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AIT SUSTAINABILITY REPORT

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BUILD RESILIENT INFRASTRUCTURE, PROMOTE INCLUSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE INDUSTRIALIZATION AND FOSTER INNOVATION

n 2022, AIT was involved with innovation in data formats, participation in a conference in the Philippines on incubators and startups promoting sustainability and social responsibility, and collaboration between China, Lao PDR, and Thailand over regional railway links. 2022 issues of AIT Solutions’ Technology magazine

discussed applying perspectives, case studies, and practices to enhancing the skills of professionals working in urban infrastructure and hydropower generation, as well as potential solutions and challenges involved in applying AI-based systems in agriculture, medical technology, structural engineering, and traceability.

SOFTWARE PLUG-IN DEVELOPMENT FOR ETABS, SAP2000, AND SAFE RELEVANT SDGS: SDG 9 – INDUSTRY, INNOVATION, AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Duration: January-August 2022 Description: AIT Solutions is working with NUS, Singapore on a project funded by the Building Construction Authority (BCA), Singapore to develop a software plug-in for structural engineering software (ETABS, SAP2000, and SAFE). The goal of this research project is to develop a solution to link and check structural Analysis & Design (A&D) reports against Building Information Modelling (BIM) models created using different combinations of A&D and BIM software (commonly used in Singapore). The solution is to have a common data format so that large amounts of information found in A&D reports and BIM models can be comprehensively transferred to enable review by end users, including Professional Engineers and their modeling teams, Qualified Persons (QPs) and the project grantor. It is envisaged that the provision of such a solution will enable productivity in the submission and processing of structural A&D reports and BIM models to improve by at least 30% compared to current practice. As part of the scope of work, the tasks being carried out include: 🡒 Develop a plugin for CSi ETABS able to export and

import data according to the schema provided.

🡒 Develop a plugin for CSi SAP2000 able to export and

import data according to the schema provided. 🡒 Develop a plugin for CSi SAFE able to export and

import data according to the schema provided. The developed plugin will need to: 🡒 Support the engineering workflows from QPs. This

means that it must be able to differentiate first-time import of data as well as updating of models with the imported data. 🡒 Provide a report of errors, the number of elements

imported or exported, and the number of elements that were not imported or exported. 🡒 Provide a mechanism for users to enter identifying

information or parameters of the element being designed, such as Element Mark.

20 AIT SUSTAINABILITY 22 REPORT KEYNOTE TALK ON “AIT AND STUDENT SUSTAINABILITY STARTUPS AT THE 2ND NATIONAL CONFERENCE AND 1ST INCUBATEE SUMMIT, AGRI-AQUA TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS INCUBATION

Duration: Description: Prof. Nophea Sasaki, a member of the Natural Resources Management program at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), was invited to speak at the 2nd National Conference and 1st Incubatee Summit, AGRIAQUA Technology Business Incubation, held in Baguio, Philippines from November 23-25, 2022. During his talk, Prof. Sasaki shared his experience and insights into AIT’s efforts to foster student-led sustainability startups, drawing from his personal experiences as a co-founder of several startups with his students. The audience included a diverse range of attendees, including entrepreneurs, academics, investors, and government officials. Prof. Sasaki’s presentation highlighted AIT’s commitment to supporting and empowering its students to develop innovative solutions that promote sustainability and social responsibility. The talk also served as an opportunity for AIT to showcase its research and innovation ecosystem to a wider audience and to further promote its mission of advancing sustainable development in Asia and beyond.

WEBINAR TALK “THE ROLES OF INNOVATIONS AND STARTUPS FOR ADDRESSING THE IMPACTS OF COVID-19 ON WASTEWATER”

Duration: 5 August 2023 Organizer: UNEP and AIT Description: Professor Sasaki’s talk highlighted the environmental impact of COVID-19 on wastewater due to the disposal of PPE waste. He discussed the alarming amount of waste produced by PPE and its harmful effects on the environment, especially on water systems. He presented MIT’s estimation of 2,628,000 tons of PPE waste generated in 2020 alone and the staggering amount of face masks entering the ocean, causing more microplastic pollution. However, the talk also addressed a potential solution to this global problem through innovations and startups.

Professor Sasaki emphasized the role of innovative technologies in addressing the environmental impact of PPE waste, without compromising economic growth. He suggested that startups could play a crucial role in developing sustainable and cost-effective solutions to tackle this problem. The talk served as a call-to-action for the scientific and entrepreneurial communities to collaborate and innovate to reduce water waste caused by PPE.

AIT SUSTAINABILITY REPORT

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KEYNOTE ADDRESS: “ENERGY SYSTEM TRANSITION FOR PROSPEROUS BANGLADESH -SMART INNOVATIONS FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT”

Duration: 23 December 2022 Description: Center director Prof. Joyashree Roy delivered a compelling keynote address on “Energy System Transition for Prosperous Bangladesh – Smart Innovations for National Development” at a workshop organized by E-Palli in Malaysia. As a renowned expert in sustainable development and energy economics, Professor Roy provided valuable insights into the role of energy system transitions in promoting economic growth and sustainable development in Bangladesh. Her keynote address

focused on innovative solutions and smart technologies that can help drive the transition to a low-carbon economy in Bangladesh while promoting economic prosperity. The workshop provided a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration between experts from Bangladesh, Malaysia, and other countries in the region, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation in achieving sustainable development goals.

AIT BRRC WEBINAR SERIES: HIGH-SPEED RAILWAYS –A FLAGSHIP PROJECT FOR BOOSTING REGIONAL CONNECTIONS

Duration: 8 April 2022 Description: DescriptionA webinar on high-speed railways, a flagship project for boosting regional connections, was launched by the Belt and Road Research Center of the Asian Institute of Technology and experts in this field and partners from Thailand and China. High-speed railways are among the signature projects within the Belt and Road initiative. The high-speed rail line will cross Thailand and connect with Vientiane, Laos and Kunming, China. It is also planned to reach Malaysia and Singapore in the future, which is of great significance to regional connections and multilateral development and will expand the construction network to become one of the mainstream transportation options.

Weblink: 🌐 AIT BRRC – BRRC Webinar #4: High-speed railway: A

flagship project for boosting regional connections https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_ qOWlvkRKw

SCOPING STUDY OF THE BROILER VALUE CHAIN IN THAILAND

Duration: 2022 Description of activities in 2022 Field visits were conducted in July and November 2022 in several provinces in Central Thailand by researchers from AIT, the ADB Institute (ADBI), Chulalongkorn University, the Japan External Trade Organization, and Kobe University with ADBI funding and help from the Department of Livestock Development. Key informant interviews were conducted with major food processing companies, broiler farmers, and government officers. Lessons learned will be used to develop a proposal in 2023.

20 AIT SUSTAINABILITY 22 REPORT TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINES CITIES & INFRASTRUCTURE | ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: PROMISES & CHALLENGES

Duration: August-December 2022 Description: In 2022, AIT Solutions published two issues (August and December) of its Technology magazine. The August 2022 issue brought together ideas, perspectives, and case studies from authors actively involved in applying the latest technological and engineering practices in urban landscapes as well as the application of innovative ways of enhancing the skills set of professionals involved in urban infrastructure projects. The authors also shared reliable technologies specific to the application in microlevel assessment of the condition of buildings as well as macro-level monitoring and assessment of damage and reconstruction of buildings and infrastructure at the city level. In that issue, the authors also addressed ways through which culture of innovation and creativity could be nurtured as a soft skill among engineering professionals. Insights into understanding complex urban systems and community awareness systems aiming to develop a resilient urban environment, climate change adaptation measures for sustainable and resilient urban infrastructure, and non-engineering green infrastructural solutions for sustainability of our water resources were some of the topics covered in that issue.

some of the work of researchers actively working in applying AI-based systems in agriculture, medical technology, structural engineering, and traceability. The issue also included a section with an industry expert focusing on how AI is impacting their current business and how they think AI is going to impact society, business, industry, and organizations in the coming decade. Weblink: 🌐 http://solutions.ait.ac.th/kps/magazines

The December 2022 issue, which developed the theme of “Artificial Intelligence: Promises & Challenges,” presented

MEET THE EXPERT TALK SERIES – 2022 AIT TECH TALK – ENHANCED INTEGRATION IN INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS THROUGH BIM

Duration: January-June 2022 Description: In 2022, AIT Solutions collaborated with Eight-Japan Engineering Consultants Inc. (EJEC) to organize an Expert Talk on Digital Transformation in Bridge Maintenance in Japan. The talk focused on aging bridge infrastructure in Japan, the importance of regular inspections and maintenance of these infrastructure, and overcoming the shortage of bridge inspection engineers. The talk presented the latest digital technologies EJEC has developed and is now applying in its regular bridge inspection work. In another Expert Talk, we invited Prof. Vilas Nitivattananon, Dean, School of Environment, Resources, and Development, AIT to share his insights into the Sustainable Infrastructure and Built Environment. In this talk, Prof. Vilas focused on creating an awareness among engineering and

related professionals involved in developing and managing infrastructure (e.g. energy, transportation, water, etc.), and the built environment (including buildings, facilities, public parks, etc.). With relevant examples, the talk also took a global view and placed it in a regional, national, and local context. AIT Solutions and AIT Enterprises Alliance jointly organized an AIT Tech Talk in May 2022 that focused on the Enhanced Integration in Infrastructure Projects through BIM. This talk was conducted in collaboration with Moh and Associates, Taiwan. The Tech Talk covered the latest developments in the application of BIM, showcasing holistic integration of information of built infrastructure.

AIT SUSTAINABILITY REPORT

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INCUBATION SERVICE AGREEMENT BETWEEN AVECRIS PTE LTD AND AIT ENTREPRENEURSHIP CENTER

Duration: November 2022-May 2023 Description: This is an Incubation Service Agreement between AVECRIS Pte. Ltd. and the AIT Entrepreneurship Center, whereby both parties decided to work on a project named “Large Scale PCR Project.” AIT EC is responsible for providing the incubation area and helping in the development of a heat exchange chamber to run PCR reactions of a volume

of 1,000 ml per cassette and featuring multiple volume options. In addition, AIT EC should also manufacture a prototype of a heat exchange chamber as well as develop a solenoid valve manifold to direct and redirect flows of three different liquids, including temperature monitoring and control software.

SEDIMENT TRANSPORT STUDY FOR THE SANAKHAM HYDROPOWER PROJECT IN THE MEKONG RIVER BASIN PHASE 1

Duration: January-September 2022 Description: The Sediment Transport Study for the Sanakham Hydropower Project in the Mekong River Basin, Phase 1, was conducted from January to September 2022 with the primary objective of undertaking a comprehensive hydraulic and sediment transport analysis. The study focused on evaluating the potential effects of the Sanakham Hydropower Project development on the Mekong River downstream of the project site.

transport and related ecological impacts. This information will enable the identification of appropriate mitigation measures to offset any adverse effects caused by the project’s development. The study’s findings will contribute to sustainable hydropower development in the region, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

One of the key aspects of the study was to assess the impacts on the Thalweg, he deepest part of a river channel that generally carries maximum flow. By examining changes in sediment transport patterns and dynamics, the study aimed to identify and evaluate potential negative consequences resulting from the hydropower project.

The completion of Phase 1 of this sediment transport study is an essential step in assessing and understanding the potential environmental implications of the Sanakham Hydropower Project. The insights gained from this study will serve as a crucial foundation for future decisionmaking processes, ensuring that the project is developed in a manner that minimizes its ecological impact while meeting the region’s growing energy demands.

Through an in-depth analysis, the study aimed to provide valuable insights into the potential alterations in sediment

20 AIT SUSTAINABILITY 22 REPORT HYDROLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF THE ATHABASCA RIVER BASIN, CANADA

Duration: 2020-2022 Description: The aim of this research is to characterize the hydrology of the Athabasca River Basin in Canada using statistical and modeling tools for historical and future periods. The study (i) established the baseline hydrological condition

AIT SDG RESEARCH FAIR

Duration: 2 December 2022 Description: The Office of Sustainable Campus (OSC) hosted the AIT SDG Research Fair on December 2, 2022 at the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand. The event aims to empower the AIT community by promoting thought, knowledge, and understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The fair exhibited AIT students’ and AIT centers’ research in line with the SDGs in the hope of stimulating more research towards contributing to SDG achievement. Ms. Sireesha Bantu, Director of OSC, stated in her welcome remarks that AIT has always been a research institute working for sustainable development, and this fair will promote more major research projects along with added efforts that will contribute to sustainability on campus and elsewhere. Professor Kazuo Yamamoto, President of AIT, highlighted his desire for AIT to become a living laboratory and sustainable campus. OSC has implemented various sustainability initiatives that serve as tangible examples as AIT strives to become a sustainable campus. The fair featured research that supported SDGs 2, 7, 13, and 15, such as wildlife and environment conservation, energy conservation, and food conservation programs. President Yamamoto challenged everyone to pledge to make AIT a NetZero campus by 2030, noting that AIT has already launched a number of projects at various levels on campus. He went on to say that AIT has the long-term goal of becoming a fully sustainable campus, with numerous initiatives planned for the future. OSC and AIT’s initiatives are consistent with SDGs 15, 7, and 13, which aim to safeguard biodiversity and ecosystems by enabling access to affordable, dependable, sustainable, and modern energy and to take immediate action to mitigate climate change and its consequences. The goal of the fair was to inspire students to contribute to these aims by conducting additional research and advocating sustainable practices in their areas of expertise. AIT is working towards reaching these SDGs and establishing a sustainable university through promoting sustainable activities on and off campus. 🌐 https://ait.ac.th/2022/10/ait-wildlife-and-ecosystem-

conservation-workshop-conducted/

and range of natural variability, (ii) evaluated changes in hydrological conditions under climate change scenarios, and (iii) analyzed trends in the hydrological conditions in the basin.