WEEK #8, 22 – 28 February 2016
In this issue:
Announcements
Promotion of Dr. Kyoko Kusakabe and Dr Manukid Parnichkun from Associate Professor to Full Professor rank
Dear members of the AIT community,
I am pleased to announce the promotion of Dr. Kyoko Kusakabe (of Gender and Development Studies, School of Environment, Resources and Development) and Dr. Manukid Parnichkun (of Mechatronics Field of Study, School of Engineering and Technology) from the rank of Associate Professor to Full Professor following the approval of the Board of the Trustees at its meeting on 18 February 2016.
Dr. Kyoko joined the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) as an Assistant Professor in the Gender and Development Studies (GDS) Field of Study (FoS) of the School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD) in June 1999. She obtained both her Ph.D. (Gender and Development Studies) and Master of Science (Rural and Regional Development Planning) degrees from the Asian Institute of Technology in 1999 and 1991, respectively. Dr. Kyoko graduated from Sophia University, Japan for her Bachelor of Arts in English language and studies in 1986. Dr. Kyoko’s research encompasses the areas of economic globalization and women’s work, women’s employment in the informal economy, labor migration and gendered mobility, and gender issues in fisheries and aquaculture.
Dr. Manukid joined the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) as an Assistant Professor in the Industrial Systems Engineering Program of the School of Advanced Technologies (now the School of Engineering and Technology) in November 1996. He obtained both his Ph.D. and Master of Engineering degrees in Precision Machinery Engineering from The University of Tokyo, Japan in 1996 and 1993, respectively. Dr. Manukid graduated from Chulalongkorn University, Thailand with the degree of Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering with honors (1st rank) in 1991. Dr. Manukid’s research encompasses the areas of robotics, control, and measurement (design and development of hardware and software of mechatronics devices), new robot mechanism, novel control algorithm and innovative measurement concept.
Dr. Kyoko and Dr. Manukid’s promotion cases were considered following the process specified in the P&P Statement on the Procedure for Evaluation of Faculty for Promotion (PA-1-2-2).
The CVs of Dr. Kyoko and Dr. Manukid, the Institute Criteria for Promotion (PA-1-2-5) and the Procedure for Evaluation of Faculty for Promotion (PA-1-2-2) can be accessed through the links provided below:
(Dr. Kyoko Kusakabe) https://goo.gl/gJQSNW
(Dr. Manukid Parnichkun) https://goo.gl/uvvKpP
We warmly congratulate Professor Kyoko Kusakabe and Professor Manukid Parnichkun on this promotion in recognition of their significant contributions to their respective fields.
Sincerely,
Professor Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai
President
Asian Institute of Technology
AIT Confers the Title of Emeritus Professor to Prof. Dennes Bergado, Prof. Vinod Jindal and Prof. Chongrak Polprasert
Following approval by the AIT Board of Trustees at its meeting on 18 February 2016, AIT President Worsak Kanook-Nukulchai announced the bestowal of the title Emeritus Professor on Professor Dennes Bergado, Professor Vinod Jindal and Professor Chongrak Polprasert.
The Emeritus Professor awards were made in recognition of the continuous distinguished service at AIT, as well as the outstanding international professional status and significant academic contributions to the Institute through teaching, publications and professional work by Professor Dennes Bergado, Professor Vinod Jindal and Professor Chongrak Polprasert.
Professor Dennes Bergado
Prof. Bergado obtained his Ph.D. in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering from Utah State University, Logan, Utah, U.S.A. as a Fulbright Exchange Scholar in August 1982. He joined AIT as an Assistant Professor in September 1982 and was promoted to Full Professor in 1997. He had served as a Full Professor at AIT for about 15 years, and had graduated 17 Ph.D. and 160 master’s students. His publication record includes 2 books, 24 edited books, 148 refereed journal articles, 7 chapters in books, 227 papers in conference proceedings, 73 papers (theme papers, keynote lectures, invited and special lectures), 42 non-refereed publications and he also has 1 patent under his name. Prof. Bergado received a number of awards and international recognitions for his contributions in advancing knowledge and practice in his field, to include amongst others, the following: the International Geosynthetics Society (IGS) Achievements Awards in 2006, the Shamsher Prakash Research Award in 1993 for showing significant independent contributions and promise of excellence in Geotechnical Engineering, the Distinguished AIT Alumni Award in 2006 for Outstanding Professional and Technical Achievements, and the Distinguished Alumni Award bestowed by Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Utah State University in 1994. He was also selected by Marquis International Who’s Who in Science and Engineering for 1996.
Professor Vinod Jindal
Prof. Jindal received his Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering with specialization in Food Process Engineering from the Pennsylvania State University, University Park, USA in 1975. He joined AIT as an Assistant Professor in 1977 and was promoted to Full Professor in 1989. He had served as Full Professor at AIT for about 16 years, and had graduated 19 PhD and 160 master’s students. His publication record includes 79 publications in peer reviewed journals, 43 papers in conference proceedings, 1 book chapter, 7 edited conference proceedings/research reports, 22 papers in workshops/ conferences/ conventions and seminars, and 6 consultancy reports/other publications. One of the hallmarks of Prof. Jindal’s career was the initiation and development of a graduate program/new field of study in Food Process Engineering at AIT in 1978 when no such program existed in the Asian region. The American Society of Agricultural Engineers (ASAE) also honored him with the Educational Aids Blue Ribbon Award in 1994 in recognition of his achievement of developing a package for Computer Simulation for Grain Drying which was subsequently used for research and development work in Australia and many Asian countries. Likewise, he is a recipient of the Commendation Medal bestowed by the Indian Society of Agricultural Engineers for Outstanding contribution in the field of education in 1990.
Professor Chongrak Polprasert
Prof. Chongrak earned his Ph.D. in Civil/Environmental Engineering from the University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA in 1977. He joined AIT as an Assistant Professor in 1977 and was promoted to Full Professor in 1989. He had served as Full Professor at AIT for about 20 years, and had graduated 24 PhD and 100 master’s students. His publication record includes 3 books, 34 book and monographs and 112 refereed journal articles. He ably served AIT in administrative positions including as Dean of the School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD) for 9 years during his career. Prof. Chongrak also received a number of national awards and international recognitions which include amongst others, the Royal Decoration on Companion (Fourth Class) of the Most Admirable Order of the Direkgunakorn bestowed by H.M. the King of Thailand in 2004, the Outstanding Scientist Award by the Foundation for the Promotion of Science and Technology under Patronage of H.M. the King of Thailand in 2000, the Biwako Prize for Ecology, Shiga Prefecture, Japan in 1998, and the Distinguished Alumni Award in Education and Research presented by AIT Alumni Association in 2008.
The CVs of Prof. Bergado, Prof. Jindal and Prof. Chongrak, and the Guidelines for Conferment of Emeritus Professor Title (PA 1-4-4) can be accessed through the links provided below:
(Prof. Bergado) https://goo.gl/D7W0xG
(Prof. Jindal) https://goo.gl/0osdaW
(Prof. Chongrak) https://goo.gl/zXduID
Cheque handover ceremony for the bonded scholarships from Pruksa Real Estate Public Co. Ltd., Thailand
Mr. Thongma Vijitpongpun, CEO of Pruksa Real Estate Public Co., Ltd, will hand over a cheque for one bonded scholarship for a student from India, currently enrolled for Master’s degree program in Construction Engineering and Infrastructure Management, School of Engineering & Technology (SET).
A cheque handover ceremony will be held on Tuesday, 23 February 2016 at 2:30 p.m. in room 260, Admin Building.
Call for Ideas: AIT Research Competition 2016
Do you have a research/ business idea that has the potential to be a scalable solution?
Your idea could be exactly what the industry/ society is looking for.
Join the AIT Research Competition 2016, a platform for AIT researchers to develop their research/ business idea to scalable solutions by working with industry experts and venture capitalists. Winners will have the opportunity to access adequate funds, technical assistance, and guidance required to bring your innovative ideas to life.
Focus areas include: Energy Efficiency/ Green Energy; Food and Agriculture; Infrastructure, Housing, Disaster Risk Reduction; Logistics and Supply Chain Management; Robotics and Automation; Software and IT.
For further information, please find attached poster or contact program coordinators:
Abhishek Shah (abhishek@ait.asia ) and Parthiv Bharali (parthiv@ait.asia )
Visit: http://collaborationforinnovation.solutions.ait.asia/
Campus Updates
Partial Eclipse of the Sun
Dr. Shinichi Nakamura, JAXA seconded faculty in Remote Sensing and GIS as well as Telecommunications, encouraged AIT Community to witness the partial eclipse of the sun in Thailand due to dry season as follows:
Date: 9 (Wed) March 2016
Time
Start 6:38 Elevation = 1.8 deg
Max 7:32 Elevation = 14.5 deg, Eclipse 40.3% (Area Ratio)
End 8:32 Elevation = 28.8 deg
Give away free booth during Job Fair 30 Mar 2016
The AIT Career Fair will be held on 30 March 2016. It is a good opportunity for AIT students to explore and connect with business firms.
With the support of Career Center, there are available spaces which have been given away as first come first serve. To make an event fascinating, you can sell things, show some works/cultures, or playing games. This is open for everyone not limited to only AITians. External parties can be invited to join the events as well.
To make a reservation, please contact Khun Carla or Khun King at Career Center, Admin Building. Email: careercenter@ait.asia
A total of 200 THB has to be made as a deposit and will be refunded after the event.
If you need more details or have any questions, please feel free to reach SU External Affairs at
Email: suexternal.ait@gmail.com
and https://www.facebook.com/ait.su.externalaffairs/
Looking forward to see some fancy ideas and thank you for your kind support.
New schedule of Dr. Chuenchom Chueluecha (Rehabilitation Physician)
Please be informed that Dr. Chuenchom Chueluecha (Rehabilitation Physician) at AIT Medical Clinic will be changed from 3-5 pm to 1-3 pm, every Friday starting Friday, 19 February 2016.
For those who have an appointment with her during this period, please re-schedule your appointments accordingly. Other services will be available as usual.
Promotional activity of Emerald
Emerald arranges a promotional activity called RESCUE ME and would like to invite you to participate to find the dragons in AIT Library from now to 15th March 2016. Two winners will get Lomo Paper Camera.
To join the activity, just do the following.
1) Find dragons in AIT Library
2) Take 4 pictures of the dragons you have rescued.
3) Go to see the Librarian on duty at the Circulation counter to have a Surprise Gift
4) Post on instagram#egpdragon#AIT
Have fun in finding the dragons in the Library!
Ongoing construction projects on campus
Kindly be informed about the following ongoing construction projects on campus.
1. As part of the water supply system improvement project, the construction of a new water storage tank with a volume of 700 m3 near to the Physical Plant building has started. We also plan to lay a new main water pipe line from golf course to the new storage tank and automatic control valves to maintain the pressure, which is scheduled to start from 15 February 2016. The water supply system improvement project is scheduled to be completed before April 2016.
2. We are also glad to inform the campus community that a new coffee shop managed by Inthanin Coffee will be opened near the library to serve AIT community. Kindly be informed that the construction of the coffee shop has started, near the path way from library to the SU snack bar. The construction of the coffee shop is scheduled to be completed before April 2016.
During this period the community may experience some loud noise, dust and disturbance on the path way. Your kind understamding is highly appreciated.
Office of Facilities and Asset Management (OFAM)
Events
Special Seminar on “Why Fukushima-1 accident happened?”
A special seminar on the topic “Why Fukushima-1 accident happened?” will be conducted by Prof. Dr. Noritaka Yusa, Associate Professor, Department of Quantum Science and Energy Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Japan, on Tuesday, 23 February 2016, starting from 1:30 - 3:00 pm, in ET108, Energy Building.
All interested are welcome to the Seminar. Energy Students are required to attend.
Seminar on Using DNA to Conserve and Protect Tropical Forests
Dr. Andrew Lowe, Professor and Director of the Centre for Conservation Science and Technology at the University of Adelaide, Australia, will be delivering a seminar on “Using DNA to Conserve and Protect Tropical Forests” on 1 March 2016 from 10:30-11:50 hours at the Milton E. Bender Jr. Auditorium.
Interested persons please register before 26 February 2016 at the below link:
More details:
AIT Open House
AIT Open House will be organized on 11 March 2016 at the AIT campus, where prospective students and their families can visit AIT and interact with AIT officials, faculty members and students to learn more about the Institute.
For REGISTRATION click here: http://goo.gl/forms/xdBqQcIlgt
For ADMISSION details, click here: http://www.ait.ac.th/AIT/admissions/
Training course on Urban Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience (UCCAR)
AIT and USAID (through their Adapt Asia-Pacific Project) will be conducting a training course on "Urban Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience (UCCAR)" for participants from Asia. This is a "Train-the-Trainer" course, developed by USAID Adapt Asia-Pacific in collaboration with the East-West Center at the University of Hawaii.
The UCCAR course aims to improve climate change knowledge among mid- to senior-level professionals working in urban and infrastructure planning and, in turn, help them design better adaptation projects. This seven-module, five-day course starts with an introduction to climate change and climate change adaptation; provides tools and techniques for assessing climate change impacts and vulnerabilities; presents a framework for identification, evaluation, selection, and implementation of climate adaptation strategies, programs and projects; and finally looks at the options available for financing adaptation projects and methods of accessing climate change finance.
There are FIVE participant slots available for AIT delegates to attend this training course. Details of the course are:
Dates: 07-11 March, 2016
Time: Full day (09:00 - 16:00h)
Venue: B-108, AIT Conference Center
Cost: Free (lunch and coffee will be provided)
If you are interested in participating in this course, please send your CVs (1-2 pages should be fine) to Dr. Victor Shinde (victorshinde@ait.asia), along with a short motivation statement (max 1 page) latest by 14th February, 2016. Because this is a Train-the-Trainer course, we are looking for participants who are (or likely to be) involved in relevant capacity building activities as part of their work profile.
Also, to ensure that participants receive the full benefit of the course, only those who are available for the entire duration of the training will be considered.
AIT Career Fair & SU Research Exhibition
SIX WEEKS TO GO!!!
Twenty-three (23) organizations have confirmed so far to join the AIT Career Fair scheduled on 30 March 2016 from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. at the AIT Conference Center.
All AIT faculty, staff, and students are invited to explore and uncover opportunities offered by the companies that are joining the event.
The companies that are attending our Fair for the very first time are:
1. Supalai PCL – real estate development operator
2. Lanna Engineering Consulting Co. Ltd. - engineering consulting firm
3. Axentel Thailand Co. Ltd. - IT services company
4. BRF Global Singapore – one of the giants of the global food market
The above companies are now joining the list with:
1. TEAM Consulting Engg and Mgt Co. Ltd. – engineering consulting services
2. Parker Bridge RecuitmentCo. Ltd. - professional recruitment agency
3. Siam Makro Co. Ltd. – wholesale center for professional business operators
4. Cal-comp Electronics Thailand PCL – electronics manufacturing services (ems) business
5. Bangchak Petroleum PCL – petroleum services provider
6. Agoda Services Co.Ltd. - one of the fastest-growing online hotel platforms worldwide
7. Chia Tai Co. Ltd. - pioneer seed business Producer
8. NSF Asia-Pacific Co. Ltd. – public health and safety company
9. MACkerel Engineering Co. Ltd. – engineering services company for maintenance in industry, pipeline as well as cathodic protection
10. Ozaki Consulting Co. Ltd. - human resource solutions company
11. Italthai Engineering Co.Ltd. - leading experienced engineering contractor
12. Index International Group Co. Ltd. (INDEX) – engineering consultancy firm
13. Boon Rawd Brewery Co. Ltd. - Thailand’s first brewery
14. Meinhardt Thailand Co. Ltd. – engineering, infrastructure and project management consulting firm
15. Mitrphol Sugar Corp. Ltd. - producer of Mitrphol sugar
16. CMO PCL - provider of turnkey integrated marketing communication solutions
17. Prominent Fluid Controls Thailand Co. PCL - supplier of chemical dosing and control stations and water treatment systems
18. Fircroft Thailand Limited - one of the world's leading providers of technical recruitment services to Oil & Gas companies
19. M Water Co. Ltd. - producer of Sprinkle water
CAREER TALKS to be held on Wednesday afternoons:
¤ PTTEP Career Talk on 24 February, Wed, 4:00 -5:00 pm, Lecture Rm. 1, SOM
Details at: http://www.careercenter.ait.asia/event/event_details.php?value=42
¤ Axentel Career Talk on 2 March 2016, Wed, 4:00 - 5:00 pm, B-108, AITCC
¤ Schneider Electric Career Talk on 9 March 2016, Wed, 4:00 - 5:00 pm, B-206, AITCC
¤ BRF Career Talk on 16 March 2016, Wed, 4:00 - 5:00 pm, B-108, AITCC
¤ Black and Veatch Career Talk on 23 March 2016, Wed, 4:00 - 5:00 pm, TV Lounge, AITCC
WHAT TO EXPECT:
¤ Long-term career prospects
¤ Job placements
¤ Internship opportunities
¤ On-the-job training
¤ Research partners
¤ Networking with company representatives
OTHER ATTRACTIONS:
¤ AIT Student Union (AIT-SU) sponsored RESEARCH EXHIBITION showcasing prototypes and posters related to students’ research at the AITCC Lobby
¤ Variety of food and drinks sold outside the AIT Conference Center
Note: Stalls for free to those interested to rent for selling refreshments/lunch and games! Just contact us
¤ AND Goodies! Free stationery, bags and a lot more!
CAREER CENTER WEBSITE SPONSOR Company:
PKE Conveyor
Mark your calendar! For developments and career opportunities, drop by at: www.careercenter.ait.asia
or check: http://www.facebook.com/aitcareercenter
or email: careercenter@ait.asia
or contact us via phone: 662 524-6744, 662 524-6326
or email: careercenter@ait.asia
Blood Donation Camp
AIT Blood Donation Camp will be held on 11 March 2016 from 09:00-11:30 hours in the parking lot in front of the AIT Conference Center.
The AIT Blood Donation Camp is organized along with the Thai Red Cross every three months.
AITCC is the venue of a seminar on “Crisis in the Buddhist World” and “The 3rd World Buddhist Outstanding Leader Award Ceremony”
AIT Conference Center is the venue of a seminar on “Crisis in the Buddhist World” and “The 3rd World Buddhist Outstanding Leader Award Ceremony” on 23 February 2016. The event is attended by 500 participants from Thailand and overseas.
Visitors
- Mr. Chang Soyc, Counsellor, The Embassy of Korea in Thailand / 25 Feb 2016 / to learn more about AIT and its activities and to explore for possible collaboration.
- Delegation from the University of Tsukuba, Japan, led by Prof. Hiroshi Oi, Professor, Faculty of Life and Environmental Science / 29 Feb 2016 / to promote partnership and collaboration with AIT and discuss about student exchange program.
Faculty and Staff Travel
Mr. Shahin Hossain / Pattaya, Chonoburi / 30 – 31 January 2016*
Ms. Hiromi Inagaki / Osaka, Japan / 1 – 5 February 2016*
Manjunatha Venkatappa / Phnom Penh, Cambodia / 6 – 9 February 2016*
Ms. Chalita Lertwinyu / Hat Yai / 10 – 11 February 2016*
Prof. Voratas Kachitvichyanukul / Colombo, Sri Lanka / 11 – 13 February 2016*
Dr. Mara Mendes / Osaka, Japan / 13 – 22 February 2016
Ms. Tripti Rajbhandari / Kathmandu, Nepal / 13 – 22 February 2016
Mr. Mitesh Vishwas Sawant / Surin, Thailand / 16 – 17 February 2016*
Dr. Apichon Witayangkurn / Bihar, India / 17 – 19 February 2016*
Prof. Rajendra P. Shrestha / Kathmandu, Nepal / 19 – 22 February 2016
Dr. Chotchai Charoenngam / Myanmar / 19 – 22 February 2016
Ms. Sweet Mae Monteclro / Auckland, New Zealand / 19 – 23 February 2016
Dr. Huynh Trung Luong / HCMC, Vietnam / 19 – 29 February 2016
Dr. Vattikuti Rajesh Chowdhary / Hyderabad and Telagana, India / 19 February – 12 March 2016
Mr. Viraphan Samadi / Auckland, New Zealand / 13 – 24 February 2016
Mrs. Eaindra Theint Theint Thu / Mandalay, Myanmar / 13 – 28 February 2016
Miss Soe Soe Htway and Miss Aye Sandar Phyo / Mandalay, Myanmar / 14 – 24 February
Ms. Amornpan Koysungeon / Surin, Thailand / 16 – 17 February 2016
Dr. Soparth Pongquan, Prof. Jayant K. Routray, Mr. Vitoon Nil-Ubol / Nong Ya Sai District, Suphanburi Province / 18 – 23 February 2016
Prof. Voratas Kachitvichyanukul / Kathmandu, Nepal / 19 – 22 February 2016
Dr. Masahiko Nagai / Manila, Philippines / 19 – 23 February 2016
Mr. Syams Nashrrullah / Kathmandu, Nepal / 20 – 25 February 2016
Dr. Manzul K. Hazarika / Manila, Philippines / 21 – 24 February 2016
Dr. Supat Wangwongwatana / Manila, Philippines / 22 – 24 February 2016
Dr. Lal Samarakoon / Phnom Penh, Cambodia / 22 – 23 February 2016
Dr. Sundar Venkatesh / Colombo, Sri Lanka / 22 – 25 February 2016
Dr. Firman Hadi Darodji / Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar / 22 February – 1 March 2016
Dr. Thammarat Koottatep / Singapore / 23 – 24 February 2016
Prof. Sivanappan Kumar / Mandalay, Bagan, and Yangon, Myanmar / 23 – 27 February 2016
Ms. Carol Guzman / Bagan, Myanmar / 23 – 27 February 2016
Mr. Voravate Chonlasin / Phnom Penh, Cambodia / 24 – 26 February 2016
Dr. Manzul K. Hazarika / Phuket, Thailand / 24 – 26 February 2016
Dr. Lal Samarakoon / Phuket, Thailand / 24 – 27 February 2016
Dr. Faiz Shah / Islamabad, Lahore, Pakistan / 24 February – 4 March 2016
Ms. Rowena Alcoba / Islamabad, Pakistan / 24 February – 29 February 2016
Mr. Norman Del Mundo Alcoba / Islamabad, Lahore, Pakistan / 24 February – 4 March 2016
Prof. Nazrul Isam / Yangon, Myanmar / 26 – 28 February 2016
Dr. Nicolas Faysse / China / 28 February – 6 March 2016
Dr. Manzul K. Hazarika / Dhaka, Bangladesh / 28 February – 4 March 2016
*(Staff or faculty member travelled and returned to AIT prior to documentation received for publication)
Classifieds (Jobs)
Assistant / Associate Professor (RRDP) (School of Resources and Development)
Ref. No: Fac 06/15
Deadline: 28 February 2016
http://www.hro.ait.ac.th/job/show/311
Internal Auditor (Internal Audit Office)
Ref. No: 15/15
Deadline: 28 February 2016
http://www.hro.ait.ac.th/job/show/305
Dean, School of Management (School of Management)
Ref. No: 60/15
Deadline: 29 February 2016
http://www.hro.ait.ac.th/job/show/354
Laboratory Supervisor (Environmental Engineering and Chemical Analyses)
Ref. No: 57/15
Deadline: 29 February 2016
http://www.hro.ait.ac.th/job/show/350
Senior Technician (School of Environment, Resources & Development)
Ref. No: 58/15
Deadline: 29 February 2016
http://www.hro.ait.ac.th/job/show/351
Driver
Ref. No: 04/16
Deadline: 29 February 2016
http://www.hro.ait.ac.th/job/show/360
Assistant / Associate Professor (IME) (School of Engineering & Technology)
Ref. No: Fac 09/15
Deadline: 31 March 2016
http://www.hro.ait.ac.th/job/show/355
Assistant or Associate Professors Positions (School of Management)
Ref. No: Fac 5/15
Deadline: 30 June 2016