Assumption University

Assumption University. It is a private Catholic higher education institution located in Bangkok, Thailand, and is the first international university in the country. Founded by the Brothers of Saint Gabriel, it operates under the auspices of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Bangkok. The university is known for its comprehensive programs in business, engineering, and the liberal arts, attracting a diverse student body from across Southeast Asia and beyond.

History

The institution traces its origins to the establishment of Assumption Commercial College in 1969, following the educational mission of the Brothers of Saint Gabriel, a Catholic religious order. It was officially granted university status by the Ministry of University Affairs in 1972, with its main campus initially situated in the Bang Rak District of Bangkok. Under the leadership of figures like Brother Martin de Tours, the university expanded its academic offerings and physical infrastructure. A significant milestone was the opening of its Suvarnabhumi Campus in Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan Province, in the 1990s, to accommodate growing enrollment and modern facilities.

Academics

The university is organized into several colleges and schools, including the Martin de Tours School of Management and Economics, the Albert Laurence School of Communication Arts, and the Louis Nobiron School of Engineering. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees, with many programs conducted in English. The institution maintains academic partnerships with universities worldwide, such as University of California, Riverside and University of New South Wales, facilitating student exchange and joint research. It is also known for specialized centers like the ABAC Poll and its business incubator supporting startup ventures in Thailand.

Campus

The primary Suvarnabhumi Campus is a modern, integrated complex featuring academic buildings, a central library named after St. Gabriel, and the Church of the Holy Redeemer. Key facilities include the Huamark Sports Complex, the Office of the President, and the Bang Na-based Bangna Campus which houses the Graduate School of Business. The campus architecture blends functional design with green spaces, and it is well-connected to central Bangkok via public transportation, including the Bangkok Mass Transit System.

Student life

Student life is vibrant with over 50 clubs and organizations, including the Student Senate, cultural associations, and academic societies. The university fields athletic teams, known as the Assumption University Eagles, which compete in inter-university sports leagues across Thailand. Major annual events include the AU Intramurals and the Freshy Night concert, while community service is emphasized through programs with organizations like the Red Cross Society. The campus hosts various festivals and has active chapters of international groups like the Enactus network.

Notable alumni

Graduates have achieved prominence in diverse fields such as business, politics, and the arts. In business and industry, notable figures include Pailin Chuchottaworn, former CEO of PTT Public Company Limited, and Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth, founder of Bangkok Airways and Bangkok Dusit Medical Services. In public service, alumni include Korn Chatikavanij, former Minister of Finance of Thailand, and Pimol Srivikorn, a prominent politician in Bangkok. The entertainment industry is represented by actors and media personalities like Pong Nawat and Pattie Ungsumalynn.

Category:Universities and colleges in Bangkok Category:Catholic universities and colleges in Thailand Category:Educational institutions established in 1969