WEEK 36, 19 - 25 August 2024
In this issue:
C. Visitors/ MoU/ Agreement Signing
1) Invitation to the Inauguration Ceremony of the Solar Roof Project, 20 Aug 2024 from 10:30 AM, at the Reception Lounge, Admin Bldg.
Email from the Director, Office of Facilities and Asset Management (OFAM) on 19 August 2024
Dear AIT Community,
I am pleased to share that the Solar Roof Project, which commenced in January 2024 has progressed smoothly. The majority of the solar infrastructure is now installed across twenty buildings on campus.
With the project nearing completion, I am pleased to invite the community to join us for the Inauguration Ceremony, scheduled this coming Tuesday, 20 August 2024, from 10:30 AM at the Reception Lounge, Administration Building
As seating is limited, we kindly ask those interested to register via the link provided.
Please find the attached program for your information.
Thank you and your presence will make this event even more special.
2) AIT SDG Summer School and 2024 SDG Olympiad
We are thrilled to announce the AIT SDG Summer School and 2024 SDG Olympiad, an exciting opportunity for you to showcase your innovative solution and contribute to global health and wellness. This event is designed to inspire and challenge participants to develop scalable solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3): Good Health and Wellbeing.
Event Highlights:
- Dates: 29-30 August 2024
- Location: AIT Entrepreneurship Center
- Who Can Join: Open to all students (any level). Teams must have at least one student member.
- Prizes: 1st Prize: €1,500 (Prize money must be used to go to Paris to compete at the SDG Olympiad in September!) 2nd Prize: 10,000 Baht 3rd Prize: 5,000 Baht
Quick Overview:
- Day 1 | 29 August: Kickoff, Keynotes & Meet the Mentors
- Day 2 | 30 August: Pitch Day—5-minute pitch + 5-minute Q&A. Announcement of winners at the end of the day
Action Required:
- Register & Upload Your Pitch Deck by 22 August: Register Here!
- Use the Template (attached) as your guide. Customize, but cover the essentials.
Don’t miss this chance to innovate for a healthier world and represent AIT on a global stage!
AIT SDG Summer School Program Agenda
SDG Summer School Pitch Deck Template
3 ) From Lab to Market: Leveraging Food Science to Build a Sustainable Health Food Business
Date: Thursday, 5th September, 2024
Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Venue: AIT Entrepreneurship Center Creator Space
Topic: From Lab to Market: Leveraging Food Science to Build a Sustainable Health Food Business
Ms. Bhiramon Chuprapawan, an Executive MBA graduate from AIT School of Management, is the Founder and CEO of 4Care Group. With over 20 years of experience in the food and consumer goods industries, she has successfully translated her academic foundation into a thriving business venture. Her journey from Nestle’s R&D department to founding her own company exemplifies the innovative spirit we nurture at AIT.
Why Attend:
- Be inspired by an AIT success story
- Gain insights into building a sustainable health food business
- Learn about the transition from scientific research to entrepreneurship
- Hear from an award-winning innovator recognized by the Ministry of Commerce and the Thai Academy of Science and Technology Foundation
- Network with like-minded professionals and students
- Exclusive Opportunity: Registered participants may join a site visit to Ms. Bhiramon’s company 4Care Group (date to be announced later)
Don’t miss this chance to learn from a distinguished AIT alumna who has successfully bridged the gap between food science and business innovation.
Register here: https://bit.ly/3WMeHKE
We look forward to seeing you at this inspiring event!
4) AITAA Lifetime Membership Fee Collection
Email from Office of Student Affairs on 19 August 2024
Dear Students,
The AIT Alumni Association (AITAA) has requested that we facilitate the automatic collection of the AITAA lifetime membership fee. After careful consideration, the AIT Management Team has agreed to implement this process. This initiative is designed to streamline membership enrollment and ensure that all graduating students can easily benefit from AITAA’s support and network. (Please refer to the attached AITAA-PPT for more details.)
Guidelines for AITAA Lifetime Membership Fee Collection:
The AITAA lifetime membership fee of THB 1,000 will be added to the invoice section in the student information system (SIS/SOMSIS) for all graduating students in their final term or semester.
Payment of the membership fee is encouraged but not mandatory for graduation. Students who meet all other graduation requirements but choose not to pay the fee will still be eligible to graduate.
Graduating students who opt out of paying the membership fee will be listed as "Non-paying AIT Graduates" and may not be able to access the benefits provided by AITAA.
At the end of each term/semester, the Office of Student Affairs (OSA), through the Office of Advancement and Alumni Affair (OAAA), will provide AITAA with:
A list of students who have paid the membership fee and the total amount collected.
A list of students who have not paid the membership fee.
The collected membership fees will be transferred to AITAA twice a year, in January and June. A 10% collection fee will be deducted, which will be internally allocated to support student welfare initiatives for current and continuing students.
We believe this process will strengthen the connection between our students and the AIT alumni network, providing lasting benefits and valuable support.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
5) SERD welcomes new faculty member Dr. Muhammad Yaseen
7 Aug, 2024: Dr. Muhammad Yaseen has recently joined the Agri-Business Management Academic Program within the Department of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources at School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) as an Assistant Professor.
Dr. Yaseen brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He holds an M.Sc. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan, and has also earned an M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Regional and Rural Development Planning from AIT. His academic career includes positions as an Assistant Professor of Economics in Pakistan and as an Associate Professor of Economics and Management in China. Additionally, he has contributed to agricultural research as a Postdoctoral Researcher in Agricultural Resources in Thailand.
Throughout his career, Dr. Yaseen has made significant contributions to the field through publications in prestigious international journals. His work has appeared in Land Use Policy, Sustainable Production and Consumption, International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, Natural Hazards, NJAS: Impact in Agricultural and Life Sciences, International Journal of Vegetable Science, Journal of Agricultural & Food Information, and Development in Practice.
Dr. Yaseen’s expertise spans a wide range of areas within agricultural sciences, including agricultural policy analysis, agricultural economics, agribusiness management, sustainable agri-food value chains, agricultural risk management, technology adoption, agricultural marketing, agricultural information services, climate-smart agriculture, and rural development.
For inquiries, Dr. Yaseen can be reached at:
Room no. : AFE Building, Room No: 207,
Telephone extension: 5459
Email: yaseen@ait.ac.th
6) Introducing our New Employees
We are glad to welcome the newest members of the AIT family! Let's all wish them a successful journey with us. Welcome aboard!
7) Code of Conduct, Student Welfare, Emergency Contact numbers & Reminders
Email form Student Welfare Unit, Office of Students Affairs on 9 August 2024
Greetings and welcome to AIT for new students of August 2024 Semester! Please note that the Student Welfare Unit of the Office of Student Affairs is responsible for all non-academic matters relating to students. In a multinational environment and campus like AIT, the role and function of the Student Welfare Unit is to advise and counsel students on:
1. Student Welfare Matters
Student welfare matters can comprise: gender related matters and the strict no harassment policy on campus; personal counseling; dispute mediation, and any other problem that a student may wish to seek advice on.
2. Code of Conduct at AIT
i. No Harrassment Policy on Campus
Given the unique diversity of the Institute community, AIT must develop special awareness and sensitivity to deter or respond to the problem of sexual harassment.
This is as per Student Handbook, pg. 25, “1.3 Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other physical, oral or written conduct or visual manifestations of a sexual nature.”
This is to inform explicitly and clearly that any form of harassment, including voyeurism, will not be tolerated.
If any student gets to experience any form of harassment, please report immediately through email report@ait.ac.th. Any student who will be reported harassing someone within the campus will face disciplinary action and details of the misconduct will be noted in the student's record.
ii. Stealing, shoplifting or theft of any kind is a serious criminal offense punishable under Thai law. The ramifications could be significant financial penalties and/or imprisonment.
Strict observance of the laws of Thailand is mandatory for all. All students are strongly reminded to observe proper conduct inside and outside of AIT. Any student who will be reported or caught committing any unlawful action within or outside the campus could also face immediate dismissal from the Institute.
AIT cannot and will not intervene with the appropriate penalties according to the law of Thailand if any case is filed to the Royal Thai Police. Moreover, the Institute is not in any way obliged to provide financial or legal support to the concerned student. Unfortunately, AIT cannot and will not intervene with the legal processes of Thailand, as applicable to any criminal case.
As students of AIT, and ambassadors of your country, you are expected to show moral integrity to uphold the good reputation of the Institute and project a good impression of your country. As short-term guests in your adopted home, we look forward to your compliance of the AIT regulations and laws of Thailand.
iii. AIT Accommodation Rules
Please also follow AIT Accommodation Rules and respect your neighbors and roommates in your dorms by:
1. NOT making loud noises/partying
2. NOT cooking in non-cooking dorms
3. NOT smoking
4. NOT having pets/cats/dogs
5. NOT subletting
6. Keeping your dorms/rooms & other AIT facilities clean and orderly and
7. Inform Security (02-524-6000) if you see any suspicious looking individuals near your dorms for safety and security reasons to have a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere inside the campus. Violators will be dealt with accordingly.
Please also exercise utmost caution and safety in any activity during holiday breaks inside or outside the campus that you will be undertaking.
iv. Social Media Usage Awareness
(resent from the Office of Public Affairs’ announcement on 9 January 2023)
Social media technologies are expanding quickly, and they are popular and simple to use, making them appealing channels for communication. However, a variety of unintended consequences are also a possibility with these tools and platforms.
AIT recognizes the value of social media as a powerful tool for creating and disseminating news and information about the institute. AIT also takes the matter of cyber harassment and cyberbullying seriously and highly cares for each individual's integrity, privacy, and well-being. AIT is an international Institute which is neutral and non-political and embraces multicultural harmony. Therefore, we must all preserve this raison d'etre of the Institute. Host country Thailand has passed its first-ever data protection law, the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), which came into effect on 1 June, 2022. Therefore, we need to be even more cognizant. Please refer to the Institute's P&P on Ethical Behavior and Grievance Process and Social Media Guidelines in these links:
https://intranet.ait.ac.th/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/pa-2-1-2-amt19jan2023.pdf
https://intranet.ait.ac.th/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ait-social-media-guidelines-amt16feb2023.pdf
When using social media pages and groups, we strongly request everyone to:
Be Conscientious
Be Respectful
Be Responsible
Be Accurate
Be Original
We remind the AIT community to be respectful to each other both onsite and online, and make AIT a beautiful campus to live in peace and harmony.
3. Feeling of Academic Inadequacy
In cases where students are not doing well academically (especially students on probation), students are advised to consult very closely with their Advisors and Faculty on how to improve their studies. However, if reasons for poor academic performance are due to various factors outside academic/technical reasons, i.e. traumatic events old or new; adjustments to a new country, food and culture; homesickness, etc., further advice on how to improve performance can be provided by the Student Welfare Unit.
4. Medical Insurance/AIT Student Health Benefits Program
All AIT degree program students are required to enroll in the compulsory standard medical insurance plan from Allianz Ayudhya Assurance Plc. Details about the medical insurance, benefits and exclusions are in the Student Welfare website (URL: https://students.ait.ac.th/welfare/). If you have paid in advance for your medical bills, you may claim through the Student Welfare Unit by submitting the original medical receipt and doctor's medical certificate.
- For more information on medical insurance, please email: student-welfare@ait.ac.th.
- For personal counseling through the Wellness Counseling for mental health promotion, please watch out for announcements for future appointment slots with student-welfare@ait.ac.th.
5. Beware of possible online scams with sales scams, dating/romance scams, fake job ads/job scams, phishing emails and the like.
Tips to Avoid Online Scams:
- Verify Website Security
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
- Be Skeptical of Emails and Messages
- Keep Software and Antivirus Updated
- Check App Permissions
- Research Before Making Purchases
- Beware of Phishing Attacks
- Monitor Your Accounts
- Educate Yourself
- Secure Wi-Fi Connections
- Backup Important Data
Remember, staying vigilant and informed is crucial in preventing online scams. If something seems suspicious, take the time to investigate and verify before taking any action.
6. Emergency Contact numbers:
For any emergency, you may contact the following:
AIT Security, Fire, Ambulance, Emergency 02 524 6000
AIT Medical Clinic Emergency 02 524 5555
AIT Medical Clinic (office hrs) 02 524 5286
AIT Taxi Service 02 524 6300
AIT Police Box 02 524 5051
Facility Services (Accommodation) 02 524 5800, 524 5093
ITServ/Help Desk 02 524 6082/ email helpdesk@ait.ac.th
AIT Conference Center (AITCC) Front Desk 02 524 5250
AIT Student Welfare Unit 02 524 6744 (office hrs)
Government Relations Unit (GRU) 02 524 5022 (office hrs), 081 821 1903 (Khun Pathumanee for passport emergency pick-up til 9 p.m., with Baht 500 service fee)
Thammasat Hospital 02 926 9999
Thailand Emergency Hotline 191
6. Important Website Links:
AIT Student Handbook: https://students.ait.ac.th/services/regulations_old/student-handbook-2/
AIT Student Welfare website: https://students.ait.ac.th/welfare/
AIT website: https://www.ait.ac.th/admissions/what-next/
4) Dr. Roger Levermore appointed as Senior Strategic Advisor to the President and the School of Management
Email from Office of the President
9) Blood Donation Announcement
Email from the Medical Clinic on 1 August 2024
We again would like to ask for your help. The next visit for blood donation is scheduled on Wednesday, 4th September 2024, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. at the parking lot in front of the AIT Conference Center.
Give blood! You'll experience a fulfilling sense of contribution. And the donation process isn't time-consuming. It only takes about half an hour. For more information, please click.
On behalf of needy patients whose lives you may save, we would like to thank you very much for your time and support.
1) workshop on the topic “Empowering Youth: Interactive Workshop for Innovative Solutions in Monitoring, Evaluating, and Managing Plastic Pollution“
The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme, is organizing a workshop on the topic “Empowering Youth: Interactive Workshop for Innovative Solutions in Monitoring, Evaluating, and Managing Plastic Pollution“.
We cordially invite everyone to join this important event to find innovative solutions for monitoring, evaluating, and managing Plastic Pollution.
Date: August 20, 2024
Venue: Milton Bender Auditorium, Asian Institute of Technology, Pathum Thani, Thailand
Contact Person
Dr. Ekbordin Winijkul (ekbordinw@ait.asia)
Glaziel Kae Go Tagamolila (kae@ait.asia)
Register Here: https://tinyurl.com/5n86xet2
Click here for the full concept note.
2) Professional Training Program on " Tackling Climate Change: Integrating Loss and Damage, Adaptation and Mitigation"
Training Fee: USD 1500 / person
Registration: https://extension.ait.ac.th/course/professional-training-programme-tackling-climate-change-integrating-loss-and-damage
Dates: 4 -10 Spetember 2024
For more details please contact: Md. Anishur Rahman
Email: anish@ait.ac.th
Tel: +66 98 883 3562 (WhatsApp)
Date : 25 September 2024
Duration: 09.00 -14.30 hours (Bangkok time)
Trainer: Dr. Ahalik, CPA, CA, Asean CPA
“Partner of Public Accountant Firm, Accounting Lecturer, and Author”
Training platform: Zoom application
Application software: Spreadsheet
Registration fee: USD 250/ person
Special discount for early bird!! USD 200/ person (from today to 10 September 2024)
Certificate: Successful candidates will be awarded with certificate of achievement.
Should you have any inquiries please contact Ms. Thaniya Jirasathitpornpong, Course Coordinator at thaniya@ait.ac.th or tel: +662 5245312
For more information and registration please visit
https://extension.ait.ac.th/course/online-course-ifrs-series-understanding-ifrs17-insurance-contract
Trainer : Dr. Ahalik, Cert IFR, DipIFR, CPA, Asean CPA (Partner of Public Accountant Firm, Lecturer, Trainer, Consultant)
Date & Duration: 26-27 September 2024 from 09.00-16.00 hours
Venue: AIT Extension, Asian Instiute of Technology, Pathumthani, Thailand
For more information and registration please visit
https://extension.ait.ac.th/course/ifrs9-how-calculate-expected-credit-loss-ecl-financial-instruments
About the Conference:
The International Conference on sUstainable Energy 2024 (ICUE 2024) on Energy Transition and Net Zero Climate Future is the 2024 edition of the ICUE conference series of AIT. This edition will focus on sustainability issues and how best different forms of energy can be harnessed towards a sustainable green growth aiming for a net-zero climate future. It aims to: aim to: Promote Sustainable Practices, Foster Awareness and Education, Facilitate Collaboration, and Support Policy Initiatives; through discussions under the following Key Conference Themes:
- Cross-Border Power Trade
- Greening the Grids
- Managing Power Systems of the Future
- Electrifying the Transportation Sector
- Energy Education for Net-Zero Future
- Net-Zero Policies and Programmes for Climate Change Mitigation
- Emerging Low Carbon Energy Technologies
- Renewable Energy Revolution
Please visit our website (www.icue2024.ait.ac.th) for more information.
About the Venue:
ICUE 2024 will be held on 21-23 October 2024 at the Long Beach Garden Hotel, Pattaya City, Thailand. The venue was carefully selected as it offers not only accessibility and excellent facilities but also a private beach with stunning sunsets to ensure delegates will experience special memories.
Key Features and Program:
The ICUE 2024 international conference will feature a number of keynote addresses and interesting panel discussions on:
(i) Accelerating Just Energy Transition
(ii) Transforming Energy Education for a Net-Zero Climate Future
(iii) Enabling Net-Zero Transition through Regional Energy Integration
Plus a Special Plenary Session being arranged for renewable energy enterprises in the region!
Please take a look at our website https://icue2024.ait.ac.th/ to meet our distinguished speakers. Their individual profiles are available here: https://icue2024.ait.ac.th/distinguishedspeakers/ and our conference program agenda is published here: https://icue2024.ait.ac.th/conferenceprogram/
Awards and Publications:
The organizers are proud to share that this conference is Technically Co-Sponsored by IEEE Power and Energy Society (IEEE PES). Papers presented at this conference will be included in a conference proceedings to be published in the IEEE Xplore digital library. More information about this notable update is available at this link: https://icue2024.ait.ac.th/awards-and-publications/
Important Dates:
30 June 2024: Due date for paper submission
15 July 2024: Notification of acceptance (paper for timely inclusion in the conference proceedings)
15 August 2024: End of early-bird registration period
21-23 October 2024: CONFERENCE
Important Links:
Key conference themes: https://icue2024.ait.ac.th/
Venue (with Discount Code for accommodation booking): https://icue2024.ait.ac.th/venue/
Awards and publications: https://icue2024.ait.ac.th/awards-and-publications/
Registration fees and policies: https://icue2024.ait.ac.th/fees-and-policies/
PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.icue2024.ait.ac.th
6) International Workshop on Climate-Smart Agriculture (29-30 October 2024)
We would like to remind you about the deadline for submissions of extended abstract for the upcoming International Workshop on Climate–Smart Agriculture: Best Practices and Lessons Learned, scheduled to take place from 29 to 30 October 2024 at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) Conference Centre, AIT, Pathum Thani, Thailand.
Deadline for submission of extended abstracts: 31 July 2024
This international workshop is part of the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Technical Assistance (TA-9993) to Thailand, in Nan Province, on Climate Change Adaptation in Agriculture for Enhanced Recovery and Sustainability of Highlands.
The 2-day international workshop will address multifaceted aspects of climate-smart agriculture with an overall aim to provide a platform for exchanging innovative ideas, technologies, and methodologies, fostering stakeholder collaboration and networking, and catalyzing the adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices in highland regions. It will also share the experience gained from the implementation of the TA-9993 in Nan province of Thailand.
The Concept Note for the International Workshop can be viewed at the link below.
Workshop Themes
- Gender-Conscious Climate Vulnerability And Adaptive Capacity Assessments In Highlands
- Climate-Smart Agronomic Management In Highlands
- Agricultural Product Quality, Value Chains, and Digital Technology
- Knowledge and Capacity Enhancement of Local Governments and Highland Communities on Climate Change Adaptation
Extended Abstracts
Extended Abstracts are invited from organizations and professionals working in climate-smart and sustainable agriculture in HIGHLANDS. The abstract should be directly aligned with one or more themes and subthemes of the workshop and must not exceed 1000 words. It should be based on existing/completed work and not on proposed work. Furthermore, submissions that focus on practical implementation promoting evidence-based technology adoption and policy outcomes will be given preference. The work must focus on HIGHLAND AGRICULTURE. The Call for Extended Abstracts and the Template for Extended Abstracts can be downloaded below.
TEMPLATE FOR EXTENDED ABSTRACT
Key Dates:
Submission of Abstracts Deadline: July 31, 2024
Notification of Selection: August 31, 2024
Don't miss this opportunity to be part of this transformative event. Submit your abstract and join us in fostering a climate-resilient agricultural future for the highlands of Asia. Based on the quality of submitted abstracts, the participation of selected contributors (airfare, registration, accommodation, subsistence) will be supported by the workshop organizers.
Please share this information with your colleagues and networks to help us reach a wider community.
For any inquiries, please contact us at adb-ta9993@ait.asia.
We look forward to your participation!
Visit of delegation from Project Management Unit (PMU) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cities Improvement Project (PMU-KPCIP), Local Government, Elections, and Rural Development Department (LGE&RDD), the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (GOKP), Peshawar, Pakistan on Tuesday, 13 August 2024.
- Mrs. Maybel B. Diopenes, Director, OHRS/ Danang, Vietnam/ 16 - 21 August 2024
- Prof. Weerakorn Ongsakul / Cambodia/ 15 - 17 September 2024
- Dr. Jirawadee Polprasert / Cambodia/ 15 - 17 September 2024
AIT Faculty & Staff Position:
2. Assistant Administrative Officer, OSA-ASU
3. Software Developer, AI Center