Following his time with the National Institute of Development Administration, IU President Michael A. McRobbie met with IU alumnus Pravesvudhi Raiva, who is executive chairman of the hugely successful Bangkok-based S&P Syndicate restaurant chain. After graduating from IU more than 40 years ago, Raiva returned to work for his family company—an ice cream parlor started by his two sisters. Since then, he has worked to grow the business into world’s largest group of full-service Thai restaurants, with 466 restaurants and bakeries around the world, including 184 in the greater Bangkok area, and around 7,000 employees.IU Kelley School of Business Dean Idie Kesner, IU Vice President for International Affairs David Zaret and IU President Michael A. McRobbie meet with IU alumnus Pravesvudhi Raiva, who is executive chairman of the S&P Syndicate restaurant chain. The meeting took place in Bangkok during the IU delegation's first full day in Thailand. IU President Michael A. McRobbie and the National Institute of Development Administration's top leaders had lunch together.At the 50th anniversary celebration of Thailand's National Institute of Development Administration entitled, “NIDA’s Legacy: A 5-Decade Focus on Sustainable Development,” IU President Michael A. McRobbie proudly shared the stage with several eminent Thai statesmen, including General Prem Tinsulanonda, former Thai prime minister and current president of the King’s Privy Council; NIDA President Pradit Wanarat; Somkid Jatusripithak, deputy prime minister for Thai economic matters; Thai Deputy Education Minister Teerakiat Jareonsettasin; and Thanong Bidaya, former Thai finance minister.IU President Michael A. McRobbie delivered a keynote address at the 50th anniversary celebration of Thailand’s National Institute of Development Administration.IU President Michael A. McRobbie accepts a gift from Associate Professor Dr. Pradit Wanarat, president of Thailand’s National Institute of Development Administration. NIDA was originally established to support national development in Thailand. The mission of NIDA has been expanded to encompass regional development in countries outside of Thailand, with the aim of producing advanced degree graduates who can serve in the public, business, and nonprofit sectors.IU President Michael A. McRobbie (center) with National Institute of Development Administration President Pradit Wanarat (right) and NIDA Council President Chirayu Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya. IU, as a founding member of the Midwest Universities Consortium for International Activities, led the consortium’s efforts 50 years ago to establish NIDA, which, today, boasts an alumni roster containing thousands of diplomats and also a prime minister.IU President Michael A. McRobbie (right) listens as National Institute of Development Administration President Pradit Wanarat points out past presidents and chairpersons of the Thai organization.IU alumnus Pravesvudhi Raiva presents IU President Michael A. McRobbie with a gift following their meeting. IU President Michael A. McRobbie (center) poses for a photo with members of the IU delegation and IU alumnus Pravesvudhi Raiva (third from right), who is executive chairman of S&P Syndicate restaurant chain.
