WEEK #35: 28 August – 3 September 2017
In this issue:
(i) AIT JOINS CELEBRATION OF THE 20th ANNIVERSARY OF KURITA WATER AND ENVIRONMENT FOUNDATION (KWEF)
Message from AIT President: 25 Aug.2017
I have the honor to be a part of the grand celebration of the 20th anniversary of Kurita Water and Environment Foundation (KWEF) at Keio Plaza Hotel today, attended by over 300 well wishers.
AIT and KWEF have become strategic partners since 2014 when the two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at AIT. Under the MOU, KWEF will provide funds to support researches and scientific activities in water and Environment at AIT. In its implementation, KWEF has officially set up "Kurita-AIT Research Grant (KARG) Program, which allocates 50 million Yen to AIT over the span of 5 years from 2016. The fund will provide 15 full scholarships for students in the region to study and research in the general areas of water and environment.
Since its foundation in 1949, Kurita Water Industries Ltd. has contributed to the development of society and the protection of the environment primarily by processing water-from securing water resources to treating wastewater. Separate from their own business interests, Kurita and its affiliates have established the KWEF in 1997, as a nonprofit organization. As water is vital to human life and industry, the aim of the foundation is to contribute to the development of new methods of water conservation and environmental protection.
In my congratulatory speech at the Ceremony today, I complimented the great achievements of KWEF during its short period of existence. I especially thanked KWEF for its generous provisions of financial and technical supports to produce a new breed of young researchers who care about the sustainable future of mankind. This mission is also shared by AIT. Our common goal is to develop 'globally responsible citizens' for the 21st century to help restore a sustainable environment for the world.
I wish to thank Prof Kasuo Yamamoto, AIT Vice President for Administration for essentially serving as the link of this industrial partnership, as he also serves as a Board Member of KWEF.
(ii) ICT welcomes new faculty member – Dr. Chutiporn Anutariya
ICT Department, School of Engineering and Technology (SET) welcomes Dr. Chutiporn Anutariya, who has been appointed as Associate Professor, effective from August 2017.
Dr. Chutiporn received her Bachelor of Science in Statistics with first class honors and gold medal award from Chulalongkorn University. She obtained her Master of Science and Doctor of Technical Science in Computer Science from Asian Institute of Technology. She was a postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Telematics, Norwegian University.
Her research areas include Learning Technologies and Massive Open Online Course (MOOCs), Database and Information Systems, Knowledge Representation and Knowledge Management, Open Data and Open Government Data, Semantic and Linked Data Technologies, Ontologies, Web and Mobile Technologies.
She can be contacted at:
Room 115 at CSIM Building
Tel: 5705
Email: chutiporn@ait.asia
(iii) ISE Department welcomes two Visiting Faculty seconded by the Government of India
Industrial Systems Engineering (ISE) Department of School of Engineering and Technology (SET) welcomes Girish Kumar and Dr. Sudarsan Ghosh, who joined AIT as Visiting faculty in August 2017 semester. They are seconded by the Government of India.
Dr. Girish Kumar
Visiting Assistant Professor
Dr. Girish Kumar will be teaching Deterministic Optimization Models (AT 72.01) in August 2017 semester.
Dr. Girish Kumar received his Ph.D. (Reliability Engineering) degree from Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, India, in 2016. His master degree (Masters of Technology) is in Industrial Tribology and Maintenance Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, India, in 1997. He had completed his bachelor degree of engineering in Mechanical Engineering from Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India in the year 1990. He has more than 20 years of experience of industry and teaching.
His research interests are: Reliability engineering, Maintenance management, Optimization, Stochastic modelling, Quality engineering and related research areas.
He can be contacted at:
Room No. ISE208
Tel. No. +66-2524-5675
Email: girish.kumar154@gmail.com , girish@ait.asia
Dr. Sudarsan Ghosh
Visiting Associate Professor
Dr. Sudarsan Ghosh will be teaching Advanced Manufacturing Processes (AT 73.02) in August 2017 semester.
Dr. Ghosh received a Ph.D. (Mechanical Engineering) degree fromIndian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur in the year 2007. His Master degree (Master of Science)is in Manufacturing Processes fromIIT Kharagpur in 2001.He did his bachelor degree of engineering in Production Engineering from Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India, in the year 1998. He has more than 10 years of experience in teaching UG and PG courses in various prestigious universities in India such as ISM Dhanbad (currently IIT Dhanbad), IIT Guwahati and IIT Delhi. He has published around 40 International Journal papers and 50 papers in Conferences across India and abroad.
He is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at his parent institute in India i.e. IIT Delhi. He is an active researcher and presently has 10 research students under his supervision.
His research interests are:
Advanced machining and manufacturing methods, sustainability in the machining and grinding domain, use of nano fluids in metal cutting operations, machining of composites, hard surface coatings on cutting inserts.
He can be contacted at:
Room No. ISE206
Tel. No. 919717166178
Email : sudarsan.ghosh@gmail.com , sudarsan@ait.asia
(iv) Presentation of the Special Lecture by Prof. Kazuhiko Takeuchi
Please be informed that the presentation of the special lecture by Prof. Kazuhiko Takeuchi, Chair of the Board of Directors, IGES on 17 August 2017 is now shared on RRC.AP website, please follow the link: http://www.rrcap.ait.asia/
(v) Offices returned to the AIT Administration Building
Following their temporary relocations at the AIT Conference Center during the renovation of the AIT Administration building, please be informed that the following offices have returned to their respective offices on the 2nd floor of the AIT Administration building:
* Office of the President
* Office of the Institute Secretary
* Office of Academic Administration
* Office of External Relations
* Office of Host Country Relations
(i) LECTURES, / SEMINARS / CONFERENCE
(a) A Special Seminar on “Building Energy Management Open-Source Software (BEMOSS): 28 Aug. 2017
Bangchak Initiative and Innovation Center (BIIC) at AIT will organize a special lecture/seminar which will be delivered by Associate Professor Manisa Pipattanasomporn, Virginia Tech - Advanced Research Institute on the topic “Building Energy Management Open-Source Software (BEMOSS)”
Date: Monday, 28 August, 2017
Time: 9:00 – 10:00 hrs.
Venue: ET 108, Energy Building
More details: http://www.ait.ac.th/news-and-events/2017/events/seminar-building-energy-management-open-source-software-bemoss/#.WZ_SMFGlaUk
(b) Career Planning Talk by VPD Shrestha: 30 Aug. 2017
AIT Career Center will organize a Career Talk by Mr. Surendra Shrestha, AIT Vice President for Development (VPD) on the topic "Career Planning". It would be a great opportunity to get some insights before planning your future career path, especially for those who are expected to graduate in this semester/year.
Program details:
Date: 30 August 2017 (Wednesday)
Time : 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Venue : Milton E. Bender Auditorium, 2nd Floor, Extension Building
Mr. Shrestha has had a stellar career with the United Nations, having served in management capacities in Africa, Asia, Europe and North America. As the UNEP Director for Strategic Resource Mobilization over a two-year period, his office contributed to the move to a structured annual dialogue with key donors; doubling of the financial resources from about $ 220 million to $ 510 million. He also provided lead role in contributing to new curriculum design in Tongji University (IESD), UNU (SD), collective effort for holistic curriculum on waste management with six universities. In addition, Mr. Shrestha provided intellectual leadership for the establishment of Atmospheric Brown Cloud bringing together 35 institutions and 250 scientists. He also provided institutional leadership for: the establishment/revitalization and growth of ICIMOD in Nepal; RRC.AP at AIT, Tongji Institute of Environment for Sustainable Development in Shanghai; Eco-Peace Leadership Centre in Korea; Strategic Planning and Resource Mobilization at UNEP HQ; and IETC in Osaka, Japan.
Mr. Shrestha completed his BSc. Economics and Computer Science from Keele University, Staffordshire, U.K. (1975-1978) and received his MSc. Computer Applications, from AIT (1979-1980). Among the many important positions he has held, include serving as the UNEP Regional Director / Representative for Asia and Pacific, and more recently as Director of the International Environment Technology Centre (IETC) based in Osaka, Japan.
To pre-register, please fill up the link below :
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeAKHVi9ODx8ChNKG_PL3f4vZq-JJmNX9-wMOgoghmh08Yu2A/viewform
(c) International Forum on Education for Rural Transformation: 13 – 15 Nov. 2017
AIT and the UNESCO International Research Training Centre for Rural Education (INRULED) is organizing the International Forum on Education for Rural Transformation (IFERT) during 13-15 November 2017, at the AIT Campus.
More information are available at www.ifert.ait.asia
(d)International Expert Forum: Mainstreaming Resilience and Disaster Risk Reduction in Education: 1 – 2 Dec. 2017
An International Expert Forum on "Mainstreaming Resilience and Disaster Risk Reduction in Education" will be organized at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) on 1-2 December 2017.
Registration Open: 15 August 2017
Full Paper Submission: 30 September 2017
(ii) COURSES / TRAININGS
(a) Foundation English Program for intake January 2018: 28 Aug. – 17 Nov. 2017
The AIT Language Center is offering an extra Foundation English Program from 28 August – 17 November 2017. This program aims at those applicants with high academic skills potential who were unable to meet the English language entry requirements for admission in August 2017, but who would like to apply for admission in January 2018 instead and need an extra hand in developing their English skills.
In some cases, half fee scholarships are available for applicants with high academic potential. Please contact the Schools and relevant departments for more information.
For more information, please contact the Language Center: Languages@ait.asia
(b) EL classes for the August 2017 semester: 28 Aug. – 16 Nov. 2017
The registration for EL classes for the August 2017 semester is now open. Please choose from the available time slots in SIS: https://sis.ait.ac.th (Register/Enroll menu) before the deadline on 18 August at 16:00 (Adding/Dropping).
CLASSES: 28 August – 16 November 2017
NO EL CLASSES: Monday 25th to Friday 29th September
Monday 23rd to Friday 27th October
EL COURSE EXAM: Monday 20th to Tuesday 21st November
After registering for an EL course you will not be allowed to change the class time on SIS. Students will only be allowed to change EL class times from Wednesday 16th to Friday 18th August before 15.00 at the Language Center, Room 216.
Students with English scores below AIT’s admission requirements will be automatically enrolled in the mandatory English Language (EL) courses listed below. Students will need to pay a registration fee at the AIT Cashier for EL courses before they can attend. The EL course level will be automatically assigned based on a student’s current English score:
5.0 - EL15 Intermediate English Composition
5.5 - EL19 Academic and Technical Writing
English course fee:
• 5,000 Baht one-time flat fee to all new students.
• Students who have attended EL 15 or EL19 once will be charged an additional 2,000THB; the total amount will not exceed 5,000 THB.
• Students who have attended EL13 and EL15; EL15 and EL19 or who have already paid > 5,000 will not be charged again.
Students who joined AIT before January 2016 are allowed to drop EL courses. If you joined AIT after January 2016, you are not able to drop EL courses. The EL courses should be your first priority, therefore scheduling problems and conflicts are not valid reasons to request to unregister from the EL courses. To unregister from the course, you will need to create a memo requesting the EL exemption on a semester basis. This memo will need to be approved by your advisor and submitted to the Language Center before 18 August 2017 (AIT adding/dropping date). If you fail to drop the EL course you are enrolled in before the 22 September, you will still be graded for the EL course you have enrolled.
As you have been informed during the orientation, AIT maintains a strict policy on English language requirements and if you have not met the English language requirements by the third semester of study, you will not be allowed to register for thesis or research credits. Review the Graduation Requirements here.
(c) Thai, Chinese and French Courses for Beginners
The Language Center will conduct languages courses as follows:
Thai Courses for Beginners
• 21 August – 4 October 2017
• Monday and Wednesday
• Time: 17:00 – 18:30
• Total of 20 hours
• Course Fee: 2,000 baht
Chinese Course for Beginners
• 21 August – 4 October 2017
• Monday and Wednesday
• Time: Group 1 (17:00 – 18:30) Group 2 (12:00-13:00)
• Total of 20 hours
• The course fee is 1,000THB due to the kind support of the Chinese Government through the Confucius Institute. (Refunds are not available.)
French Course for Beginners
• 23 August - 6 October 2017
• Wednesday and Friday
• Time: 17:00 – 18:30
• Total of 20 hours
• Course Fee: 2,000 baht
Register and make a payment at the Language Center, Room 216.
(d) Reading and Writing Thai for Beginners: 5 Sept. – 19 Oct. 2017
The Language Center will conduct “Reading and Writing Thai for Beginners” course as follows:
5 September – 19 October 2017
Tuesday and Thursday from 17:00 – 18:30 hrs.
Course Fee: 2,000 baht
Class Size: 15 persons
Register now at the Language Center, Room 216
The Language Center is pleased to announce the opening of French course!
(e) French for Beginners: 6 Sept. – 27 Oct. 2017
The Language Center will conduct “French for Beginners” course as follows:
6 September – 27 October 2017
Wednesday and Friday from 17.00 – 18.30 hrs.
Course Fee 2,000 baht
Interested persons please register now at the Language Center, Room 216.
(iii) Events
(a) Blood Donation: 6 Sept. 2017
The Thai Red Cross Society has been working with volunteer students and staff to collect units of blood from the AIT community. The bloodmobile visits AIT every three months, four times a year, hoping to collect enough units to supply the constant demand for blood.
The next visit for blood donation is scheduled on Wednesday, 6 September 2017, 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.
(i) Temporary Relocation of Photo Vending Machine from Administration to Cafeteria
Please be informed that due to the renovation of the ground floor of the Administration Building, the photo vending machine has been moved temporarily to Cafeteria (entrance opposite Korea House).
Mr. Furqan Ali Shaikh / Karachi, Quelta, Sukkur, Pakistan / 6 August – 23 September 2017
Mr. SK Sjajom Jpssaom / Udon Thani and Nongkhai, Thailand / 8 – 9 August 2017*
Mr. Sufian Etea / Udon Thani and Nongkhai, Thailand / 8 – 9 August 2017*
Dr. Duc Hoang Nguyen / Vientiane, Laos / 9 – 11 August 2017*
Mr. Sufian Etea / Chantaburi, Thailand / 10 – 12 August 2017*
Ms. Narumon Wangnai / Dhaka, Bangladesh / 15 – 18 August 2017*
Mr. SK Shahin Hossain / Dhaka, Bangladesh / 15 – 18 August 2017*
Mr. Sufian Etea / Dhaka, Bangladesh / 15 – 18 August 2017*
Mr. Justin Finch / Mandalay, Myanmar / 17 – 19 August 2017*
Dr. B.H.W. Hadikusumo / Myanmar / 18 – 21 August 2017*
Mr. Nawarathnage L. Deshapriya / Pohnpel, Micronesia / 18 August – 11 September 2017
Prof. Lawrence Stephen Abeln / Taipei, Taiwan and Shanghai, China, and Seoul, Korea / 20 – 30 August 2017
Mr. Sasanka Madawalagama / Manila, Philippines / 21 – 25 August 2017*
Dr. B.H.W. Hadikusumo / Vietnam / 22 – 23 August 2017*
Dr. Manzul K. Hazarika / Manila, Philippines / 22 – 25 August 2017*
Mrs. Mahbooba Amin / Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia / 22 – 26 August 2017*
Mr. Voravate Chonlasin / Nakhon Si Thammarat and Songkhla, Thailand / 23 – 25 August 2017*
Ms. Narumon Wangnai / Nakhon Si Thammarat and Songkhla, Thailand / 23 – 25 August 2017*
Mr. Sufian Etea / Nakhon Si Thammarat and Songkhla, Thailand / 23 – 25 August 2017*
Dr. Sangam Shrestha / Tokyo, Kofu, Japan / 23 – 29 August 2017
Dr. K. R. Salin / Prachuabkirikhan, Thailand / 24 – 25 August 2017*
Dr. Chotchai Charoenngam / Myanmar / 24 – 26 August 2017*
Dr. Sarawut Ninsawat / Chanthaburi, Thailand / 25 – 27 August 2017*
Prof. Rajendra P. Shrestha / Shaanxi Province, PRC / 25 – 30 August 2017
Dr. Djoen San Santoso / Myanmar / 26 – 27 August 2017*
Dr. Indrajit Pal / Beijing, China / 27 – 30 August 2017
Dr. Ram C. Bhujel / Bali, Indonesia / 27 August – 3 September 2017
Mr. Shabbir Talpur / Manila, Philipines / 28 – 31 August 2017
Dr. Shah Syed Faizul Hassan / Tokyo, Japan / 28 August – 1 September 2017
Mr. Thaung Htut Aung / Manila, Philippines / 28 August – 1 September 2017
Dr. Thammarat Koottatep / Stockholm, Sweden / 28 August – 3 September 2017
Dr. Apichon Witayangkurn / Tokyo, Japan / 31 August – 6 September 2017
Prof. Nitin Kumar Trapathi / Guwahati, India / 3 – 6 September 2017
Dr. Didin Agustian Permadi / Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam / 3 – 9 September 2017
Prof. Nguyen Thi Kim Oanh / Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, Vietnam / 3 - 15 September 2017
*(Staff or faculty member travelled and returned to AIT prior to documentation received for publication)
Position: Technical Staff (Laboratory Supervisor) (School of Environment, Resources & Development)
Ref. No. 32/17
Deadline: 31 August 2017
http://www.hro.ait.ac.th/job/show/464
Position: Administrative Staff (Admin. Secretary) (Office of the President)
Ref. No. 33/17
Deadline: 9 September 2017
http://www.hro.ait.ac.th/job/show/466
Faculty Position: Assistant or Associate Professors Positions (School of Management)
Ref. No. Fac 2/17
Deadline: 30 September 2017
http://www.hro.ait.ac.th/job/show/451