The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) had the honor of welcoming H.E. Mr. Hari Prabowo, Ambassador of Indonesia to Thailand, to the AIT campus on 25 May 2026. The Ambassador was accompanied by Ms. Cyti Daniela Aruan, Education and Culture Attaché, and Ms. Barbara Noira, Minister Counsellor from the Embassy of Indonesia in Thailand.
The visit commenced with an introductory briefing and courtesy meeting with Gen. Dr. Boonsrang Niumpradit, Chairman of the AIT Board of Trustees, and Prof. Pai-Chi Li, President of AIT. During the meeting, the Board Chairman warmly welcomed Ambassador Prabowo and highlighted Indonesia’s longstanding relationship with AIT since 1968, noting the country’s valuable contributions and continued partnership with the Institute over many decades.
President Prof. Pai-Chi Li also expressed appreciation for Indonesia’s important role in AIT through its distinguished Board representatives, alumni, students, faculty, and institutional partners. He noted that AIT continues to enjoy strong engagement with Indonesia through academic cooperation, research collaboration, scholarships, and capacity-building initiatives, and expressed AIT’s commitment to further strengthening this partnership for the benefit of Indonesia and the broader region.
The subsequent meeting brought together AIT senior leadership, Deans, faculty members, and representatives from various offices. Participants included Prof. Manukid Parnichkun, Vice President for Academic and Research; Prof. Siddharth Jabade, Vice President for Administration and Development; Dr. Sarawut Ninsawat, Dean, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology; Dr. Ekbordin Winijkul, Dean, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering; Dr. Thi Phuoc Lai Nguyen, Dean, Faculty of Public Policy and Sustainable Development; Prof. Anil Kumar Anal, Dean, Faculty of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources; Prof. Vilas Nitivattananon, Faculty of Climate Change and Sustainability; Dr. Djoen San Santoso, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering; Dr. Bahul Shrestha, Director (Programs), Public Sector Management & Public Policy, AIT Extension; Mr. Sanjeev Jayasinghe, Executive Director, Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs; Dr. Sumana Shrestha, Director, Office of International Affairs; Dr. Indra Kumari, Coordinator, Office of International Affairs; Dr. Namita Sravat, Institute Deputy Secretary; and Mr. Karma Rana, Institute Secretary.
During the meeting, the Vice Presidents, Deans and representatives provided updates on AIT’s academic programs, research initiatives, and ongoing collaborations with Indonesian universities and institutions. Discussions focused on opportunities to further strengthen partnerships in education, research, innovation, scholarships, and regional capacity building.
H.E. Ambassador Hari Prabowo emphasized the importance of strengthening regional development through enhanced university-to-university cooperation and closer engagement between academic institutions and the private sector. He highlighted the need to expand joint research, digital transformation initiatives, and human resource mobility to meet the growing industrial and technological demands of Southeast Asia. The Ambassador also expressed his support for exploring and facilitating scholarship opportunities through Indonesia’s LPDP scholarship scheme to benefit Indonesian students and researchers pursuing advanced studies and collaborative initiatives at AIT.
A special interaction session was later held with Indonesian alumni, staff, and students at AIT. During the session, Indonesian members of the AIT community shared their academic journeys, research experiences, and professional aspirations. The discussion also explored possibilities for expanding scholarship support and creating greater opportunities for future Indonesian students to study at AIT.
The visit reaffirmed the strong and longstanding relationship between Indonesia and AIT and reflected a shared commitment to advancing regional cooperation through higher education, research, and innovation.
