Yunus Center at AIT Launches SAR100-2.0 to Empower Women Engineers and Advance South Asia's Energy Transition

Part of the South Asia Regional Infrastructure Connectivity (SARIC) project, SAR100-2.0 is led by the World Bank and funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through Palladium International. The program equips participants with the skills to lead energy transition efforts and promote sustainable practices across South Asia.

"Through SAR100-2.0, we are investing in the people who will shape South Asia's energy future," said Dr. Faiz H. Shah, Executive Director of YCA and Program Lead for SAR100. "These women engineers will bring fresh perspectives, innovative thinking, and inclusive leadership to the complex challenges of the energy transition."

The six-month program combines flexibility and rigor, offering participants from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka comprehensive training in renewable energy integration, emerging technologies like AI and IoT, regional energy markets, and gender-inclusive leadership. It includes six online modules, an in-country field visit, and a two-week Capstone Seminar at AIT in Bangkok in June 2025. They will receive a recognized professional credential from the Energy Development Services, Management, and Technology (EDSMAT) Program, preparing them to lead in the energy sector.

The academic quality of SAR100 is supported by the Sustainable Energy Transition Program in the Department of Energy and Climate Change at AIT's School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD), under the guidance of Dean Prof. P. Abdul Salam. Dr. Jai Govind Singh, Associate Professor and Academic Lead for SAR100, oversees the rigorous curriculum delivered by international faculty.

Participants of the SAR100 program have already delivered measurable impacts in South Asia's energy sector. They have launched renewable energy projects, optimized grid systems, and influenced national policies on energy efficiency and sustainability. Many are now spearheading impactful initiatives, introducing innovative tariff designs, enhancing grid reliability in remote areas, and driving cross-border energy collaborations. Reflecting on the program's influence, Ms. Quratulain Jamil, an Energy Specialist at the Ministry of Energy, Government of Pakistan shared, "The assignments and modules I completed directly link with my work. SAR100 increased my confidence, and now my colleagues approach me for the insights I gained through the program."

Building on this legacy, SAR100-2.0 seeks to amplify these achievements by addressing emerging challenges in energy transition, renewable integration, and regional cooperation. By cultivating a network of professionals equipped with advanced knowledge and leadership skills, the program is paving the way for a resilient and sustainable energy future across South Asia.