SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2025
ABSTRACT: The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) advances SDG 16 through its active engagement with diverse stakeholders across the public and private sector through activities focused on themes such as anti-corruption, governance, refugee protection and inclusive digital transformation. AIT has facilitated high-level convenings for nation building and capacity building workshops with extensive
training programs for civil servants from South and SE Asia. The activities outlined below reaffirms AIT’s continued commitment towards reinforcing institutional accountability and policy advocacy, while creating resilient institutions and inclusive societies fostering the sustainable development of the region and beyond.
NEWS: Reframing Statelessness and Forced Displacement: Key Discussions in Yogyakarta
Description: This article reports on discussions that examine statelessness and forced displacement through fresh analytical lenses. It highlights how policy, legal identity, and human security interact to shape real outcomes for displaced communities. The event-based narrative emphasizes collaboration across stakeholders and disciplines to move beyond surface-level framing. The overall message is that durable solutions require both innovation and coordinated action in governance and support systems. 🌐 https://ait.ac.th/2025/01/reframing-statelessness-
and-forced-displacement-high-level-discussions-inyogyakarta/
234
SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2025
AIT Joins NBII International Conference on Nation-Building, Wellness & Peace upon Morality 2025 as Academic Partner
Description: AIT participated as an academic partner at the NBII international conference. The conference addressed nation building, wellness, and peace. AIT contributed academic perspectives and research insights. The engagement strengthened interdisciplinary dialogue. 🌐 https://ait.ac.th/2025/06/ait-joins-nbii-international-
conference-on-nation-building-wellness-peaceupon-morality-2025-as-academic-partner/
Prof. Paula Banerjee Edits New Volume on Global Refugee Protection Gaps
Description: Paula Banerjee edited a new academic volume addressing gaps in global refugee protection systems. The publication examines legal, political, and humanitarian challenges faced by displaced populations. It brings together interdisciplinary perspectives to inform policy and advocacy. The work strengthens global dialogue on refugee rights and protection.
🌐 https://ait.ac.th/2025/07/prof-paula-banerjee-edits-
new-volume-on-global-refugee-protection-gaps/
Inclusive Digital ID in Thailand—Learnings and Way Forward
Description: AIT hosted a workshop on inclusive digital identity systems. Discussions focused on trust, accessibility, and governance. Experts examined policy and technological frameworks. The workshop supported digital inclusion initiatives. Through the workshop “Inclusive Digital ID in Thailand—Learnings and Way Forward,” AIT convened international organizations, government agencies, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to advance Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in Southeast Asia. The workshop served as a platform for knowledge exchange on inclusive digital identity frameworks, open standards, governance challenges, and collaborative solutions for Thailand and the region. By fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships and supporting the development of transparent and
inclusive digital governance systems, AIT reinforced its role as a regional hub for digital public infrastructure and institutional capacity building for a trusted digital future. 🌐 https://ait.ac.th/2025/08/ait-hosts-workshop-on-
inclusive-digital-id-towards-a-trusted-digital-future/
235
SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2025
Governance and Anti-Corruption: The Method and Tools behind an Effective Corruption-Eradication Strategy
AIT Research Theme: Technology, Policy and Society Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: AIT Extension Partners / Funded by: CIAA, Nepal Expected Social Impact: Enhance skills and capabilities of the CIAA officers on practical approaches and methods to implement anti-corruption strategies to help create a well-disciplined and corruption-free culture in the organizations. Description: A professional training on governance and anti-corruption covering methods, tools, and strategies for effective corruption eradication (Batch 1). The course develops participants’ capacity to implement anticorruption policies and governance principles.
Budget Management and Financial Affairs
AIT Research Theme: Technology, Policy and Society Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: AIT Extension Partners / Funded by: SPFMS program under the Finance Division, Government of Bangladesh Expected Social Impact: 1. Improved knowledge of international budgetary frameworks and best practices. 2. Enhanced skills in fiscal planning, execution, and evaluation. 3. Strengthened institutional capacity in management within the Finance Division.
budget
4. Practical insights into financial governance structures of a developed economy. 5. Establishment of international networks to support future collaboration in budgetary and financial affairs. Description: A five-day Budget Management and Financial Affairs training program for mid and junior-level government officers from Bangladesh’s Institute of Public Finance. Participants are exposed to international best practices and modern financial management strategies.
236
SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2025
Anti-Corruption: The Methods and Tools behind an Effective Corruption - Eradication Strategy; 25 February - 5 March 2025
AIT Research Theme: Infrastructure Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: AIT Extension Partners / Funded by: CIAA, Nepal Expected Social Impact: Enhance skills and capabilities of the CIAA officers on practical approaches and methods to implement anti-corruption strategies to help create a well-disciplined and uncorrupted culture in the organizations. Description: A professional development program on Anti-Corruption: methods and tools for an Effective Corruption - Eradication Strategy. Participants learn practical anti-corruption strategies and governance tools applicable to public and independent sector organizations.
Overview of Public Administration, Governance Principles, and Ethics
AIT Research Theme: Smart communities, Technology, Policy and Society Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: AIT Extension Partners / Funded by: Ministry of Public Administration, Bangladesh Expected Social Impact: By the end of the program, participants are expected to have a clear understanding of the principles of public administration, governance structures, and ethical standards in public service, while demonstrating enhanced communication and leadership competencies suited for government roles. They will be able to apply ethical frameworks in their professional conduct to promote public trust and accountability, engage in informed decision-making processes related to policy development and implementation, and gain practical insights from Thailand’s experiences in public sector reform and innovation. Ultimately, the program aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute effectively to improving public service delivery in Bangladesh.
Description: A professional training on Overview of Public Administration, Governance Principles, and Ethics (Batch 1) for civil servants. Participants build foundational knowledge in public administration frameworks, ethics management, and accountability.
237
SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2025
Sustainable Leadership in Crisis
AIT Research Theme: Technology, Policy and Society Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: AIT Extension Partners / Funded by: The Human Development Forum Foundation, Thailand Expected Social Impact: At the end of this training, participants will be able to increase the understanding of a proactive security attitude and the importance of situational awareness as well as related risk assessments ,and Provide leaders with helpful tools and techniques needed to avoid or cope adequately with endangering or potentially dangerous situations. Description: A professional training program on Sustainable Leadership in Crisis, building competencies
for leaders managing organizational safety, resilience, and decision-making under crisis conditions.
Strengthening Collective Advocacy of Women Human Rights Defenders in Myanmar
AIT Research Theme: Technology, Policy and Society Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: School of Environment, Resources and Development (FPSD) Partners / Funded by: UnWomen, Thailand; Gender Equality Network, Myanmar Expected Social Impact: Sustainability of advocacy activities of human rights in Myanmar Description: This project strengthens the collective advocacy capacity of Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRD) networks in Myanmar. It supports organizations in engaging national and international stakeholders to advance human rights and gender equality.
Toward gender and democratic justice: Support for capacity development of civil society and academia in Myanmar
AIT Research Theme: Smart communities Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: School of Environment, Resources and Development Partners / Funded by: International Development Research Center Expected Social Impact:
› Build gender and democratic justice knowledge,
238
analysis and research capacity of Burmese scholars and activists through short term and long term (graduate level) training.
› Develop a network of concerned gender and democratic justice scholars, researchers and activists in and outside Myanmar through establishing communication platforms and networking opportunities. Description: This project builds a community of gender scholars to support civil society in Myanmar toward just, fair, and secure development. It aims to advance gender and democratic justice through knowledge sharing and networking among academia and civil society.
SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2025
AIT Students Contribute Youth Perspectives at UNESCAP Event on the Future of Macroeconomic Policy
Description: The participation of AIT students in the UNESCAP event “Youth Voices for the Future of Macroeconomic Policy and Financing for Development” demonstrates AIT’s contribution to SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions by promoting inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making processes. Co-hosted by AIT and Chulalongkorn University, the event provided a platform for youth to engage directly with regional leaders, economists, and academics on macroeconomic policy, financing for development, and climate-resilient growth. Discussions emphasized collaborative pathways for sustainable development financing, intergenerational equity, and long-term strategic planning, reinforcing the importance of inclusive governance and meaningful youth
participation in shaping future policy agendas across Asia and the Pacific. 🌐 https://ait.ac.th/2025/11/ait-students-contribute-
youth-perspectives-at-unescap-event-on-the-futureof-macroeconomic-policy/
Strategic Leadership in Public Administration - ACAD
AIT Research Theme: Smart communities, Technology, Policy and Society Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: AIT Extension Partners / Funded by: Ministry of Public Administration, Bangladesh Expected Social Impact: This tailored program aims to enhance strategic management, governance reforms, anti-corruption strategies, and the integration of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence in public administration. Drawing on AIT’s decades of
experience with public sector officials, this course will provide a dynamic and interactive learning experience to foster the leadership skills necessary to drive change and innovation in government. Description: The Strategic Leadership in Public Administration program (ACAD Batch 1) covers strategic management, good governance, and innovative government practices for public administrators. Participants develop leadership competencies aligned with contemporary public sector challenges.
MCS Immersion Program 2025
AIT Research Theme: Technology, Policy and Society Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: School of Management Partners / Funded by: IIM Shillong Expected Social Impact: This global immersion program enables MCS Officers to experience diverse cultures, fostering empathy, understanding, and appreciation for contemporary leadership & management principles, policy innovation tools, and sustainable development strategies, using Thailand as a
living laboratory. The program aims to build leadership capacity, promote adaptive governance, and transfer global best practices aligned with the 21st-century demands of public sector transformation. Description: The MCS Immersion Program 2025 is a management development program for government administrators from Meghalaya, India, anchored in Bangkok with immersion in Thai social enterprises and academic institutions. It introduces contemporary leadership principles, policy innovation tools, and sustainable development strategies.
239
SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2025
Strategic Leadership in Public Administration- 149th ACAD
AIT Research Theme: Smart communities, Technology, Policy and Society Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: AIT Extension Partners / Funded by: Ministry of Public Administration, Bangladesh Expected Social Impact: This tailored program aims to enhance strategic management, governance reforms, anti-corruption strategies, and the integration of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence in public administration. Drawing on AIT’s decades of
experience with public sector officials, this course will provide a dynamic and interactive learning experience to foster the leadership skills necessary to drive change and innovation in government. Description: The 149th ACAD Batch 2 Strategic Leadership in Public Administration program delivers strategic management and good governance training for public administrators. It develops innovative government and leadership capabilities for senior civil servants.
Thematic Study on Charting Progress: Gender, Human Rights, Peace, and Sustainable Development in Southeast Asia
Duration: March 2025 – May 2026 (Thematic Study Cycle 2025-26) Inception Workshop: March 2025, Bangkok, Thailand Regional Research Seminar: January 2026, Bangkok, Thailand Description: The Gender and Development Studies (GDS) academic program of AIT has partnered with SHAPE-SEA to initiate a thematic study examining the intersection of gender, human rights, peace, and sustainable development in Southeast Asia. The workshop convened approximately 15 regional experts to identify knowledge gaps, refine sub-themes, and design collaborative research frameworks for the 2025 thematic study. The process emphasized synthesis of existing scholarship, interdisciplinary approaches, and regional collaboration to strengthen policy relevance and research impact. The inception workshop established shared conceptual foundations, research priorities, and potential roles for advisory members, contributors, and editors, contributing to regionally grounded and policylinked research on gender, human rights, and peace. As
240
part of this initiative, SHAPE-SEA, in collaboration with the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC) – Thailand for Women’s Rights, and GDS-AIT, formally inaugurated the regional research seminar titled “Charting Progress: Gender, Human Rights, Peace and Sustainable Development in Southeast Asia” on 20–21 January. 🌐 https://shapesea.com/shape-sea-in-collaboration-
with-gds-ait-kicks-off-the-inception-workshop-forthe-2025-thematic-study/
SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2025
Risk-Based Supervision (RBS) Implementation: A Regional Perspective for BB Supervisors
AIT Research Theme: Smart communities Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: Yunus Center Partners / Funded by: Bangladesh Bank Expected Social Impact: The key expected outputs of such training are multifaceted, aiming to enhance both individual supervisory capabilities and the overall effectiveness of the central bank’s regulatory framework. Description: This project delivers a comprehensive training program to equip Bangladesh Bank officers with advanced knowledge and tools for implementing a Risk-Based Supervision (RBS) framework, aligned with international best practices. Full implementation of RBS is anticipated by January 2026.
241