AIT Hosts Global Youth Forum on Sustainable Agribusiness and Rural Development
Over 100 participants from 10+ countries join hands for climate-ready and inclusive rural futures
The Agribusiness Management Program of the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), in collaboration with UNESCO INRULED and SEAMEO SEPS, successfully organized the International Workshop and Youth Forum on Education for Sustainable Agribusiness and Rural Development. The full-day event brought together over 100 participants representing more than ten countries—including academics, policymakers, agripreneurs, youth leaders, and development partners—to co-create pathways for building resilient, inclusive, and climate-ready rural economies across Asia and beyond.
A Global Network of Institutions and Partners
Participants represented a broad network of renowned universities and institutions such as Beijing Normal University, Kasetsart University, Srinakharinwirot University, Mahasarakham University, Yunnan Agricultural University, RMUTT, Mahidol University, Chulalongkorn University, Pathumthani University, and AIT.
Key institutional partners included UNESCO INRULED, SEAMEO SEPS, Thailand’s Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MOAC), GIZ, and China Mobile International, demonstrating the workshop’s strong multi-sectoral collaboration.
Opening Remarks: Strengthening Agribusiness for a Changing World
In his opening address, Prof. Pai-Chi Li, President of AIT, emphasized that agribusiness is more than an industry—it is a lifeline for communities facing growing climate and food security challenges. He called for stronger collaboration across education, research, and youth-driven innovation.
Prof. Zhou Zuoyu, Director of UNESCO INRULED and Vice Chairman of the University Council at Beijing Normal University, highlighted how China–Thailand cooperation in agribusiness and education is accelerating rural transformation across Southeast Asia.
Representing Thailand’s Chinese Scholar and Student Association, Mr. Wang Peng underscored the shared responsibility embedded in the UN 2030 Agenda and spotlighted the essential role of youth in shaping sustainable agri-food systems.
Workshop Designed to Bridge Expertise and Youth Innovation
Dr. Muhammad Yaseen, Organizing Chair and Assistant Professor in AIT’s Agribusiness Management Program, explained the workshop’s unique dual-platform approach:
- Expert-led sessions that shared real-world evidence and policy insights
- A youth forum and hackathon that translated these insights into innovative, youth-led solutions
This structure ensured that ideas generated throughout the day could move toward meaningful community impact.
Keynote Highlights: National, Regional, and Global Perspectives
The keynote speakers offered diverse perspectives on agriculture’s most pressing challenges:
- Ms. Tapee Vatcharangkool (MOAC, Thailand) presented Thailand’s strategies on climate resilience, reducing post-harvest losses, early-warning systems, and agricultural e-commerce.
- Ms. Abgail Lanceta (SEAMEO SEPS) emphasized the importance of empowering rural youth through education and regional collaboration.
- Dr. Qi Xinjian (UNESCO INRULED) shared global insights on cross-border farmer cooperation as a model for rural resilience.
Expert Talks: From Storytelling to Digitalization
Following the keynotes, Expert Talks expanded the conversation into actionable guidance. Speakers included:
- Dr. Jessadaporn Sthapathayanon (MOAC, Thailand)
- Dr. Lu Yao (Yunnan Agricultural University)
- Dr. Chitralada Chaiya (Mahasarakham University)
- Asst. Prof. Apirapee (Srinakharinwirot University)
- Ms. Junyu Huo (GIZ)
- Dr. Savita Tangwongkit (Kasetsart University)
Topics ranged from cooperative marketing, international talent development, and branding of local products to women’s entrepreneurship empowerment and the digital transformation of agribusiness.
Youth Forum & Hackathon: Innovation at the Center
The afternoon spotlighted the creativity and leadership of youth participants.
Prof. Manukid Parnichkun, AIT Vice President for Academic and Research, encouraged students to embrace their roles as future sustainability leaders.
Ms. Kris Chen (China Mobile International) highlighted the power of digital connectivity in bridging rural divides.
Mr. Muhammad Kashif Dogar (Government of Punjab, Pakistan) and Ms. Liu Tianyi (UNESCO INRULED) discussed youth-led agribusiness innovation and the importance of gender-inclusive digital skills.
Student teams pitched solutions across five thematic tracks:
- Sustainable Agribusiness Models
- Food Security and Resilience
- Agri-Tech and Digital Innovation
- Rural Entrepreneurship and Livelihoods
- Value Chain Development and Market Access
A distinguished Hackathon Judging Panel—including Dr. Lalita Siriwattananon (RMUTT), Mr. Dogar, Dr. Supawan Visetnoi (Chulalongkorn University), Dr. Buraskorn Torut (Mahidol University), and Ms. Kris Chen—awarded teams for creativity, feasibility, and community impact.
Closing Reflections
In his closing remarks, Prof. Avishek Datta, Head of the Department of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources at AIT, described the event as timely and transformative.
Dr. Sushil Kumar Himanshu delivered the vote of thanks, recognizing the dedication of all partners, speakers, and participants.
AIT’s Continued Leadership
The workshop reaffirmed the Asian Institute of Technology’s role as a regional leader in advancing education, research, and youth-led innovation for sustainable agribusiness and rural development. By uniting experts, practitioners, and passionate young innovators, the event sparked new ideas and collaborations that will help shape the future of rural economies across Asia.
