On 23rd May 2025, the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) hosted its 143rd Graduation Ceremony, awarding degrees to 252 graduates from 25 countries. The event was a testament to AIT’s standing as a leading international institution committed to innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability.
Graduating Class of 2025
The ceremony recognized graduates from across AIT’s academic programs. This year’s graduating class included 28 doctoral graduates and 224 master’s degree recipients from the School of Engineering and Technology, the School of Environment, Resources and Development, and the School of Management.
Distinguished Guests
The event welcomed a number of distinguished guests, including ambassadors, senior government officials, leaders from international organizations, academia and industry.
Their presence underscored AIT’s ongoing role as a respected institution within the global academic and professional community.
Inspiring Commencement Speeches
AT President Pai-Chi Li opened the ceremony with a message of encouragement or the graduates. He was joined by several distinguished speakers, including:
- Ms. Deepali Khanna (The Rockefeller Foundation)
- Prof. Dr. Kriengsak Chareonwongsak (Harvard University, Nation-Building Institute)
- Dr. Dindo Campilan (IUCN)
- Mr. Navin Surana (TCI Global Ventures)
Each speaker shared insights on leadership, adaptability, and global impact in a rapidly changing world.
Dr. Naveed speaks from the heart and experience
Dr. Naveed Anwar, CEO of Computers and Structures Inc (CSI) Bangkok and an AIT alumnus also gave a heart-felt speech to the students, encouraging them to use their degrees not just as credentials, but as tools to lead, adapt, and serve with humility and purpose.
Drawing on his 32-year journey with AIT, Dr. Naveed reminded graduates that “you are no longer just students. “You are masters or doctors,” emphasizing that earning a graduate degree signals not only a professional milestone but also a personal transformation and increased responsibility.
In a candid reflection on emerging technologies, he shared his own experiences with AI in the workplace, stating, “I have already replaced two assistants with AI tools,”. Yet, he also underscored what technology cannot replace: “Empathy, creativity, leadership, and connection. These human values will always remain irreplaceable.”
His message resonated strongly with attendees, with graduates describing his address as “genuine, relatable and insightful.” One student remarked, “It felt like an honest conversation with someone who one stood in our place.”
Following the ceremony, Dr. Naveed Anwar spent time engaging with graduates, exchanging thoughts and joining them for commemorative photographs – a gesture that was warmly received by the Class of 2025.
The full story of AIT 143rd graduation ceremony can be found on the Asian Institute of Technology website.
Photos from the graduation are available on AIT Facebook page.
