Dr. Tej Bunnag, Chairman of the AIT Board of Trustees and former Foreign Minister of Thailand, read the citation - noting that the honorary doctorate degree was awarded by AIT in recognition of Prof. Atta-ur-Rahman’s services to the academic world and for revolutionizing the higher education sector in Pakistan.
Dr. Bunnag added that during Prof. Atta-ur-Rahman’s term in office, the AIT-HEC relationship had also flourished significantly.
Highlighting Prof. Atta’s long public career, he listed his academic achievements, publications, research work, positions held, and awards and laurels conferred by Pakistan and other countries.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman stated that he was deeply honored by the degree awarded by AIT. He also took the opportunity to underscore the critical role that knowledge plays as the key driver in today’s world.
Prof. Atta identified four key pillars essential for building knowledge-based societies, namely provision of education at all levels; promotion of science and technology, engineering, and centers of excellence; placing premium on innovation and entrepreneurship; and leadership - ensuring in an effective, visionary and competent manner the transformation from agriculture-based economy to knowledge-based economy and society.
While extending best wishes to the graduating students, he advised them “not to tread the trodden path, but find your own way”; not to fear questioning; to always stand up for principles; and never to compromise on hard work.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Thailand Sohail Mahmood was also present at the graduation ceremony which was attended by members of AIT Board of Trustees, diplomatic corps, AIT faculty, students and families.
Sharing his thoughts subsequently, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood said this was a moment of joy and pride for Pakistan as the contributions of one of its illustrious scholars were recognized by a premier institution of higher learning in Asia and the world.
Four students from Pakistan, three having completed their Masters and one his Ph.D, were also awarded degrees during the graduation ceremony.
Pakistan is a founding member of AIT and presently 107 Pakistani students are pursuing Masters and Doctorate degree programmes at AIT.
Dr. Bunnag added that during Prof. Atta-ur-Rahman’s term in office, the AIT-HEC relationship had also flourished significantly.
Highlighting Prof. Atta’s long public career, he listed his academic achievements, publications, research work, positions held, and awards and laurels conferred by Pakistan and other countries.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman stated that he was deeply honored by the degree awarded by AIT. He also took the opportunity to underscore the critical role that knowledge plays as the key driver in today’s world.
Prof. Atta identified four key pillars essential for building knowledge-based societies, namely provision of education at all levels; promotion of science and technology, engineering, and centers of excellence; placing premium on innovation and entrepreneurship; and leadership - ensuring in an effective, visionary and competent manner the transformation from agriculture-based economy to knowledge-based economy and society.
While extending best wishes to the graduating students, he advised them “not to tread the trodden path, but find your own way”; not to fear questioning; to always stand up for principles; and never to compromise on hard work.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Thailand Sohail Mahmood was also present at the graduation ceremony which was attended by members of AIT Board of Trustees, diplomatic corps, AIT faculty, students and families.
Sharing his thoughts subsequently, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood said this was a moment of joy and pride for Pakistan as the contributions of one of its illustrious scholars were recognized by a premier institution of higher learning in Asia and the world.
Four students from Pakistan, three having completed their Masters and one his Ph.D, were also awarded degrees during the graduation ceremony.
Pakistan is a founding member of AIT and presently 107 Pakistani students are pursuing Masters and Doctorate degree programmes at AIT.
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