Summary Report
(Reviewed and approved by Chairman)
Asian Institute of Technology (AIT)
Executive Committee Meeting
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, Sri Ayudhya Road, Bangkok
Wednesday, 6 March 2013
1. First meeting of Newly established Executive Committee
The meeting was chaired by Mr. Nopadol Gunavibool, Chairman of the Executive Committee and Chairman of the Board.
The Chairman welcomed all the newly appointed members of the Executive Committee and thanked them for sharing their precious time, in the work of AIT.
Members in attendance were as follows:
- Professor Emeritus Dr. Sahas Bunditkul, Former Deputy Prime Minister
- Mr. Chawalit Chantararat, President of the AIT Alumni Association (AITAA), - Mother Chapter
- H.E. Mr. Pradap Pibulsonggram, Former Ambassador of Thailand to Italy and Representative of Thailand in the ASEAN Coordination Committee
- Ms. Jaruwan Ruangswadipong, Director, Human Resources Development Institute, Office of the Auditor General of Thailand
- H.E. Mr. Anil Wadhwa, Ambassador of India
- Dr. Sumate Yamnoon, Former Secretary-General, Office of the Higher Education
Commission of Thailand
- Professor I. M. Pandey, AIT Acting President
Apologies were received from the following members:
- Dr. Apichart Anukularmphai, Advisor to Deputy Prime Minister
- Professor Hubert Gijzen, Director, UNESCO Regional Science Bureau for Asia and the Pacific in Jakarta
- Prof. Somkit Lertpaithoon, Rector of Thammasat University
The following attended as invitees:
- Professor Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai, AIT Vice President for Resource Development
- Mr. Noppadon Rittiponshusit, AIT Finance Head
2. Appointment of Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee
In accordance with the Institute bye-laws, Mr. Nopadol Gunavibool, Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Executive Committee, designated Professor Emeritus Dr. Sahas Bunditkul as Chairman of the Executive Committee and H.E. Mr. Pradap Pibulsonggram as Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee.
3. Appointment of Audit Committee
The Executive Committee appointed a new Audit Committee with the following membership:
Chairman
- Dr. Sumate Yamnoon, Former Secretary-General, Office of the Higher Education Commission of Thailand
Members
- H.E. Mr. Pradap Pibulsonggram Former Ambassador of Thailand to Italy and
Representative of Thailand in the ASEAN Coordination Committee
- Ms. Jaruwan Ruangswadipong Director, Human Resources Development
Institute, Office of the Auditor General of Thailand
Secretary (in absence of the Internal Auditor)
- Ms. Worawan Limpodom, Assistant Internal Audit, AIT Internal Audit Office
4. Unaudited Actual 2012 and Proposed Budget 2013
The AIT Head of Finance made a detailed power-point slide presentation on the fund accounting system at AIT, and the unaudited actual 2012 results as well as proposed budget for 2013. The Executive Committee was informed that the external audit for the 2012 financial results were ongoing, and as part of his presentation, also showed projections vis-à-vis the Institute’s year-end results for 2013 and balance of General Reserves.
The Executive Committee agreed that a special meeting of the Audit Committee would be convened on Friday, 8 March 2013, to specifically review in more detail the financials, in particular the proposed 2013 budget, after which it would then be submitted to the Executive Committee, on Thursday, 14 March 2013, prior to its submission to the Board on Friday, 22 March 2013.
While making all efforts to increase the revenue component, the Executive Committee viewed it important to look at areas where expenses could be cut down or stagnated / postponed, until the financial situation improves.
5. Presidential Search
The Chair informed the meeting that the Board has designated the Executive Committee to serve as the search committee for the selection of the new AIT President. The Executive Committee agreed that a similar process adopted by various international organizations would be followed, which would entail announcement of an advertisement through newspapers, circulation to member states through the respective embassies, shortlisting of candidates, invitation to AIT for interviews, and final selection. It was noted that both direct applications and nominations would be encouraged. The secretariat was requested to submit a draft of the announcement for consideration by the Executive Committee at its next meeting. The Executive Committee also viewed it important that the shortlisted candidates be made aware of AIT’s situation, challenges, as well as expectations from the Institute on the role and responsibilities of the President,
6. Undergraduate Programs
Professor Worsak, AIT Vice President for Resource & Development made a presentation about the Undergraduate (UG) Program and explained why the Board's decision to start UG Program was not considered legally valid by many. Professor Pandey, the Acting President urged that this was not the time to go into the legality as the program was in its fourth year and it was no fault of the students. He requested that the Executive Committee take a pragmatic view. Dr. Sumate Yamnoon, Former Secretary-General, Office of the Higher Education Commission of Thailand, remarked that AIT is different from private and government universities and does not fall within the authorization of the Higher Education Commission to approve of the program. However, the crux of the matter would be whether or not the AIT UG program is recognized by Thailand’s Civil Service Commission as equivalent to other local/national UG programs. Like other Universities that are not under the authorization of the Higher Education Commission, ExCom recommends Acting President to get in touch with Thailand’s authorities concerned, to start the recognition process of AIT’s UG Program in accordance with Thailand’s rules and regulations as soon as possible. The representative of the Thai MFA legal department viewed that the phrase 'specializing in the Graduate study' in the Charter does not preclude starting the UG Program though AIT could continue to be known for its specialization in the graduate study. The Chairman and most members concurred that this matter should be settled before the degree certificates be issued. The Acting President also shared his view that in many countries the word Graduate may also refer to both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Dr. Sahas Bunditkul suggested that MFA should consult with the Council of State regarding the legality of the UG Program under the Thai laws.
From AIT side, at the request of Professor Pandey, Professor Worsak agreed to coordinate with MFA and other agencies.
7. Work Permit
There was a lengthy discussion on this issue, with background provided on why AIT expatriate faculty and staff require work permits, different approaches and efforts that have been taken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, implications if AIT does not comply with host country Thailand law on this matter, as well as feedback by Professor Worsak on his interactions with faculty members at the Academic Senate.
As advised by the Chairman of the Board, and recommendation of the Executive Committee, it was agreed that AIT should now initiate the process of issuing work permits to all expatriate faculty and staff. The Chairman of the Board has assured AIT of his and the Thai MFA’s full support in facilitating the process, and in the liaison with the Ministry of Labor and other concerned authorities.
The Chairman informed the meeting that according to the new AIT Charter, a Host Country Agreement with the Royal Thai Government should be negotiated, in which work permits of AIT’s expatriate faculty and staff would be included in the negotiation.
8. Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Executive Committee will take place on Thursday, 14 March 2013 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand.
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