With the help of a star-studded field of inaugural round golfers, the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) on January 7 opened its newly-refurbished 9-hole public golf course. H.E. Dr. Tej Bunnag (second from right), Chairman of the Asian Institute of Technology Board of Trustees, and Assistant Secretary General for Administration, Thai Red Cross Society, and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thailand, and Mr. Preecha Boodsri (far right), Governor of Pathum Thani province, co-presided over the official AIT Golf Club Opening Ceremony at the course located on the AIT campus, 42-km north of central Bangkok.
Among the other distinguished guests at the opening ceremony were (from left, above photo) Prof. Dennes T. Bergado, AIT faculty; AIT alumni Mr. Thanin Bumrungsap, Vice President Italian-Thai Development Public Company Ltd. and Dr. Chainarong Na Lamphun, President & CEO, Index International Group Co. Ltd., and former President of the AIT Alumni Association; Mr. Jean-Pierre Verbiest, Chairman of the Executive Committee of AIT Board of Trustees, and Country Director, Thailand Resident Mission, Asian Development Bank (ADB); and AIT President Prof. Said Irandoust.
The 125-rai course was recently redeveloped by Innotech Sports Management of the Innotech Group of Companies, which oversaw the changed layout and reconstructing the clubhouse. Renovation work began in March 2008 and was completed in nine months. Early indications are the new course offers a much greater challenge to players, regardless of handicap.
At the opening ceremony, H.E. Dr. Tej Bunnag, said one of his important initiatives when joining the Board of Trustees (for the first time) about five years ago was for AIT to renovate the golf course to a very high standard. Looking out at the challenging new design, Dr. Tej said this goal has been achieved, and more.
He expressed his gratitude to all concerned for developing this wonderful recreational facility for AIT. The Chairman was confident it would also boost tourism in the Institute’s home province of Pathum Thani. Dr. Tej hoped that all AIT students, as well as those from Thammasat University, would make good use their very own on-campus golf course.
AIT President Said Irandoust shared his delight on the re-opening of the AIT Golf Club, saying: “It’s not just a place to play golf. More importantly, I see it as a platform for positive meetings not only amongst staff, students, faculty and alumni, but also between the AIT community and our neighbors from Thammasat University, NSTDA’s Thailand Science Park and also people from other organizations. This is an excellent venue for us to increase our visibility and networking. The course will become a fabulous meeting place for dynamic interactions and communication.” Although the AIT president admitted that he does not play golf, this fact may soon change. “I don’t play golf but I have many good reasons to start learning soon,” he said.
