Prime Minister of Nepal Visits AIT, Pledges Support to Strengthen Academic and Regional Development Ties
By AIT Public Affairs Bangkok, Thailand — 3 April 2025: The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) had the distinct honor of welcoming the Rt. Honorable Prime Minister of Nepal, Mr. K.P. Sharma Oli, to its campus on 3 April 2025. Accompanied by a high-level delegation, including H.E. Mr. Dhan Bahadur Oli, Ambassador of Nepal to Thailand and esteemed member of the AIT Board of Trustees, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Nepal’s longstanding ties with AIT and pledged USD 100,000 in support of its academic mission. In a special address to the AIT community, Prime Minister Oli praised the six-decade-long partnership between Nepal and AIT, emphasizing shared goals of sustainable development, human capital growth, and regional collaboration. He highlighted the key role that academic institutions like AIT play in driving innovation and shaping inclusive, sustainable futures. The Prime Minister was warmly received by Dr. Subin Pinkayan, former Foreign Minister of Thailand and Honorary Advisor to the AIT Board Chairman; Dr. Anat Arbhabhirama, Chairman of the AIT Board of Trustees and former Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Thailand; and Prof. Pai-Chi Li, President of AIT. Dr. Anat commended the Prime Minister’s visionary leadership, stating that Nepal’s commitment to development aligns closely with AIT’s mission. He reaffirmed the Institute’s dedication to advancing prosperity across Asia through education, research, and innovation. AIT President Li expressed appreciation for Nepal’s continued support, including the 2019 donation, the Nepal Local Currency Fund, and the newly pledged USD 100,000. He welcomed the opportunity to deepen collaboration, including the proposed AIT Center in Nepal. “This renewed commitment reflects the strength of our long-standing partnership, and we look forward to advancing our shared goals in sustainable development and regional progress,” President Li said. In his address, Prime Minister Oli recognized the impact of AIT’s contributions to Nepal’s development across critical sectors such as infrastructure, information technology, natural resources, and policymaking. He underscored the transformative role played by AIT’s Nepali alumni, who continue to shape Nepal’s progress. “Our national goal of ‘Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali’ reflects our commitment to building a future where all citizens can live with dignity, security, and opportunity,” Prime Minister Oli said. “Institutions like AIT, with their focus on education and innovation, are important partners in this journey.” The Prime Minister commended AIT’s inclusive and multinational character, emphasizing Nepal’s long-standing emotional and institutional ties with the Institute, including its representation on the AIT Board of Trustees since 1981. Addressing pressing global challenges, he called for collective action to build a more just, secure, and sustainable future, recognizing AIT as a key partner in these efforts. Reflecting on the significance of the visit, Ambassador Dhan Bahadur Oli stated, “The Prime Minister’s visit marks a major milestone in the 67-year history of Nepal–Thailand relations. It reflects Nepal’s deep commitment to academic cooperation and paves the way for joint efforts to empower researchers and students across the region.” This visit underscores the depth of the Nepal–AIT relationship, rooted in decades of academic exchange, research partnerships, and capacity building. To date, AIT has produced 1,795 Nepali alumni—many of whom are leaders in their fields. A thriving Nepali community continues to enrich the Institute, including 181 current students, seven faculty members, and 27 staff. AIT’s collaboration with Nepal includes partnerships with universities, research centers, and industries, alongside impactful initiatives in infrastructure safety, air quality, climate resilience, sustainability, gender equality, and capacity development. Delivering the vote of thanks, Mr. Utkarsh Poudel, President of AIT Nepali Community, expressed heartfelt appreciation: “The Prime Minister’s presence today inspires us deeply. It motivates the Nepali student community at AIT to strive for excellence and contribute meaningfully to Nepal’s development.” Prof. Sangam Shrestha, Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology and Co-Director of the Global Water & Sanitation Centre (GWSC), added in his closing remarks, “AIT is honored to support Nepal’s human capital development and remains committed to advancing academic and research partnerships. We are sincerely grateful for the Prime Minister’s generous support, which will further expand scholarships and initiatives benefiting Nepal.” This marks the Prime Minister’s second visit to AIT, following his first in 2007 as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. The delegation included senior government officials and representatives from leading Nepali institutions and the private sector. The event also welcomed Ms. Chonvipat Changtrakul, Minister Counsellor from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. The visit marks a historic milestone in Nepal–AIT cooperation, celebrating decades of partnership and reemphasizing a shared commitment to advancing regional collaboration and sustainable development.
My AIT Story: Learning, Bonding, and Growing
By Kysiah Putalan Hi there! I’m Kysiah, a master’s student in Water Engineering and Management (WEM) program at the School of Engineering and Technology, AIT. I wanted to take a moment to share some of my incredible experiences with you and give you a glimpse into what makes studying here so special. A World of Opportunities in Water Engineering Studying Water Engineering and Management at AIT is more than just hitting the books; it’s about gaining real-world skills, connecting with experts, and experiencing different cultures. One of the most amazing things about this program is the endless opportunities it offers. AIT is known for bringing together a diverse group of students and faculty from all over the world, making it a perfect place to learn and grow. As a WEM student at AIT, I have the privilege of learning from top-ranked professors who are leaders in their fields. Their extensive experience and passion for water engineering provide an exceptional learning environment. They don’t just teach theory, they bring the latest industry advancements to the classroom, inspiring us to stay at the forefront of the field and pushing us to excel. The knowledge I gained from the lessons at AIT has been far beyond what I initially imagined. The lectures cover a wide range of topics, each designed to equip us with the skills and insights needed to tackle real-world challenges in the field of water engineering. The hands-on approach to learning—access to cutting-edge software and advanced models is provided, which is an invaluable resource for us as students. This not only helps us understand complex concepts but also nurtures our ability to design and develop innovative solutions. The exposure to such tools and technologies truly prepares us for the demands of the industry, setting us up for success in our future careers. Building Connections with People from Around the Globe One of the biggest highlights of my time at AIT has been the chance to meet so many incredible people. My classmates come from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and we all share a common interest in water engineering. This diversity creates a rich learning environment where we exchange ideas, collaborate on projects, and learn from one another. It’s amazing to be part of such an international community. I’ve made lifelong friendships with students from countries I never expected to connect with, and this network will definitely benefit me in my future career. Seminars by Global Experts In addition to regular classes, AIT offers a variety of seminars and workshops conducted by global experts not only in the field of water engineering but also in various fields. These seminars give us direct access to knowledge from people who are at the forefront of the industry. Whether it’s a guest lecture or a research presentation, these events broaden our understanding of current trends and innovations in industry. It’s an invaluable opportunity to interact with professionals who are shaping the future of water management and the world, and it helps us stay ahead of the curve in our studies. Fun Activities and Cultural Experiences Of course, it’s not all about studying! AIT knows how to keep things fun and exciting too. From the very beginning of my time here, I was welcomed with open arms at the welcoming party. It was a chance to meet new people, make friends, and enjoy the lively atmosphere that’s characteristic of AIT. Throughout the year, there are also cultural shows, mini-Olympics, and other exciting events that allow us to unwind and celebrate our shared experiences. These activities not only provide a break from the academic rigors but also give us a chance to explore the rich cultural diversity that makes AIT such a vibrant place to study. Exchange Programs: Summer Program in Ochanomizu University, Japan One of the most memorable experiences I’ve had at AIT was the opportunity to join a summer program at Ochanomizu University in Japan. It was an experience I’ll never forget! From immersing myself in a new culture to learning new insights into natural science, the program was a unique chance to expand my horizons and grow both personally and professionally. And the best part? AIT offers exchange programs with other universities worldwide. This means there’s always the possibility to take your education to new places and learn from different cultures and educational systems. Who knows? The next destination could be anywhere in the world! Looking Ahead Looking back on my journey at AIT, I’m incredibly grateful for the skills, knowledge, and experiences I’ve gained. The blend of academic excellence, international exposure, and hands-on learning is shaping me into a confident professional ready to design and manage water resources for optimization. I’m grateful for the growth I’ve experienced during my time here, and I’m excited for what the future holds. If you’re considering studying at AIT, I can confidently say that this is a place that will not only challenge you but will also provide you with unforgettable experiences and connections that will last a lifetime. As I move forward, I’m ready to take on new challenges and contribute to solving the global water issues we face today. AIT has opened so many doors for me, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next!
AIT Students Pioneer Rapid Digital Response to Devastating Myanmar-Thailand Earthquake
4 April 2025 Following the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake on March 28, 2025, near the Myanmar-Thailand border, postgraduate students at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) quickly launched a digital initiative to support affected communities. Within six hours, they created an online platform using Facebook and email, allowing residents to submit photos of damaged buildings for rapid structural assessments. Specializing in structural engineering, the students analyzed images to classify damage severity and provided safety reports in Burmese and Thai. Over 2,700 structures were assessed in just one week, with most submissions coming from Myanmar. Initially led by 30 AIT students, the initiative grew to include volunteers from Rangsit University, fostering collaboration and hands-on learning. Widely praised online, the project showcased how academic knowledge and digital tools can be rapidly mobilized to provide vital assistance in times of crisis. Read more: https://tinyurl.com/mr2zxxf7
President signs order to ‘eliminate’ Education Department
Al Jazeera – Published On 20 Mar 2025 Tlaib anticipates legal challenges to Trump’s push against Education Dept Democratic Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib has accused Trump of “illegally” dismantling federal departments, stressing that only Congress can eliminate US agencies. “This executive order to shut down the Department of Education is not only despicable, it’s unconstitutional. This latest authoritarian abuse of power is an attack on 26 million kids across every school district in our country. I look forward to it being challenged in court,” Tlaib said in a statement. “The Department of Education is critical for low-income and working class students, students of color, and students with disabilities.”
US Republican lawmakers voice alarm over possible Pentagon command shake-up
By Reuters – March 19, 20254:38 PM PDT Updated 13 hours ago The Pentagon is seen from the air in Washington, U.S., March 3, 2022. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab WASHINGTON, March 19 (Reuters) – The top two Republican lawmakers who lead the Pentagon’s oversight committees in the U.S. Congress issued a rare, joint statement on Wednesday expressing alarm about a potential shake-up in U.S. military commands by the Trump administration. The statement from the offices of Senator Roger Wicker and Representative Mike Rogers cited press reports, including that the Trump administration is weighing relinquishing the U.S. role as NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe. The position, which oversees all NATO operations in Europe, has been filled by a four-star U.S. general since its creation in 1950. Sources familiar with the matter tell Reuters such a possibility has been discussed but may ultimately not be viable and that no announcement is imminent. “We will not accept significant changes to our warfighting structure that are made without a rigorous interagency process, coordination with combatant commanders and the Joint Staff, and collaboration with Congress,” Wicker and Rogers said in the statement. “Such moves risk undermining American deterrence around the globe and detracting from our negotiating positions with America’s adversaries.” NBC News first reported the possible U.S. relinquishment of the job of SACEUR, as the position is known, and said it could be presented as part of a broader cost-cutting shake-up in military commands that could see several positions consolidated. Still, any move to step away from Europe would stoke further doubt among America’s NATO allies about U.S. commitments to European security under President Donald Trump. Trump’s rapprochement with Russia has already put NATO allies on edge, as have U.S. warnings that European security can no longer be Washington’s primary focus.