful. He remarked that having appropriately furnished and comfortable accommodations makes a real difference to student life, and that AIT is not only about teaching and learning it is about the whole experience that shapes a person.
Mr. Sanjeev Jayasinghe, Executive Director, Development and External Affairs – Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs (DEA – OAAA), expressed gratitude to Mr. Ramos and highlighted the long-term impact of such alumni-led initiatives. He emphasized that the renovation of student residential facilities is a key priority in ensuring AIT remains a premier destination for international students. He noted that the contribution would benefit both current and future generations of AIT students, emphasizing that when students have comfortable and conducive living surroundings, it encourages them to study even better because a little comfort goes a long way.
Mr. Jose M. Ramos, Jr., a Transportation Engineering alumnus of batch 1990; President and Chairman of Columbia Technologies, Inc. in the Philippines, expressed his profound gratitude to AIT and described the Institute as his “stepping stone” that opened opportunities for further studies in Japan. He mentioned that Education is one of the most valuable investments one can make and spoke warmly of the unique environment AIT offers one that goes beyond academics to build interpersonal skills, cross-cultural understanding, and lifelong friendships. Upon learning of AIT’s ongoing Rooms for Change Campaign to upgrade student dormitories, he expressed his wish to renovate the very room he once called home during his student years, as a gesture to pay it forward and say thank you to the institution.
AIT is grateful for Mr. Ramos’ support and dedication to the Institute. His generosity embodies the true spirit of alumni giving and plays a vital role in enriching the campus experience not only for today’s students, but for generations ahead.
The ceremony was also attended by Ms. Lucena D. Talaid, Senior Alumni Affairs Officer, and Mr. Bhaskaran Jacob, Senior Advancement Officer, both from Development and External Affairs – Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs (DEA – OAAA).
