KATHMANDU, APRIL 9
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli visited the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Thailand on Thursday, reaffirming Nepal's longstanding ties with the institution and pledging USD 100,000 in support of AIT's academic mission.
Accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Ambassador Dhan Bahadur Oli, the Prime Minister addressed the AIT community, highlighting the importance of sustainable development, human capital growth, and regional cooperation.
He was received by Dr. Subin Pinkayan, former Foreign Minister of Thailand, Dr. Anat Arbhabhirama, Chairman of the AIT Board of Trustees, and Prof. Pai-Chi Li, President of AIT, according to the press release issued by the AIT.
"Our national goal of 'Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali' reflects our commitment to building a future where all citizens can live with dignity, security, and opportunity," said PM Oli adding,"Institutions like AIT, with their focus on education and innovation, are important partners in this journey."
AIT President Prof. Pai-Chi Li expressed gratitude for Nepal's continued support, including the earlier Nepal Local Currency Fund and the recent pledge. He welcomed deeper collaboration through proposed initiatives like an AIT Center in Nepal.
"This renewed commitment reflects the strength of our long-standing partnership," President Li said, adding that AIT looks forward to advancing shared goals in sustainable development and regional progress.
Former Thai Foreign Minister Dr. Subin Pinkayan and Dr. Anat Arbhabhirama, Chair of the AIT Board of Trustees, also welcomed PM Oli. Dr. Anat praised Nepal's commitment to development and reaffirmed AIT's mission to promote prosperity through education and innovation.
To date, AIT has produced 1,795 Nepali alumni, many of whom are leaders in their fields. The current Nepali community at AIT includes 181 students, seven faculty members, and 27 staff. Nepal has had a seat on AIT's Board of Trustees since 1981.
Speaking on the significance of the visit, Ambassador Oli remarked, "This visit marks a major milestone in the 67-year history of Nepal–Thailand relations and reflects Nepal's deep commitment to academic cooperation."
President of the AIT Nepali Community, Utkarsh Poudel, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, saying, "The Prime Minister's presence today inspires us deeply. It motivates us to strive for excellence and contribute meaningfully to Nepal's development."
Prof. Sangam Shrestha, Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology and Co-Director of the Global Water & Sanitation Centre (GWSC), echoed the sentiment. "We are sincerely grateful for the Prime Minister's generous support, which will further expand scholarships and initiatives benefiting Nepal," he said.
This marks PM Oli's second visit to AIT, the first being in 2007 as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. The visit was also attended by senior government officials, representatives from Nepali institutions and the private sector, and Chonvipat Changtrakul, Minister Counsellor from Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The visit marks a historic milestone in Nepal–AIT cooperation, celebrating decades of partnership and reemphasizing a shared commitment to advancing regional collaboration and sustainable development, the press release further stated.
