Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific (RRC.AP) celebrated its illustrious 30th anniversary on 11th of September 2019 encompassing its humble beginning as a data centre that focuses on generating environmental and statistical datasets for South Asia to its current status as an Institute-wide centre of Asian Institute of Technology that assists countries to advance their environment and sustainable development goals through the provision of capacity-building, knowledge sharing, policy advice, and research in three thematic areas namely Climate Change, Air and Atmosphere, and Waste and Resource Management.
Festivities started with an open house that showcased posters, publications, photos and memorable moments in RRC.AP’s history that was visited by faculty, staff and students of AIT. Representatives of partner agencies, people who were part of the centre’s achievements, former colleagues and interns were also present to commemorate the occasion. By mid-day awards were handed to the winning participants of the AIT International School painting and AIT Community photo competition.
Formal celebration continued in full swing late afternoon at Robert B. Banks auditorium. Visitors were welcomed by the video presentation of RRC.AP while program were hosted by Mr. Naoya Tsukamoto, Director of RRC.AP. Welcome remarks were given by AIT President Dr. Eden Y Woon and congratulated RRC.AP in its achievements and services for the past 30 years not only in AIT but also in the Asia and the Pacific region. Dr. Woon also reiterated the role of RRC.AP to AIT’s strategic roadmap to transformation of I2E2S2, that stands for Innovation, Internationalization, Enterprise, Entrepreneurship, Stakeholders and Support.
Distinguished guests Dr. Mustaq Memon, UNEP ROAP; Mr. Suga Yoshinori, First Secretary, Embassy of Japan in Thailand on behalf of the Ministry of the Environment; Mr. Hideyuki Mori, Executive Director, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES); and Mr. Surendra Shrestha, former Vice President for Development of AIT were likewise present to congratulate and acknowledge RRC.AP. Prof. Mario Tabucanon, Emeritus Professor and a former Interim President of AIT gave a talk entitled “Transforming Higher Education for Greater Sustainability”.
Celebration concluded with a cocktail party, reminiscing all the memorable activities and achievements of RRC.AP while looking forward to another 30 years and beyond.
