Kathmandu: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli reaffirmed Nepal’s long-standing ties with the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Thailand on Thursday, pledging USD 100,000 in support of the institution’s academic mission during a high-level visit.
PM Oli, accompanied by a delegation including Ambassador Dhan Bahadur Oli, addressed the AIT community and underscored Nepal’s commitment to sustainable development, human capital growth, and regional cooperation.
“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 Oli, highlighting AIT’s role as a valuable partner in this mission.
The delegation was received by Dr. Subin Pinkayan, former Foreign Minister of Thailand; Dr. Anat Arbhabhirama, Chair of the AIT Board of Trustees; and AIT President Prof. Pai-Chi Li.
President Li expressed gratitude for Nepal’s continued support, including the newly announced contribution and the earlier Nepal Local Currency Fund. He welcomed future collaboration initiatives, including the proposal for an AIT Center in Nepal. “This renewed commitment reflects the strength of our long-standing partnership,” Li said.
Dr. Anat Arbhabhirama praised Nepal’s focus on development and reaffirmed AIT’s dedication to advancing prosperity through education and innovation.
According to AIT, Nepal has been a key partner since 1981, when it secured a seat on the institute’s Board of Trustees. To date, AIT has produced 1,795 Nepali graduates, with 181 students, seven faculty members, and 27 staff currently at the institute.
Ambassador Dhan Bahadur Oli called the visit a “major milestone” in the 67-year history of Nepal–Thailand relations and a reflection of Nepal’s commitment to academic cooperation.
The event also featured remarks from AIT Nepali Community President Utkarsh Poudel and Prof. Sangam Shrestha, Dean of AIT’s School of Engineering and Technology. Both thanked the Prime Minister for his support, noting its impact on expanding scholarships and Nepal-focused initiatives.
This marks PM Oli’s second visit to AIT, following his first 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 Thai government representative Chonvipat Changtrakul.
The visit, according to AIT, marks a historic chapter in Nepal–AIT relations and a reaffirmation of shared goals in education, regional collaboration, and sustainable development.