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By: Marianne S. Montecillo
The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and the European Federation of Financial Analysts Societies (EFFAS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote academic and professional collaboration on 24 April 2025.
Signed by AIT President Prof. Pai-Chi Li and EFFAS President Dr. Jesús López Zaballos, the MoU aims to develop and implement educational, training, and capacity-building initiatives. A core focus of the partnership is the integration of ESG principles into executive education to meet the rising global demand for responsible, future-ready financial leaders.
Key officers from AIT and EFFAS underscored the importance of their newly signed partnership in advancing executive education with a strong emphasis on ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance). Prof. Pai-Chi Li noted that the collaboration will significantly enhance the ESG specialization in AIT’s EMBA program, opening new development and career opportunities. Dr. Jesús López Zaballos described the agreement as a milestone for promoting sustainable finance and equipping professionals with the skills needed for an increasingly complex financial landscape.
Prof. Anthony Cheung emphasized that this initiative marks the beginning of broader efforts to support executive education across Asia, particularly in climate risk and ESG alignment with global standards. Prof. Yuosre Badir, Dean of AIT School of Management, highlighted the collaboration between AIT’s regional influence and EFFAS’ ESG expertise, positioning the partnership to make a lasting, positive impact on responsible leadership and sustainability education.
The signing was attended by representatives from both institutions. From EFFAS, participants included Dr. Valeria Fauner, Director of Training and Certification, and Dr. René Nicolodi, Head of Equities & Themes and Deputy Head of Asset Management at Swisscanto Invest. Representing SOM were Dr. Kamonkanok Kiatisakchai, Assistant Dean and MBA Program Director; Mr. Sam Hanna, Director of Corporate and Business Development; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Joseph French, Program Director for MSc International Finance; from the Office of International and Public Affairs were Executive Director Mr. Shawn Kelly; Mr. Sanjeet Amatya, Director of Public Affairs; and Ms. Sirima Sirimattayanan, Senior Program Officer – International Affairs.
The European Federation of Financial Analysts Societies is an organization of investment professionals across Europe. Representing finance experts—including analysts, asset managers, and risk professionals—EFFAS sets professional standards, promotes ethical conduct, and serves as a key hub for training, qualifications, and thought leadership in the European investment community.