AIT Campus Bulletin

In this issue:

A. Announcements 

B. Workshops/ Conferences

C. Visitors/ MoU/ Agreement Signing 

D. Faculty & Staff Travel

E. Classified (Job)

 

A. Announcement

 

 

1)  In Memoriam: Professor Emeritus Karl E. Weber (1939–2026)

 

Dear Colleagues, Students, Alumni, and Friends of AIT,

It is with profound sadness that I inform you of the passing of our esteemed colleague and dear friend, Professor Emeritus Dr. Karl E. Weber, who left us on 18 March 2026 at 1:00 a.m. at Sukhumvit Hospital in Bangkok. 

Professor Weber joined AIT in February 1978 as a German Government seconded faculty member. He began as an Associate Professor in Rural Development Planning within the Human Settlements Development (HSD) Division. He was subsequently promoted to full Professor, teaching and researching across an exceptionally broad range of fields, including Human Resources Development, Agricultural Systems Planning and Development, Environmental Conservation and Natural Resources Management, Regional Rural Development Planning, Participatory Planning, Land Settlement Planning, Urban Planning and Development, Gender and Development, and Slum and Squatter Settlement Upgrading, first in HSD (1983–1993) and then in the School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD) until 1999.

Professor Weber held key leadership roles at AIT. He served two full terms as Chairman of the HSD Division (April 1982–March 1986), was the Founding Dean of SERD (March 1993–March 1996, with a brief second term in April–June 1996), Vice President for Academic Affairs (July 1996–September 1998), and Vice President for Management (September 1998–June 1999). On numerous occasions, he also served as Acting President and Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs, providing steady guidance during critical periods. He was a founding faculty member of the Field of Study in Rural Development Planning and played a pivotal role in shaping AIT’s academic and strategic direction through his membership on the Board of Trustees, the Academic Senate, the Policy & Planning Committee, the Appointment & Promotion Committee (which he chaired during his VPAA tenure), and many other key bodies.

In his later years, Professor Weber continued to contribute to the Institute’s governance and recognition efforts. He served as a member of the AIT Hall of Fame Selection Panel in 2019, as well as a member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees and the Audit Committee.

Professor Weber’s contributions extended far beyond titles. He was the driving force behind major development partnerships, notably as Manager of the CIDA/AIT Human Settlements Training Project (1978–1985), the CIDA/AIT Broad-Based Development Programme (1983–1989), and the Canadian Universities Consortium Partnership Project (1988–1993). He authored or co-authored numerous Institute Plans and strategy papers that continue to influence AIT’s direction today. His 379 publications, research reports, and the two major photographic exhibitions he organised on His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s leadership in rural development remain lasting testimonies to his commitment to Thailand and the region.

Above all, Professor Weber’s greatest and most enduring legacy is the thousands of lives he touched through education. He personally supervised and guided the completion of 23 doctoral dissertations and 136 master’s in several fields of study. Hundreds of additional students benefited from his wise counsel as a thesis committee member. Generations of AIT graduates across Asia and beyond carry his rigorous yet compassionate approach to participatory planning, sustainable development, and human-centred solutions.

Even after his formal retirement, Professor Weber remained deeply connected to AIT as Professor Emeritus and Distinguished Adjunct Professor, continuing to serve on advisory boards and nominating committees until very recently. His lifelong dedication to the Institute, to Thailand, and to the German–Thai academic partnership has left an indelible mark on AIT’s identity.

On behalf of the entire AIT community, I extend our deepest condolences to Professor Weber’s family, his many friends, and all those whose lives he enriched. We are also sharing the information regarding the funeral services which we have received from Professor Weber’s family, and is attached.
 
With heavy hearts but great appreciation,

Professor Pai-Chi Li
President
Asian Institute of Technology (AIT)

 

 

2) 2 Days To Go Before the AIT Career Fair 2026

 

Email from AIT Career Center on 23 March 2026

 

2 DAYS TO GO BEFORE THE AIT CAREER FAIR 2026

 

Dear AIT Community, Warm greetings from the AIT Career Center! Only two (2) days to go before the Annual AIT Career Fair and Student Research Exhibition, happening on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the AIT Conference Center. Sixteen (16) organizations confirmed their participation in the event, namely: 1.  AltoTech Global - Offers intelligent, data-driven solutions to manage air-side and water-side systems, reducing energy consumption, enhancing operational efficiency, and driving sustainability across diverse industries.  2. Asian Disaster Preparedness Center - An autonomous international organization for cooperation in and implementation of disaster risk reduction and building climate resilience in Asia and the Pacific. 3. Celestica (Thailand) Ltd. - A Canadian multinational company specializing in design, manufacturing, hardware platforms, and supply chain electronics manufacturing services, headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. 4. Christiani & Nielsen (Thai) PCL - Specializes and focuses on quality, innovation, and timely project execution in infrastructure, commercial, industrial, and petrochemical projects.  5. Double A (1991) PCL - Manufactures and provides leading premium quality copy paper with focus on sustainable sourcing and high-quality products.  6. Fabrinet - A leading provider of advanced optical packaging and precision optical, electro-mechanical, and electronic manufacturing services to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). 7. Institute of International Education (IIE) - A non-profit organization that focuses on international education and exchange, working with governments, universities, and foundations to advance scholarship, build economies, and promote access to opportunity. 8. Magnecomp Precision Technology PCL - A TDK group company specializing in HDD suspension design and manufacturing, delivering innovative, high-quality, customer-focused solutions. 9. Meinhardt (Thailand) Ltd. - Provides engineering consultancy services in Civil, Structural, Electrical, Mechanical, Façade, Lighting, Sanitary and Traffic Engineering and Building Physics.  10. N.C.X. Co. Ltd. - Specializes in assembling and producing Honda motorcycles, and the first leading company in the motorcycle industry.  11. Nippon Koei Energy (Thailand) - Delivers integrated solutions for sustainable energy and built environment projects, with expertise in nuclear, renewables, power and gas, and water resources. 12. Peng Shen Tech - A subsidiary of ZDT Group, a global PCB leader, with a Prachinburi factory that specializes in high-end PCBs through smart manufacturing and green production. 13. SafeComs Network Security Consulting - A Bangkok-based IT solutions and digital transformation company that specializes in providing network security and outsourcing services to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and larger organizations.  14. SalesMind AI - An AI-powered sales automation platform helping businesses generate and qualify B2B leads at scale. 15. Tai & Chyun Engineering Service (Thailand) -  One stop service for Electrosatic Precipitator (ESP) aimming to minimize particulate emission level in all kinds of industries in order to stabilize and improve industrial production efficiency. 16. Yeong Guan Heavy Industry (Thailand) - A leading supplier of castings to major global manufacturers of wind turbines, injection molding machines, machine tools, and industrial machinery.  We would greatly appreciate your support in promoting the Fair by sharing this event with your family and friends and inviting them to visit on the day of the event. Kindly refer to the attached e-poster and participation package for your reference.

 

What to expect:       Explore career prospects       Discover job and internship opportunities       Connect and network with company representatives       Enjoy fun activities at the Balloon Dart and Horoscope Booths        Savor a variety of food trucks: Ducatim (Ice Cream), Friendly Kebab (Kebab), Duad Duam (Soft Drinks), BBQ,           O-Ho Dek Sen Kua Gai (Thai stir-fried rice noodles w/ chicken), and Pad See Ew (stir-fried noodles w/ soy sauce)       Win exclusive raffle prizes and giveaways, plus enjoy free goodies and complimentary services and        Experience the Student Union Research Exhibition—with special prizes awaiting the winners!   To help you make the most of the event, please see the program below.

Thank you, and we look forward to welcoming you to the event. To ensure a smooth experience, please follow the steps below upon arrival:           1. Register via the QR code at the registration area.           2. Get stamped by authorized persons at the registration desk.           3. Visit the Western Union booth if you'd like to join the raffle draws.           4. Proceed to the auditorium and explore the participating companies and sponsor booths.           5. Drop by the souvenirs desk, share your feedback, and claim your souvenir.

Souvenirs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.   The event is OPEN TO ALL - so feel free to invite and bring your friends from both inside and outside the AIT community. SEE YOU THERE!

 

3) AIT Roadshow Manila - 28 March 2026

Discover Your Future at the Asian Institute of Technology! Come to meet us on 28 March 2026, for an exclusive student recruitment information session. Explore our Master’s and Ph.D. Degree programs, scholarships, exchange, and internship opportunities through our Deans. Don’t miss your chance to shape your path to success at AIT!

Admissions Are Open for August 2026 Intake.

 Date: 28 March 2026 (Saturday)
Time: 1 PM to 4 PM
Venue: F1 Hotel Manila BGC

A free AIT English Entry Test (AIT-EET) voucher is available after the main session for all participants who apply for AIT. This test can be given online at any available date.

Register Now: http://tinyurl.com/ManilaRS28Mar2026

 

4) Revised P&P and Annexes on Responsibility Center Management (FB-2-2-1)

Email from the Director, Office of Academic Administration on 23 March 2026

 

5) Know our Researcher series: March Edition Featuring Dr. Wenchao Xue

Email from SCPO on 19 March 2026

It's our pleasure to inform you of the release of the March Edition of  the “Know our Researcher @ AIT” series. This publication is a monthly series that has been initiated to highlight and promote AIT’s pioneering and innovative research and capacity building engagements undertaken by its Researchers across the Faculty and Centers of excellence.

This series aims to make the AIT community and its external stakeholders aware of the diverse array of quality research being undertaken at the Institute by its reputed researchers.

This month's Edition: features Dr. Wenchao Xue, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering and founding director of AIT’s Belt and Road Research Center.

Visit the Web link: https://ait.ac.th/know-our-researcher/

 

6)  Invitation to Join: Emerald Publishing – Usage Training & Publication Journey (8 April 2026 from 1-3 PM)

AIT Library is pleased to invite you to the training session “Emerald Publishing: Usage Training & Publication Journey.” This session will introduce Emerald’s research platform and provide guidance on how to search, access, and publish research with Emerald journals.

Speaker: Ms. Nilubol Pipatpadungsin (Yang), Business Manager – Thailand, Emerald Publishing
Date: 8 April 2026
Time: 1:00 – 3:00 PM

Format: Hybrid Training
Venue: VDO-Teleconference Room, AIT Library

What you will learn:

• Using Emerald Insight for effective research and literature discovery
• Maximizing the value of Emerald resources for your research
• Understanding the publication journey with Emerald journals
• Guidance for authors who wish to publish with Emerald

All faculty members, researchers, and students are warmly welcome to join.

To register and reserve your seat, please email library@ait.ac.th. The Zoom link will be sent after your registration is confirmed.

We look forward to your participation.

 

7) Introducing our New Employees 

 

We are delighted to welcome the newest members of the AIT family. Let us all wish them a successful and fulfilling journey with us.

 

Welcome aboard!

 

 

 

 

 

8) March 2026 yellow bin Waste Observation – Reminder on Proper Waste Segregation at AIT

Email from the Director, OSC on 20 March 2026

Dear AIT Community,

The Office of Sustainable Campus (OSC) would like to share the key findings from the March 2026 Waste Observation Report and kindly remind everyone of the importance of disposing of waste in the correct bins to maintain the effectiveness of our recycling system and support AIT’s Net-Zero and sustainability goals.

As we move toward a more structured collection phase with our recycling partners, proper segregation at the source has become increasingly important. When recyclable materials are contaminated with food waste or organic matter, the entire batch may be rejected by the recycling facility, resulting in unnecessary landfill disposal, additional cost, and loss of valuable recyclable resources. 

Please refer to the attached observation report with pictures of the bins, key observations, and some guidance. As per the observation, there are many who are effectively contributing. However, the few who do not follow the waste disposal rules may compromise an entire bin of recycling material, leading to its rejection.

materials

Key Observations—March 2026

1. Academic & Service Areas

• Food waste, dry leaves, and general waste found in Yellow bins - @ 7-11, ISE

• Styrofoam and tissue paper mixed with recyclables-@ CSIM

• Continued use of black/opaque bags preventing proper inspection

• Aluminum cans placed in incorrect bins @AITS, Accommodation Office
  These issues reduce recycling quality and require manual re-sorting.

2. Faculty & Staff Housing

• Vegetable waste and food scraps mixed with recyclables - ST5

• Frequent use of black or non-transparent bags

• Organic waste causing odor, hygiene issues, and rejection of recyclables
  Proper separation is required to maintain clean recycling streams.

3. Student Dormitories (Dorm A–K)

• General waste and vegetable peels found in Yellow bins 

• Styrofoam and tissue paper frequently misplaced . Dorm A, Dorm C, Dorm K

• Incorrect sorting affecting recycling collection quality.

4. Student Dormitories (Dorm L–Y)

• Heavy use of black bags making sorting difficult

• Food waste contamination in recycling bins - Dorm L

• Non-recyclable materials mixed with plastics and paper.- Dorm R

• Styrofoam & Tissue -Dorm W

5. Student Village 1–2

• Aluminum cans disposed in general waste SV 15- 20

• Styrofoam and tissues mixed in recycling bins SV21-26, SV 31 - 36
  Please use the dedicated EEM collection points for glass and metal to ensure proper recovery.

6. Student Village 3 (Most affected area, where many are not following the segregation and disposal process; we urge your cooperation, please!)

• Repeated food waste contamination

• General waste mixed with recyclables

• Need for improved segregation to maintain bin hygiene.

Quick Sorting Reminder

• Yellow Bin – Clean plastics, paper, cartons only (empty and dry)

• Green Bin – Food waste, vegetable peels, organic waste

• Blue Bin – General waste, Styrofoam, tissue paper, contaminated items

• Glass & Metal – Use the 5 dedicated EEM collection points across campus

• E-waste or huge-size waste—contact OSC

• You need an extra bin for segregation; contact OSC

Even a small amount of food residue can spoil an entire recycling batch, so please ensure that recyclable items are clean, dry, and properly sorted before disposal.

AIT’s sustainability success depends on the daily actions of each member of our community. Your cooperation helps reduce waste, lower emissions, and strengthen our vision of AIT as a living laboratory for sustainability.

Thank you very much for your continued support.