"AITSPIN marks a significant new chapter in AIT’s evolution": Vice Minister Vijavat Isarabhakdi

Thailand's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Vijavat Isarabhakdi said that the launch of the AIT School of Professional Intelligence (AITSPIN) marks a significant new chapter in the evolution of the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), taking the institute beyond its traditional regional focus into a broader global educational network. He made the remarks while serving as Guest of Honour and Chair of the AITSPIN Inauguration Ceremony in Bangkok on May 12.

Minister Isarabhakdi, who represented Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow at the inauguration ceremony, said he had long been familiar with AIT's reputation and work, particularly during his earlier tenure as Director-General of the Department of International Organizations.

He acknowledged the presence of former Foreign Minister Subin Pinkayan, among the first batch of AIT graduates and a former Chairman of the AIT Board of Trustees,  a reminder of the close and enduring ties between AIT and Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

AIT, established in Bangkok in 1959, is a regional postgraduate institution focused on technology and management. AITSPIN, its newly launched professional school, offers hybrid programmes designed for mid-career professionals.

Stating that AI is transforming the global workforce at unparalleled speed, Minister Isarabhakdi commended AIT's approach of offering professionals a flexible, hybrid platform to upskill for the AI era. This balances academic rigour with lifelong learning and links human resource development directly to applied research. Incorporating AI competencies and ensuring their responsible use are essential for preparing professionals to navigate the region's growing complexities, he added.

The Minister drew a direct line between AITSPIN's mission and Thailand's development diplomacy, noting that programs building skilled professionals align with Thailand’s  South-South cooperation frameworks, including ongoing capacity-building initiatives with Myanmar and several African nations. He added that AITSPIN also serves Thailand's strategic national interests, reinforcing Thailand's role as a hub for regional knowledge exchange and a convener of international cooperation networks.

The Minister concluded by congratulating the AIT community, expressing confidence in the school's ability to serve working professionals and advance sustainable development across the region.

EXTERNAL LINKS

Ministry of Foreign Affairs , Government of Thailand

MFA (EN) https://www.mfa.go.th/en/content/aitspin-launch-12-may-2026-en

MFA (TH) https://www.mfa.go.th/th/content/aitspin-launch-12-may-2026-th

Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Vijavat Isarabhakdi (left) being felicitated by General Dr. Boonsrang Niumpradit (right), Chairman of AIT Board of Trustees.