On 19 August 2026, the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) held a formal donation agreement signing ceremony with Mr. Chatvichai (Daeng) Promadhattavedi to mark two donations made in honor of the late Professor Karl E. Weber: a full Master’s scholarship in the Faculty of Public Policy and Sustainable Development, and the renovation of a student village building — Student Village 2 (SV2), Building No. 31.
Professor Siddharth K. Jabade, Vice President for Administration and Development (VPAD), extended his heartfelt gratitude to the family, represented by Mr. Chatvichai (Daeng), for their generous contribution. He remarked that this donation stands as a fitting continuation of Professor Weber’s enduring legacy, manifested in two complementary forms: an intellectual legacy, carried forward through the scholarship that will support deserving students in his name, and a physical legacy, embodied in the renovation of the building that will serve the institution for years to come. Professor Jabade emphasized that both forms of contribution reflect the same spirit of dedication to education and community that Professor Weber championed throughout his life. In closing, he assured the family that the institution would remain committed to transparency and connection, pledging to keep them regularly informed of the scholarship recipient’s academic journey and achievements as a way of honoring the ongoing bond between the family and the university.
Mr. Sanjeev Jayasinghe, Executive Director of Development and External Affairs (DEA), Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs (OAAA), welcomed the family and thanked their generous donation to AIT. He outlined Professor Karl Weber’s career, who joined AIT as an Associate Professor and was a founding faculty member of the Rural Development Planning field of study within Human Settlements. Over the course of his career, he served as Chairman of the Human Settlements Division, Founding Dean of the School of Environment, Resources and Development, and later as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Vice President for Management. He was credited with transforming the former Regional Rural Development Planning Programme into what became the Development Planning, Management and Innovation Programme, and later the Development, Innovation and Sustainability Programme under the Faculty of Public Policy and Sustainable Development. After retirement, he remained closely involved with AIT, including AIT Hall of Fame Selection Panel and committees of the Board of Trustees.
Mr. Karma Rana, Institute Secretary, recalled his long personal and professional relationship with Professor Weber. Having worked with him for many years when he was a Founding Dean of the School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD) and later as Vice President. Mr. Karma further stated that Prof. Weber had mentored many others, including other nationalities, helping them build respected careers. Mr. Karma thanked the family for their generous support and affirmed his continued commitment.
Dr. Joyee S. Chatterjee, Associate Professor in Gender and Development Studies (GDS), thanked Professor Weber’s family for the scholarship, noting that although he predated her time at the institution, his reputation looms large. She highlighted that GDS turning 30 next year was established under his championship while he was Founding Dean of SERD, so the programme now offering this scholarship owes its existence to his vision. She also credited him, both as Dean and later as Vice President, with founding other strong, enduring programmes such as the Rural Regional Development Program (RRDP), now known as Development, Innovation and Sustainability, which continues to attract many students. Dr. Chatterjee expressed deep gratitude for his forward-thinking leadership and legacy, and hoped the programmes would continue to honor the faith and vision he set, thanking him for a donation that reflects both the institution’s history and its future.
Mr. Chatvichai (Daeng) spoke on behalf of the family, reflecting on how meaningful AIT was to Professor Weber, and framed the scholarship as a way to honor his memory and continue his legacy. He emphasized that Professor Weber made Thailand his home for over 50 years and remained devoted to his students throughout. He noted his strong sense of social duty and his care for people and society. He highlighted AIT’s international spirit and community.
Professor Rosalia Sumaryono said she was honored to take part in helping to select the scholarship candidate. She also mentioned her own past connection to the GDS programme, having taught in 2006–2007 and maintaining friendships with the faculty.
Mr. Htay Lwin Oo, from Myanmar, the scholarship recipient expressed his gratitude and honor of receiving the scholarship, noting that it relieves financial pressure and allows him to continue his studies. He expressed a sense of responsibility both to contribute meaningfully to his community and to carry forward Professor Weber’s legacy and values.
Also attending the ceremony were: Mr. Auksarin Lertsuriyasurakul, secretary; household members Mrs. Khamkun Wana; Mr. Krungsri Wana; Mr. Ekpiyakorn Vanawongwat; Mr. Thaninrath Angkulborvonroj; Mr. Rojchai Chuchaikulnawat and, from the Development and External Relations – Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs, Ms. Lucena D. Talaid, Senior Alumni Affairs Officer, and Mr. Bhaskaran Jacob, Senior Advancement Officer.
