By Office of Communications and Public Affairs
23 May 2026: The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) celebrated its 145th Graduation Ceremony on 22 May 2026, marking an important milestone for 333 postgraduate students as they completed their academic journeys and joined AIT’s global alumni network of more than 27,000 graduates across over 105 countries.
The graduating class included 29 doctoral graduates and 304 master’s degree recipients from 21 countries, bringing together students from diverse disciplines and backgrounds who share a commitment to creating positive impact through knowledge, innovation, and leadership.
The graduation ceremony was conducted in two sessions. The morning ceremony recognized graduates from the Faculty of Climate Change and Sustainability (FCCS), Faculty of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources (FFANR), Faculty of Public Policy and Sustainable Development (FPPSD), and the School of Management (SOM). The afternoon session honored graduates from the Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology (FAST) and the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering (FCEE).
Diplomats, dignitaries, members of the AIT Board of Trustees, faculty members, alumni, families, and friends gathered to celebrate the achievements of the graduating class.
Addressing the graduates, AIT President Professor Pai-Chi Li reflected on a rapidly changing world shaped by artificial intelligence, climate change, digital transformation, and geopolitical shifts. He emphasized the responsibility of universities to prepare students for increasingly interconnected careers and encouraged graduates to become ethical leaders who combine technical excellence with empathy and social responsibility. “Be prepared to adapt, reskill, and evolve throughout your careers. Take pride in how far you have come, keep faith in how far you can go, and use your knowledge to help shape a better future,” he said.
Inspiring Graduation Addresses
The ceremony featured distinguished speakers who shared reflections and encouragement with the graduating class.
During the morning session, Ms. Vibeke Lyssand Leirvag, Chairwoman of the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand, encouraged graduates to embrace resilience, lifelong learning, and opportunities beyond their comfort zones. She highlighted the importance of empathy, curiosity, and building strong professional networks to create meaningful and impactful careers.
Distinguished alumna Dr. Nisha Onta, Founder and Executive Director of Governance Lab Pvt. Ltd., Nepal, and an alumna of AIT’s Gender and Development Studies Program (2012), reflected on how AIT’s multicultural environment and interdisciplinary learning experience shaped her professional journey across Asia. She emphasized the importance of critical thinking, inclusivity, and gender equality while encouraging graduates to stay connected with the AIT community and contribute positively to society.
During the afternoon session, Dr. Aaron Batten, Country Director of the Thailand Resident Mission of the Asian Development Bank, described AIT as a living example of how diversity drives innovation. He encouraged graduates to become bridge-builders capable of working across disciplines, sectors, and cultures to help create a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future.
Distinguished alumna Ms. La-ead Kovavisaruch, Chief Investment Officer of Dusit Thani and an alumna of the Industrial Engineering and Management Program (1987), reflected on how AIT’s international environment prepares graduates to thrive in a rapidly evolving world shaped by technological advancement. She encouraged graduates to remain adaptable, continue learning, and embrace opportunities that challenge and inspire growth.
Recognizing Research Excellence
The ceremony also recognized outstanding faculty members through the Distinguished Researcher Awards 2026, honoring excellence in research, innovation, and scholarly contributions.
Award recipients included Prof.Thammarat Koottatep, Professor in Environmental Engineering and Management, FCEE (Professor Category), Dr. Indrajit Pal, Associate Professor in Disaster Preparedness, Mitigation And Management (DPMM), FCEE (Associate Professor Category), and Dr. Avirut Puttiwongrak, Assistant Professor in Geotechnical And Earth Resources Engineering, FCEE (Assistant Professor Category).
Graduate Reflections and Future Aspirations
Four student representatives shared reflections on behalf of the graduating class, highlighting resilience, growth, gratitude, and the transformative impact of their AIT experience.
Doctoral graduates Dr. Ranjika Lalani Perera from SOM and Dr. Terdkiad Nontapot from the Geotechnical and Earth Resources Engineering Program, FCEE, reflected on perseverance, lifelong learning, and the responsibility of using education to create meaningful societal impact.
Master’s graduates Pushpalata Neupane from the Agribusiness Management Program, FFANR, and Phaisit Buaban from the Environmental Engineering and Management Program, FCEE, shared how cultural diversity, collaboration, and cross-cultural experiences at AIT shaped both their academic and personal growth.
The student representatives expressed gratitude to faculty members, staff, peers, and families while encouraging fellow graduates to uphold AIT’s values of global citizenship, diversity, and service as they begin the next chapter of their journeys.
Dignitaries and Special Guests
The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests from government, diplomatic missions, academia, and industry, including members of the AIT Board of Trustees, ambassadors and embassy representatives, university leaders, industry executives, alumni representatives, and institutional partners from across the region. Attendees included, General Dr. Boonsrang Niumpradit, Chairperson of the AIT Board of Trustees, Former Supreme Commander of Royal Thai Armed Forces and AIT Hall of Fame Inductee; 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; H.E. Mrs. E.A.S. Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, The Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka; H.E. Mr. Fuwad Thowfeek, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, The Embassy of the Republic of Maldives; Mr. Moti Bahadur Shrees, Deputy Chief of Mission/Minister Counsellor, The Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal; Mrs. Thilini B. Ihalage, Minister Counsellor, The Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka; Mr. Vilavath Thephithack, Counsellor (Education), The Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic; Mr. Dinesh Pratap Singh, Counsellor, The Embassy of the Republic of India; Ms. Gullanay Omama, Head of Chancery, Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan; Mr. Kinley Wangyel, Second Secretary, The Royal Bhutanese Embassy; and Dr. Nalinee Taveesin, Co-Chairperson of the ICAPP Business Council and Former President of Thailand Trade Representatives.
Notable attendees also included Dr. Twinchok Tanthuwanit, President of the Regional Container Lines PCL; Prof. Eiji Nawata, Specially Appointed Professor/ Director of Kyoto University ASEAN Center; Ms. Teeranun Neamhoe, HR Manager, ALLPLUS (THAILAND) Company; Mr. Yutaka Furuya, Representative of the SIT ASEAN Satellite Office (Bangkok), Shibaura Institute of Technology; and Dr. Zakir Hossain, Executive Secretary, AIT Alumni Association Headquarters (AITAA).
Graduates Reflections:
Shruti Awale (MSc in Business Analytics and Digital Transformation, SOM)
Leaving Nepal to study at AIT felt like a leap into the unknown, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. I never imagined two years could be so wonderful, filled with experiences that pushed me to grow, become more resilient and strive to be better everyday.
AIT gave me more than a degree, it gave me friendships that became family, memories created through travels and project deadlines, and perspectives I could never have gained by staying in my comfort zone. Thailand gave me food I came to love, a climate I learned to adapt to, and personal growth that I will carry with me for life. Now, as I begin my Project Management internship at UNOPS, I feel grateful for the journey so far and excited for what lies ahead.
Lezan Ghazi Baiz (MSc in Food Innovation, Nutrition and Health, FANR)
Starting my journey at AIT was not easy. Coming from Kurdistan/Iraq, everything felt different — the culture, food, weather, and lifestyle. However, over time, I adapted, grew, and found a second family within the AIT community, while the campus became my second home.
During my studies, I also co-founded a company with friends and now serve as a Co-Founder and International Ambassador at Future Food Asia. These experiences have shaped my personal and professional journey in meaningful ways.
I am proud to continue this path after receiving a partial scholarship for my PhD at AIT, where I hope to contribute further to food innovation and global health.
Isaiah Josef B. Antonio (MSc in Water Engineering and Management)
Graduate school at AIT has been a roller-coaster journey filled with unforgettable moments, from my first arrival on campus and countless late-night study sessions, to receiving that congratulatory message from my committee member about my thesis. Each experience has been a part of a journey of growth and learning. More than the academic milestones, it is the shared stories, challenges and experiences with friends that I will always treasure. These memories have become an important part of my personal and professional growth.
As I continue writing my story, I plan to keep learning about the world, pursue professional growth, and create meaningful impact in climate change and water resources.
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