New Taiwan Prime Minister obtained master’s degree in Thailand

Thursday 26 February 2015 11:54
While the 55-year history of the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) is laden with achievements of its alumni, the appointment of AIT Alumnus H.E. Dr. Mao Chi-Kuo as Premier of Taiwan, is a historical first for the Institute.

The newly appointed Premier of Taiwan is the first alumnus of AIT to rise to the position of Premier. Previous AIT alumni have held senior ministerial positions in many countries all across the globe. However, H.E. Dr. Mao Chi-Kuo is the first alumnus to become Premier. As Premier of the Executive Yuan, he heads the executive branch of Taiwan.

Congratulating Dr. Mao, AIT President Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai described it as “a true testimony to the success of AIT’s alumni in Taiwan.” It is an indicator of the immense contributions that AIT alumni have made towards its economic development and prosperity.” Prof. Worsak added.

Dr. Mao’s association with AIT stems from his Master’s degree in Engineering from the Division of Community and Rural Development in 1975. He followed it with a Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1982. His Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering is from the National Cheng Kung University in Tainan, Taiwan.

Dr. Mao has continued interaction with his alma mater and visited AIT in June 2002 in his capacity as Chairman of Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd. to explore academic collaboration.

Dr. Mao has held several academic positions. He was Chair Professor of the College of Management, National Chiao Tung University (NCTU), and served as its Dean from 2006-2008. Dr. Mao also worked in NCTU in various other positions including Associate Professor, Professor and Director.

Photo caption: H.E. Dr. Mao Chi-Kuo