WEEK #42: 17 – 23 October 2016
In this issue:
A. Mourning
AIT Mourns the Passing Away of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand
(1) Message from Professor Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai, AIT President:
Dear Members of AIT Community and Alumni
Today in the middle of my official trip in China, I have received the once-of-a-life-time sad news that His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand has passed away at 3:52 p.m. at Siriraj Hospital peacefully at the age of 88.
According to the official palace statement, “Even though the board of doctors has closely monitored and treated him to the best of its abilities, the King’s condition deteriorated until Thursday.” Throughout his 70 years on the throne, His Majesty was loved and adored by the people of Thailand. He has been credited for the advancement of the modern-day Thailand during his reign.
Asian Institute of Technology has been blessed by the continued gracious supports of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej since its existence.
In July 1959, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej issued a Royal Decree to establish the SEATO Graduate School of Engineering, the precursor of AIT.
After SEATO became defunct, Asian Institute of Technology came into being on November 24, 1967 under its Royal Charter signed by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej on November 15, 1967.
On 4 May 1968, His Majesty graciously presided over the Eighth Annual Graduation, the first year that AIT conferred its own degrees.
On 14 February 1973, His Majesty graciously presided over the opening of the present-day AIT campus in Pathumthani province.
On 7 May 1975, at the 18th Graduation Ceremony, AIT conferred its first honorary degree of Doctor of Engineering on His Majesty.
On 21 July 1987, AIT presented its first Gold Medal to His Majesty in recognition of His Majesty's outstanding leadership in rural
development.
On 24 January 2001, AIT presented His Majesty with the Degree of Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) at a ceremony held at Klaikangwol Palace in Hua Hin for His Majesty's "untiring support to the promotion of holistic education as an important base for the development of scientific knowledge and skills."
Between 1970 to 2015, exactly 578 top students from 22 countries in Asia has received the most prestigious King's Scholarships so they could return and help contribute to the betterment of their own countries.
With our paramount gratitude and unmeasurable sorrow for this great loss, I would like to invite members of the AIT Community to join the people of our host country to observe a one-year mourning period and that all entertainment functions in the campus be "toned down" for a month. A Condolence Digital Book will be made available online later for members of AIT Community and Alumni to express their final respects and gratefulness.
With regards,
Yours Sincerely,
Professor Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai
AIT President
(2) Message from H.E. Dr. Subin Pinkayan, Chairman, AIT Board of Trustees:
Dear Members of the Board of Trustees, Executive Committee, AIT Community and Alumni,
On behalf of the AIT Board of Trustees, I would also like to express my deepest condolences on the passing away of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. As the father of Thailand and its spiritual pillar His Majesty has served as a role mode, and we honor His Majesty's legacy.
His Majesty the King has played a highly significant role starting from the creation of AIT through its years of growth. We remain forever indebted to His Majesty and reaffirm to continue following in His Majesty’s footsteps in the years to come.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Subin Pinkayan
Chairman
Board of Trustees
Asian Institute of Technology (AIT)
(3) Message from Professor Emeritus Dr. Sahas Bunditkul, Chairman of the AIT Executive Committee:
Dear Members of the Board of Trustees, Executive Committee, AIT Community and Alumni,
On behalf of the Executive Committee of the AIT Board of Trustees, and with great sadness, I would also like to join the Board Chairman and President, in mourning the passing away of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
His Majesty has worked tirelessly for the people of Thailand over his 70 year reign and will be deeply missed. His Majesty's initiative of economic self-sufficiency, focusing on how to enhance the ability of Thai communities to support themselves, has gained worldwide recognition. AIT is honored and privileged to have enjoyed a close association with His Majesty the King and in being able to contribute in a small way towards His Majesty's development aspirations for the country.
The legacy of care and concern as well as wisdom and dedication of His Majesty's reign will be forever cherished.
Yours sincerely,
Professor Emeritus Dr. Sahas Bunditkul
Chairman
Executive Committee
Asian Institute of Technology (AIT)
(4) Condolence
AIT Online Condolence Book is available here:
http://condolences.ait.ac.th/2016/10/14/ait-mourns-the-passing-away-of-hm-the-king-of-thailand
B. Announcement
(i) EURAXESS ASEAN Flashnotes - Latest Funding and Career Opportunities for AIT Researchers
The Office of External Relations (OEXR) has announced a number of attractive opportunities for researchers which are presented in the latest EURAXESS ASEAN flash notes.
Topics:
1) United Kingdom - Newton Fund Institutional Links Programme. Thailand and Vietnam Eligible
2) EMBO Short-Term Fellowships Open to Researchers in ASEAN. 3 month Research Visits to Labs in Europe and Elsewhere. Rolling Deadline.
3) Germany - Humboldt Incoming Fellowships for researchers at different stages in their careers. ASEAN Researchers Eligible. Rolling Deadline.
4) Advice on applying to funding schemes by Dr Claire McNulty, Director Science and Research, British Council
5) European Research Council Starting Grants. Call Now Open. Researchers from ASEAN Eligible. Deadline 18 October, 2016
6) Italy – Jean Monnet Fellowships. ASEAN Researchers Eligible. Deadline 25 October, 2016
7) List of European Institutions Interested in Hosting Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
8) United Kingdom: Training Fellowships in Public Health and Tropical Medicine. ASEAN Researchers Eligible. Deadline 28 November, 2016
Check out:
asean.euraxess.org
Sign up to EURAXESS Links ASEAN here:
http://ec.europa.eu/euraxess/links/singapore/index_en.html
For more details, please contact Director of Office of External Relations (OEXR) at email: shawnpk@ait.asia
(ii) Gentle reminder: work permit renewal
In December 2016, work permit of many non-Thai AIT faculty and staff will expire. Due to a long holiday in December, please renew your Work Permit at least 1 month before it expires. Kindly provide the following documents:
• Passport and Visa
• Work permit license
• Medical certificate (valid for 1 month) from AIT Medical Clinic.
• Certificate Employee from HRO
• Rate of Government Fees for Work Permit
o 950 Baht (For 3 months)
o 1,700 Baht (For 6 months)
o 3,200 Baht (For 1 year)
o 3,950 Baht (For 1 year and 3 months)
o 4,700 Baht (For 1 year and 6 months)
o 6,200 Baht (For 2 years)
Please apply to extend the work permit from 15 November – 15 December 2016. However, if you submit late you must apply for a new work permit.
For further questions, please contact K.Suvanee/K.Pipat, GRU Unit, at Tel. 5014 or 5021
C. Events and Happenings
(i) EVENTS
(a) Osotspa Plant Tour: 19 Oct. 2016
SU External Affairs invites current AIT students to join its special field trip to Osotspa, the brand owner of M-150 and Shark energy drink. Their businesses are expanding world wide more than 15 countries across Asia and West coast. Osotspa factory is located in Ayuthaya province. Students will have the opportunity to experience 3D e-learning and visit the glass bottle manufacturing together with drink filling processes.
Faculty and staff members are also welcome to join. However, priority will be provided for students.
Deposit : 50 THB per person refundable on event date.
Date Wednesday, 19 October 2016
Bus leave from Lawson at 11.45 am
Tentative returning time to AIT is 5.30 pm
Dress code : Business Smart casual. (Sandal and slipper are not allowed) For safety reasons, long sleep shirt is preferred.
Limited only 50 seats
Online registration deadline: Friday 23rd September 2016
Announcement for candidates and waiting lists : 24th September 2016
Confirm your reservation and payment 26-28 September 2016 with your AIT ID card
http://www.osotspa-international.com/en/
(b) TOEIC Test at AIT on 26 October 2016
The TOEIC test will be organized on 26 October 2016 from 08:00 - 12:00 hrs. at the Milton Bender Auditorium, AIT.
The TOEIC test questions are based on real-life work settings in an international environment (meetings, travel, telephone conversations, etc). The Test is used by organizations to determine whether an employee is suitable for a particular task. If any staff and students are working or want to work for a large organization, particularly in Asia, then the TOEIC test will be useful to you.
The schedule of registration, payment method, confirmation of payment and TOEIC preparation course are given below:
Online Registration : 7 - 20 October 2016
Payment for TOEIC Test : 10 - 20 October 2016
Payment (by cash) at Student Office thru Ms.Chatchata , AIT Admin Building during office hours
26 October 2016 (Wednesday) : TOEIC Test at the Milton Bender Auditorium from 08:00 - 12:00 hrs.
The price for students is 700 baht (from 1,500) and for current AIT staff is 1,000 baht (from 1,500).
Lastly, please note that a minimum of 25 students is needed for this test to be administered in AIT.
Important link:
To register for the test: https://goo.gl/forms/Zxf9ko4eEOTQmjQW2
For more information and questions, please visit AIT Career Center FB page at http://www.facebook.com/aitcareercenter or e-mail:
(ii) EXHIBITION
(a) AIT Career Fair & Research Exhibition: 2 Nov. 2016
AIT Career Fair & Research Exhibition will be organized by the AIT Career Center on 2 November 2016 from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the AIT Conference Center.
Mark your calendar! For developments and career opportunities, drop by at: www.careercenter.ait.asia
or like: https://www.facebook.com/officialaitcareercenter/
or email: careercenter@ait.asia
or contact us via phone: 662 524-6744, 662 524-6326
(b) Research Exhibition
SU Academic will organize “Research Exhibition” as part of the AIT Career Fair. The event is an excellent platform for the students to showcase their original ideas, research and project in the form of posters and/or exhibits and to engage other towards their research. Students will have an opportunity to present their work to the professionals as well as prospective companies that will be visiting during the career fair.
Registration deadline: 12 October 2016
Poster (soft copy) submission deadline: 20 October 2016
Event date: 02 November 2016
Venue: AITCC Lobby.
Awards:
All the participants will be awarded certificates.
Winners from each school will be awarded cash prizes.
Cost of posters' printing will be covered.
(We will provide you the template and sample poster)
Participants:
Students from all three Schools: SET, SOM, and SERD
PhD, Master and Undergraduate student
Evaluation:
Students’ presentations (posters/exhibits) will be evaluated by the panel of distinguished judges from SET, SOM, and SERD
To register the Research Exhibition, please fill in the form below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfkReuGOuHSWhU47tM82-cDwphMq0TEKQJYk9g4xGALvyqFBA/viewform
If any query, please contact: suacademic.ait@gmail.com
(iii) LECTURES / SEMINARS / CONFERENCES
(a) A Special Lecture on Biotechnology for Feeding the Future with Enhanced Nutrition for Better Health: 17 Oct. 2016
In celebration of World Food Day 2016, a special lecture on Biotechnology for Feeding the Future with Enhanced Nutrition for Better Health is being organized and will be delivered by Dr Anil K. Anal, Associate Professor and Coordinator of Food, Agriculture and Bio Systems Cluster of SERD, AIT.
Date : Monday, 17 October 2016
Time : 2.30-4.30pm
Venue : Milton Bender Auditorium
All interested are welcome.
(b) Design of Tall Buildings: Trends and Advancements for Structural Performance: 7 – 9 Nov. 2016 (seminar) and 10 - 12 Nov. 2016 (workshop)
AIT Solutions will organize the “Design of Tall Buildings: Trends and Advancements for Structural Performance” Seminar and Workshop from 7 – 9 November and 10 – 12 November 2016, respectively.
The event will provide participants with an insight to the new developments in tall building design, innovative structural systems for better performance and in-depth understanding of structural behavior and highlight the value of wind tunnel test, probabilistic seismic hazard assessment, peer reviews and performance-based design. It also will focus on hands on understanding of modeling and analysis.
(c) 11th GMSARN International Conference 2016: 16 – 18 Nov. 2016
The 11th Greater Mekong Sub-region Academic and Research Network (GMSARN) International Conference 2016 will be held from 16-18 November 2016 in Kunming, China.
The conference brochure is available at: http://www.ait.ac.th/news-and-events/2016/events/gmsarnbrochure.pdf
More details are available at the GMSARN website at: http://www.gmsarn.com/conference2016/
(d) European Research Days in ASEAN: Workshops on Effective Proposal Preparation for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA): 18-25 November, 2016.
These one-day workshops in Jakarta, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok will provide detailed information on the eligibility and application criteria for the MSCA Individual Fellowships and the MSCA Research and Innovation Staff Exchange (RISE). Hands-on training led by a European trainer will focus on proposal structure, partner Identification, financial aspects, evaluation as well as a review of sample proposals.
These workshops will take place in Jakarta, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok 18-25 November, 2016.
Participation in the workshop is free of charge but registration is required. Participation is limited to 60 people only.
This workshop will be conducted by Dr Juliane Sauer, EUresearch, Switzerland.
For more information: https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/erd-2016-effective-proposal-preparation-for-the-marie-skodowska-curie-actions-tickets-27921422727?aff=erellivmlt
Check out:
asean@euraxess.net
asean.euraxess.org
Sign up to EURAXESS Links ASEAN here:
http://ec.europa.eu/euraxess/links/singapore/index_en.htm
(iv) COURSES
(a) Professional Development Technical Training on: Innovative Irrigation Management (Thailand & Indonesia): 17 – 28 October 2016
AIT Extension will organize a 2-week customized Professional Development Technical Training on Innovation Irrigation Management (Thailand & Indonesia). This will be prepared for 12 Officials of Irrigation Management Improvement Project (IMIP), Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), Ministry of Water Resource (MoWR), Bangladesh during 17- 28 October 2016.
For further details, please contact: Dr. Pradeep Kumar Dash, Senior Program Specialist, AIT Extension. Email: dash@ait.asia , pradeepdash@gmail.com
Tel. 524-5358
(b) Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation Course: 17 Oct – 28 Oct. 2016
AIT Extension will organize a course, “Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation” from 17 Oct 2016 - 28 Oct 2016.
Please look for details from the link: http://extension.ait.ac.th/course/57
To apply please go to: http://extension.ait.ac.th/content/online-application?nid=57&cname=Proje...
(c) Training Course on "Accounting for Carbon Emission Reductions and Removals through REDD+ Activities": 27 Nov. – 4 Dec. 2016
Natural Resources Management Field of Study, School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD) will organize a training course on "Accounting for Carbon Emission Reductions and Removals through REDD+ Activities" on 27 November – 4 December 2016 at the AIT conference center.
For more information, please see:
http://www.nrm.ait.asia/specialprograms/training/
D. Campus Updates
(i) Customer Satisfaction Survey for OFAM Service contractors and facilities
Office of Facilities and Assets Management (OFAM) manages the operation and maintenance of AIT infrastructure and facilities. Most of the maintenance services such as technical maintenance, janitorial services, landscape services, Security services, AITCC operations management are outsourced. OFAM assesses the performance of all the contractors and facilities based on various Key Performance Indicators (KPI). One of the key indicators for their performance is customer satisfaction.
The AIT community’s feedback will help OFAM to evaluate the performance of the contractors appropriately and as well, thier comments, will help OFAM to focus on the areas to be improved. Thereby all the members of AIT community are requested to spare 5 to 10 min of their valuable time to fill in the survey questionnaires through the link below
http://goo.gl/forms/L0sJuMfcb4
The survey form will be open till 20th October 2016.
(ii) Commencement of Chalerm Prakiat (ISE) Building’s brick walkway repair
Please be informed that the contractor will begin the repair of Chalerm Prakiat (ISE) Building’s brick walkway on Monday, 19 September 2016.
The estimated period of repair is 1 month. In order to commence the repair, the whole brick walkway in front of the building will be closed.
Students, faculty, staff and visitors of ISE building can access the building through the alternate way. TM will provide the signage to show the alternate directions.
Begin Date: Monday, 19 September 2016
Expected Completion Date: 18 October 2016
E. Visitors
• Delegation from Lubeck University of Applied Sceinces, Institute for Digital Learning, led by Prof. Dr.–Ing. Rolf Granow, Academic Director of the Institute for Digital Learning, Germany / 17 Oct. 2016 / to discuss possible cooperation in the area of international graduate programs and digitization of higher education programs
F. Faculty and Staff Travel
Prof. S. Kumar / Northern of Thailand / 3 – 5 October 2016*
Ms. Phornsinee Thanara / Northern of Thailand / 3 – 7 October 2016*
Mr. Rungsilp Sriviset / Northern of Thailand / 3 – 7 October 2016*
Dr. Kyoko Kusakabe / Lashio, Myanmar / 5 – 9 October 2016*
Mara Mendes / Manila, Philippines and Hanoi, Vietnam / 5 – 13 October 2016*
Ms. Araya Wicheansan / Kofu and Yamanashi, Japan / 5 – 23 October 2016
Dr. Lal Samarakoon / Colombo, Sri Lanka / 7 – 25 October 2016
Ms. Collean Curran /Yerevan, Armania / 8 – 17 October 2016
Ms. Charina May Lepiten / Colombo, Sri Lanka / 14 – 20 October 2016
Mrs. Adelaida B. Roman / Colombo, Sri Lanka / 14 – 20 October 2016
Dr. Pham Huy Giao / Dallas, Texaz, USA / 14 – 23 October 2016
Dr. Jagath K. Rajapaksha / Colombo, Sri Lanka / 14 – 25 October 2016
Mr. Nawarathnage L. Deshapriya / Colombo, Sri Lanka / 14 – 25 October 2016
Mr. Sasanka Madawalagarna / Colombo, Sri Lanka / 14 – 31 October 2016
Mr. Nattawut Jittra / Dhaka, Khulna, Kushtia and Jhenaidah, Bangladesh / 15 – 19 October 2016
Ms. Alla Metelitsa / Colombo, Sri Lanka / 15 – 20 October 2016
Ms. Hiromi Inagaki / Colombo, Sri Lanka / 15 – 20 October 2016
Mr. Osamu Mizuno / Colombo, Sri Lanka / 15 – 21 October 2016
Dr. Puja Sawhney / Colombo, Sri Lanka / 15 – 23 October 2016
Mr. Sanjeev Pradeep Jayasinghe / Colombo, Sri Lanka / 15 – 23 October 2016
Naritsara Bootdeekun / Colombo, Sri Lanka / 15 – 24 October
Ms. Amalia S. Canullas / Innsbruck, Austria and Milan, Tenlo, Italy / 15 – 24 October 2016
Mr. Lytan B. Villacorta / Colombo, Sri Lanka / 16 – 23 October 2016
Mr. Sarunphong Articharte, Dr. Bul Van Dao, Ms. Nualchan Sangthongsatit / Kampangpetch and Pisanulok, Thailand / 17 – 18 October 2016
Prof. C. Visvanathan / Colombo, Sri Lanka / 17 – 21 October 2016
Dr. Firman Hadi Darodji / Colombo, Sri Lanka / 17 – 21 October 2016
Dr. Sangam Shrestha / Daegu, Korea / 17 – 21 October 2016
Prof. Mukand Singh Babel / Germany / 17 – 22 October 2016
Prof. Voratas Kachitvichyanukul / Colombo, Sri Lanka / 18 – 20 October 2016
Dr. Matthew Dailey / Colombo, Sri Lanka / 18 – 20 October 2016
Dr. Nophea Sasaki / Vientiane, Lao PDR / 18 – 21 October 2016
Dr. Pisut Koomsap / Lisbon, Portugal / 18 – 24 October 2016
Prof. Kazuo Yamamoto / Dubai, United Arab Emirates / 18 – 31 October 2016
Dr. Mokbul Morshed Ahmad / Paris, France / 19 – 23 October 2016
Dr. Kyoko Kusakabe / Kobe, Japan / 20 – 25 October 2016
Dr. Sanyogita Andriyas / Goa, Dharwad, India / 21 – 28 October 2016
*(Staff or faculty member travelled and returned to AIT prior to documentation received for publication)
G. Classifieds (Jobs)
Postion: Registry and Student Welfare Officer (Career Center & Student Welfare Unit)
Ref. No. 45/16
Deadline: 20 October 2016
http://www.hro.ait.ac.th/job/show/406
Faculty Position (Assistant/Associate Professor) (School of Environment, Resources & Development)
Ref. No. Fac 2/16
Deadline: 31 October 2016
http://www.hro.ait.ac.th/job/show/397
Faculty Position (Assistant/Associate Professor) in Food Engineering and Bioprocess Technology (School of Environment, Resources and Development)
Ref. No. Fac 3/16
Deadline: 31 October 2016
http://www.hro.ait.ac.th/job/show/398
Faculty Position (Assistant/Associate Professor) - IME (School of Engineering & Technology)
Ref. No. Fac 4/16
Deadline: 31 October 2016
http://www.hro.ait.ac.th/job/show/400
Position: ACSIG Center Manager (School of Engineering & Technology)
Ref. No. 44/16
Deadline: 31 October 2016
http://www.hro.ait.ac.th/job/show/405
Position: Head, Strategy & Coordination Cluster (Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific)
Ref. No. 46/16
Deadline: 9 November 2016
http://www.hro.ait.ac.th/job/show/407
Position: Program Associate/Senior Program Associate (School of Environment, Resources & Development)
Ref. No. 41/16
Deadline: 15 November 2016
http://www.hro.ait.ac.th/job/show/401
Faculty Position (Assistant or Associate Professors) (School of Management)
Ref. No. Fac 5/16
Deadline: 31 December 2016
http://www.hro.ait.ac.th/job/show/402
Position: Director (Office of the Human Resources Services)
Ref. No. 7/16
Deadline: 31 December 2016
http://www.hro.ait.ac.th/job/show/363