SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2025
ABSTRACT: AIT’s contributions to SDG 8 in 2025 focus on strengthening employability, entrepreneurship, professional capacity, institutional resilience, and inclusive economic transformation. Through career engagement, industry collaboration, startup support, executive education, and applied research, AIT connects knowledge creation with decent work, responsible leadership, and sustainable economic growth. Key initiatives include industry-facing platforms such as the AIT Career Forum, innovation and venture partnerships, startup achievements, financialsector research, and professional development programs for government officers, central bankers, enterprise leaders, and development practitioners.
AIT’s SDG 8 portfolio also reflects its regional role in building human capital for sustainable economies. Training programs in leadership, financial management, enterprise risk management, corporate banking, operational excellence, and human resource management support institutional capacity across Asia and beyond. Research on ESG, policy uncertainty, enterprise growth, and financial resilience further strengthens evidence-based decisionmaking. Together, these activities demonstrate AIT’s commitment to preparing skilled professionals, supporting entrepreneurship, and enabling organizations to pursue inclusive, ethical, and sustainable economic development.
NEWS: Origgin Ventures Visits AIT for Roundtable Discussion
AIT Research Theme: Technology, Policy & Society, Smart Communities, and Food-Energy-Water Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: former School of Engineering and Technology, former School of Environment, Resources and Development, School of Management Partners / Funded by: Origgin Ventures Pte. Ltd. (Singapore), Collaboration framework originally created with the Agency of Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Signatory of the Industry-Academia International Business Incubation Conclave Expected Social Impact: The engagement strengthens AIT’s innovation ecosystem by supporting research commercialization, startup creation, and industry-linked learning opportunities. It contributes to decent work and economic growth by helping students, researchers, and faculty connect academic knowledge with entrepreneurship and market-oriented solutions.
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Description: Representatives from Origgin Ventures Pte. Ltd. visited the Asian Institute of Technology and engaged
in a strategic roundtable discussion with AIT leadership, including the President and key institute officials. The visit facilitated exchange on partnership opportunities and innovation collaboration between industry and academia. Discussions highlighted potential areas for engagement that could support student experiences and institutional growth. The meeting underscored AIT’s ongoing focus on strengthening ties with global venture and tech partners. 🌐 https://ait.ac.th/2025/02/origgin-ventures-visits-ait-
for-roundtable-discussion/
SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2025
AIT Professor’s Startup Wins Hong Kong Regional Prize at Startup World Cup 2025
AIT Research Theme: Technology, Policy & Society, and Smart Communities Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: AIT Entrepreneurship Center, Department of Industrial Systems Engineering, Bio-Nano Material Science and Engineering and Medical Engineering programs; School of Engineering and Technology. Partners / Funded by: E3A Healthcare Pte Ltd, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), Pegasus Tech Ventures Expected Social Impact: The achievement highlights the role of academic entrepreneurship in generating health-oriented innovation, new business opportunities, and skilled employment. It also strengthens AIT’s reputation as a regional hub for research-driven startups and socially relevant innovation. Description: A startup founded by an AIT professor won a regional prize at Startup World Cup 2025. The
achievement highlights innovation and entrepreneurship. The startup demonstrated market and technological potential. It reflects AIT’s innovation ecosystem. 🌐 https://ait.ac.th/2025/07/ait-professors-startup-
wins-hong-kong-regional-prize-at-startup-worldcup-2025/
Understanding Policy Uncertainty in Global Finance
AIT Research Theme: Technology, Policy & Society and Climate Change Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: School of Management Partners / Funded by: AIT School of Management, University of the Western Cape, Hitotsubashi University, and Copenhagen Business School Expected Social Impact: The research supports more resilient and informed economic decision-making by helping financial actors understand and manage uncertainty. It contributes to sustainable economic growth by strengthening evidence-based approaches to investment, policy design, and financial stability. Description: This article examines how policy uncertainty influences global financial markets and investment decisions. It highlights the risks uncertainty poses to economic stability, capital flows, and long-term planning.
The discussion emphasizes the need for robust analytical frameworks to manage volatility. The insights support informed policymaking and financial resilience. 🌐 https://ait.ac.th/2025/07/understanding-policy-
uncertainty-in-global-finance/
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SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2025
AIT Career Forum 2025 Bridges Students with Industry and Purpose
AIT Research Theme: Technology, Policy & Society, Smart Communities, and Climate Change Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: former School of Engineering and Technology, former School of Environment, Resources and Development, Career Center, Student Union, Office of Communications and Public Affairs Partners / Funded by: Advanced Refinery Technology, Alstom Transport, AltoTech Global, Beyond Climate Solutions, Cyber Lumen Mist Academy, DigitalBlast, Inc., Green & Blue Planet Solutions, Indorama Ventures, Inventec Electronics (Thailand), Laxmi Group, New Space Intelligence, NIMB Ace, Pathumthani Concrete, Peng Shen Tech, SafeComs, Sertis, Shibaura Institute of Technology, Taiwan Education Center Thailand, Think Blue Data, Vinarco Recruitment, and Yeong Guan Heavy Industry (Thailand), Shibaura Institute of Technology and Taiwan Education Center Thailand, Philippine Airlines Expected Social Impact: The forum supports decent work by improving students’ access to career opportunities, employer networks, and market-relevant professional guidance. It also helps align AIT’s academic programs with
workforce needs and strengthens pathways from higher education to meaningful employment. Description: AIT Career Forum 2025 connected students with industry partners. The forum emphasized purposeful careers and employability. Employers and students engaged in networking. The event supported career readiness. 🌐 https://ait.ac.th/2025/10/ait-career-forum-2025-
bridges-students-with-industry-and-purpose/
PROJECTS: Management Skills and Effective Leadership, 13 to 17 January 2025
AIT Research Theme: Technology, Policy and Society Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: AIT Extension Partners / Funded by: Bangladesh Bank | Bangladesh Expected Social Impact: The course is expected to foster inclusive leadership and effective management, driving organizational growth and contributing to sustainable societal development. Description: A professional training program on Management Skills and Effective Leadership, held in January 2025. It builds core management competencies including negotiation skills for professional participants.
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SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2025
Strategic and Financial Risk Management (SFRM 2025)
AIT Research Theme: Technology, Policy and Society Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: Yunus Center Partners / Funded by: Ministry of Finance United Republic of Tanzania Expected Social Impact: To ensure a country’s long-term stability, promote economic development, and improve the well-being of its citizens. By incorporating climate change and gender considerations, the government of Tanzania can ensure their financial resources promote a more sustainable and equitable society.
Description: The Strategic and Financial Risk Management (SFRM 2025) program equips government participants with tools to integrate climate change and gender into national budget and financial planning. It is designed for financial and strategic management professionals seeking to align governance with sustainability goals.
Professional training: Effective Revenue and Budget Management (ERBM 2025)
AIT Research Theme: Technology, Policy & Society, and Smart Communities Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: Yunus Center Partners / Funded by: Ministry of Finance, United Republic of Tanzania Expected Social Impact: To ensure a country’s longterm stability, promote economic development, and improve the well-being of its citizens. By incorporating climate change and gender considerations, government of Tanzania can ensure their financial resources promote a more sustainable and equitable society. Description: The Effective Revenue and Budget Management (ERBM 2025) professional training equips
government officials with tools for integrating climate change and gender into national budget planning and financial governance. It targets professionals responsible for public sector financial management.
Institutional Capacity Assessment of SACEP
AIT Research Theme: Climate change, Technology, Policy and Society Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: AIT Extension Partners / Funded by: South Asia Cooperative Environment Program (SACEP) | Sri Lanka Expected Social Impact:
› Improved Environmental Governance and Policy › Strengthened Regional Collaboration › Long-Term Environmental and Climate Resilience Description: This project conducts an institutional capacity assessment of the South Asia Co-operative
Environment Program (SACEP). It evaluates SACEP’s governance, technical capacity, and sustainability frameworks to inform institutional strengthening efforts.
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SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2025
Expanding Horizons for Central Bankers: International Best Practices (EHCB 2025)
AIT Research Theme: Technology, Policy and Society Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: Yunus Center Partners / Funded by: Bangladesh Bank | Bangladesh Expected Social Impact: The two-week training program is designed to enhance the knowledge and understanding from a global perspective. Description: The EHCB 2025 program equips central banking professionals with cutting-edge knowledge on monetary policy, financial stability, regulatory frameworks, and emerging economic challenges. Participants engage in expert-led sessions, case studies, and peer learning to strengthen institutional resilience.
“Workforce Development for the Informal Sector through CSME” and “Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Sector in Egypt
AIT Research Theme: Smart communities Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: AIT Extension Partners / Funded by: Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) | Bangladesh Expected Social Impact: The program aims to create a lasting social impact by enhancing employment opportunities in Bangladesh’s informal sector while improving access to clean water and sanitation. It will empower local entrepreneurs and WASH practitioners through capacity-building, fostering economic resilience, and improving public health. By addressing gaps in employment and sanitation infrastructure, the program will contribute to poverty reduction, gender equality, and sustainable economic growth, ensuring stronger and healthier communities.
Description: A training program on Workforce Development for the Informal Sector and WASH Sector in Egypt, covering entrepreneurship, community engagement, and sanitation practices. It targets informal sector workers and public health practitioners.
Project Management & Leadership for Development Professionals Batch 3
AIT Research Theme: Technology, Policy and Society Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: AIT Extension Partners / Funded by: Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation
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Expected Social Impact: Improved professional skills, better project outcomes, economic growth, job opportunities, innovation, community development, resource conservation, capacity building, social and environmental responsibility, and potential contributions to global development goals.
Description: Batch 3 of the Project Management and Leadership for Development Professionals program delivers training on project management frameworks, leadership skills, and strategic planning for development sector practitioners.
SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2025
Graduation of Enterprises from Small/Micro to Medium to Large Enterprises in Japan
AIT Research Theme: Smart communities Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: AIT Extension Partners / Funded by: Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) | Bangladesh Expected Social Impact: This program is expected to empower policymakers and implementers from PKSF with strategic knowledge and tools to foster enterprise growth in Bangladesh. It will contribute to poverty reduction by enhancing economic opportunities and job creation
through the growth of SMEs. By applying international best practices, participants will be able to support a more inclusive and innovation-driven economic environment. Description: This project studies policies and practices supporting the graduation of enterprises from small and micro to medium- and large-scale in Japan, focusing on enabling factors and SME transformation pathways. It aims to draw actionable lessons for enterprise development policy.
Effective Anti-Corruption: Policy, Strategy and Practice
AIT Research Theme: Smart communities Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: AIT Extension Partners / Funded by: Anti-Corruption Commission, Bangladesh | Bangladesh | Anti-corruption commission, Bangladesh Expected Social Impact: The intent of this international training for professional development will act as a conduit for participants to ascertain a comprehensive understanding of applicable industry knowledge and practices relevant to robust cultures distinct to individual countries. Description: A comprehensive 10-day professional development program on anti-corruption policies, strategies, and practices for civil servants and government
agency officials. Participants gain practical tools to build a culture of integrity and professional ethics in public organizations.
Legal and Customer Relationship Strategies in Modern Banking
AIT Research Theme: Smart communities Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: AIT Extension Partners / Funded by: Bhutan National Bank | Bhutan Expected Social Impact: This training is expected to generate significant social impact by fostering ethical financial inclusion and improving job quality, supporting Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8). The resulting culture of regulatory compliance creates a stable, modern financial sector, crucial for Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9). By committing to transparent, legally sound practices, the bank strengthens institutional integrity, serving as a critical foundation for effective Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17) globally. Description: A professional training program on Legal and Customer Relationship Strategies in Modern Banking
for banking professionals. It covers legal frameworks and relationship management tools relevant to contemporary banking environments.
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SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2025
In-House Training Series on Operational Excellence
AIT Research Theme: Food-Energy-Water Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: AIT Extension Partners / Funded by: Nam Theun 2 Power Company Limited (NT2). | Lao PDR Expected Social Impact: Human Capital Development: Builds technical and managerial competencies across multiple NT2 departments (maintenance, mechanical, electrical, planning), enhancing workforce capability. Operational Efficiency: Reduces downtime and improves equipment life through TPM and project management best practices. Quality Culture: Embeds continuous improvement (Kaizen) and customer-focused quality principles throughout operations.
Organizational Sustainability: Aligns NT2’s internal systems with ISO 9001:2015 and global industrial standards, contributing to long-term competitiveness. Broader Impact: Strengthens the organization’s contribution to sustainable industrial growth and responsible resource use-supporting Lao PDR’s national SDG commitments. Description: An in-house training series on Operational Excellence covering Total Quality Management, Total Productive Maintenance, Project Management, and sustainable industry practices. It is designed to improve efficiency and operational performance within the organization.
Professional Training for Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)
AIT Research Theme: Technology, Policy and Society Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: Yunus Center Partners / Funded by: Druk Holdings & Investments Limited. Expected Social Impact: This course aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to directly link ERM to the strategic planning process. It helps organizations set risk appetite and make informed decisions to achieve long-term goals while considering potential risks and opportunities.
Description: A professional training program on Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), covering systematic risk identification, assessment, management, and monitoring frameworks. Participants learn to leverage risk for strategic advantage while aligning risk appetite with business objectives.
Strategic Human Resource Management & Leadership for Business Transformation
AIT Research Theme: Technology, Policy and Society Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: Yunus Center Partners / Funded by: Bangladesh Bank Expected Social Impact: Improved management of human capital is critical to the success of organizations. Description: A one-week professional development training on Strategic Human Resource Management and Leadership for Business Transformation, targeting midto senior-level officials. The course covers leadership effectiveness, people management, team building, and strategic performance management.
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SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2025
Mergers and Acquisitions Training for Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited
AIT Research Theme: Technology, Policy and Society Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: School of Management Partners / Funded by: Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited Expected Social Impact: Enhanced Knowledge: Equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully navigate the complexities of M&A transactions. Description: A specialized M&A training program for senior managers and corporate leaders at Bangchak Corporation, covering deal types, valuation, financing, due diligence, and post-merger integration. The course includes real-life case examples from the corporate context.
Executive Development Program in Corporate Banking
AIT Research Theme: Technology, Policy and Society Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: School of Management Partners / Funded by: People’s Bank, Sri Lanka; ConnectED Learning and Development Expected Social Impact: This professional development course will use a variety of training methods, combining interactive lectures with a balance of participatory learning
Description: An executive development program for corporate banking professionals aimed at strengthening strategic and analytical capabilities in financial analysis, credit risk management, and relationship management. The program prepares participants for senior roles in corporate banking.
Cohort 2-Expanding Horizons for Central Bankers: International Best Practices (EHCB2 2025)
AIT Research Theme: Technology, Policy and Society Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: Yunus Center Partners / Funded by: Bangladesh Bank Expected Social Impact: The two-week training program is designed to enhance the knowledge and understanding from a global perspective.
Description: The second cohort of the EHCB 2025 program equips central banking professionals with knowledge on monetary policy, financial stability, regulatory frameworks, and emerging economic challenges. It mirrors the first cohort in structure, using expert sessions and peer learning for institutional capacity building.
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SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2025
Business Competency Development Program for Executive Leaders
AIT Research Theme: Technology, Policy and Society Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: School of Management Partners / Funded by: National Banking Institute, Nepal Expected Social Impact:
› Strengthening Financial Institutions for Inclusive Growth › Enhancing Good Governance and Transparency in the Banking Sector
› Promoting Sustainable Economic Development › Encouraging Cross-Border Collaboration
and
Knowledge Exchange
› Empowering
Human
Capital
for
Long-Term
Transformation Description: A business competency development program for executive leaders in banking, covering modern banking trends, digital transformation, strategic
management, and corporate governance. Participants build leadership skills to manage organizational growth and technological change.
Excellence in Business Leadership and People Management
AIT Research Theme: Smart communities Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: AIT Extension Partners / Funded by: Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan Limited, Expected Social Impact:
› Apply effective leadership and people management strategies in their workplace.
› Demonstrate emotional intelligence and resilience in complex environments.
› Communicate and negotiate effectively across diverse teams.
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› Develop a leadership action plan aligned with organizational strategy.
› Lead with ethics, inclusivity, and sustainability at the core of their decision-making. Description: A five-day intensive professional development program on Excellence in Business Leadership and People Management for organizational leaders. It integrates leadership theory, Thai and international management contexts, and real-world practice to develop responsible, high-performing leaders.
SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2025
International Development Program on “Mastering HR and Conflict Management”
AIT Research Theme: Smart communities Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: School of Management Partners / Funded by: Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management; ConnetEd Learning Development Expected Social Impact: Improve capacity of commercial banks in an emerging market to act as catalysts of change Description: An international development program designed to enhance the teaching and learning skills of senior faculty at BIBM Bangladesh, focusing on HR management and conflict resolution. It strengthens faculty competencies in instructional methods and professional development.
OPERATIONS: AIT supports SDG 8 through institutional operations that connect education with employability, professional development, and industry engagement. In 2025, AIT strengthened student career readiness through platforms such as the AIT Career Forum, which brought together students, employers, schools, the Career Center, the Student Union, and external partners from technology, infrastructure, sustainability, consulting, aviation, manufacturing, and data-related sectors. This engagement helped students better understand labormarket expectations, explore career pathways, and connect with potential employers. Beyond student employability, AIT’s professional education and executive training activities support workforce development across government, banking, finance, development, infrastructure, and industry sectors. Examples include training in Management Skills and Effective Leadership, Strategic and Financial Risk Management, and Effective Revenue and Budget Management, which build management, financial planning, and governance-related competencies. AIT
also delivered programs for central banking professionals, workforce development for the informal and WASH sectors, and project management and leadership for development professionals. Additional programs in operational excellence, modern banking, enterprise risk management, strategic human resource management, mergers and acquisitions, corporate banking, and executive leadership further demonstrate AIT’s role in strengthening professional and organizational capacity. Through career services, industry partnerships, professional training, and entrepreneurship support, AIT contributes to decent work by strengthening human capital, enabling career transitions, improving organizational capacity, and preparing graduates and professionals to participate in inclusive and sustainable economic growth. This is supported by SDG 8 activities such as the AIT Career Forum, professional development programs, executive banking and leadership programs, and entrepreneurshiprelated achievements such as the AIT professor’s startup winning a regional prize at the Startup World Cup 2025.
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SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2025
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