By AIT Extension and Office of Communications and Public Affairs
24 August 2026: AIT Extension at the Asian Institute of Technology welcomed 78 third-year students and faculty members from the University of Management and Technology (UMT), Ho Chi Minh City, for the Global Citizen Fellowship Program 2026, held from 18 to 21 August 2026.
The group, accompanied by UMT faculty members Ms. Vo Thi Thanh Van and Ms. Le Thi Phuong Thao, included students from Information Technology, Graphic Design, Communication, Applied Arts, and Multimedia.
The program commenced on 18 August at the AIT Conference Center. Mr. Voravate Chonlasin, Executive Director of AIT Extension and Dr. Sumana Shrestha, Director of International Affairs, Office of Development and Engagement Affairs (ODEA) welcomed the participants and introduced them to AIT’s international learning environment and postgraduate study opportunities.
“This program gives our students a valuable opportunity to learn in a cross-cultural environment and apply classroom theories directly to real-world regional challenges,” said Ms. Vo Thi Thanh Van.
Over four days, the students worked through modules spanning digital transformation, international marketing, data science, and sustainable development. The group also visited the Creative Economy Agency (CEA) and the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) to gain further insights into Thailand’s innovation sector.
As part of the fellowship, students were encouraged to explore how design and technology can be applied to address community challenges in Vietnam and the wider ASEAN region.
The program is one of the activities resulting from the growing partnership between AIT and UMT. In June 2026, the two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic partnership through academic, research, training, study visits, joint supervision, joint publications, and other related activities.
The MoU was signed by Prof. Pai-Chi Li, President of AIT, and Ms. Huynh Thuy Phuong, Chairwoman of UMT.
Under the agreement, AIT and UMT will cooperate in areas including capacity-building Ph.D. programs for UMT faculty members, student visit programs, joint research, and the organization of international conferences, workshops, seminars, and training programs.
The Global Citizen Fellowship Program 2026 offers UMT students international learning and strengthens ties between AIT and UMT.
