www.ait.ac.th
DECEM B ER 20 1 9
Asian Institute of Technology
DECEMBER 2019
AIT INAUGURATES THE BELT & ROAD RESEARCH CENTRE
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imed at incorporating regional research resources and promoting diversified cooperation under the framework of the Belt & Road Initiative, a Belt & Road Research Centre was inaugurated at AIT. Inaugurating the Centre on 28 November 2019 were AIT President Dr. Eden Woon; Prof. Biliang Hu, AIT alumnus and Director, Belt and Road School, Beijing Normal University (BNU); Mr. Wang Shi, renowned Chinese entrepreneur and founder of Vanke; and Dr. Wenchao Xue of AIT, who has been appointed as the first Director of the Centre. President Woon highlighted the importance of the AIT Belt & Road Research Centre, stating that Thailand lies at the center of the Belt & Road region. Moreover, Thailand enjoys excellent relations with China, and the majority of AIT students come from Belt & Road countries. The Centre will undertake research with the potential to benefit the entire region and engage with Chinese enter-
prises, businesses, foundations, and universities. “It will be a one-stop-shop for tapping into AIT’s network,” President Woon said. The guest of honor for the occasion was entrepreneur Mr. Wang Shi, who stressed that the Centre will not be restricted to AIT academics but it will also link AIT with the leading global technology hub —Shenzhen, China. Mr. Wang Shi reminded everyone that while Shenzhen was founded 40 years ago, AIT is 60 years old. “Today, we open a new page in history, and the significance of this event is tremendous,” Prof. Biliang Hu said. “After 20 years, you will look back to this day and realize the significance of this initiative,” he remarked. A message from Ambassador of China to Thailand H.E. Mr. Lyu Jian was read out by Dr. Wenchao Xue. President Woon also thanked the AIT Alumni Association (China Chapter) for donating 10 million baht to the Centre.
I NS I DE I S S UE . . . Recent News / Happenings at AIT............................................2
60th Anniversary Fundraising...................................................3-4 Seminar/Workshops/Conferences............................................5 Backpage.................................................................................6
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