History and background

1969

Pioneer

Bro. Bernard Mary, Principal of ACC, started a private college (ASB) in 1969 which was ultimately upgraded to a private university in Thailand.

Initiators

Assumption School of Business (ASB) was established by the Brothers of St. Gabriel in Thailand in 1969.

First Day of ASB Class

ASB was fully operational and June 2, 1969 was the first day of class with the enrollment of the first batch of 53 students.

First Student

The first student enrolled in ASB program in 1969 was Mr. Abhichat Rungsirijairatana, with Admission Number 1210001 (Class 1).

First Faculty

Faculty of Business Administration was established in the same year ASB (Assumption University) was founded in 1969.

1972

Utilization of Land for Construction of ABAC

April 1972, Rev. Bro. Prathip M. Komolmas made use of a piece of land in Hua Mak to set up Assumption Business Administration College (ABAC).

Upgraded Status

June 16, 1972, ASB was accredited by the Bureau of University Affairs as a degree-granting private college under the new name  “Assumption Business Administration College” or ABAC.

First Building

The first building at Hua Mak Campus was constructed in 1972 and later named “Saint Philip & Bernard Building” by Rev. Bro. Prathip M. Komolmas.

First President

Rev. Bro. Sompong Jirananda was appointed the first president in 1972; serving as the college Director (President) until 1974.

1974

Second President

Rev. Bro. Sompong retired and A. Wanphen Nophaket was officially appointed the second president in September 1974; serving as the college president until 1976.

Volunteer Club

June 1974, Assumption Business Administration Social Volunteer Club” was established.

Rotaract Club

ABAC’s Rotaract Club was established on October 2, 1974 with 35 members.

1975

Accreditation

August 25, 1979, Rev. Bro. Prathip M. Komolmas was named the 4th President; serving as the college President until 2002.

ABAC Dummy Company

August 25, 1979, Rev. Bro. Prathip M. Komolmas was named the 4th President; serving as the college President until 2002.

De Montfort Hall

De Montfort Hall was constructed in 1975.

1976

Intensive English Course

The compulsory non-credit “Intensive English Course” was administered for the first time on March 24, 1976.

Third President

Prof. Dr. Choop Kanchanaprakorn was appointed the third President on December 2, 1976, succeeding A. Wanphen Naphaket and serving as the college president until 1979.

Intensive English Course

The compulsory non-credit “Intensive English Course” was administered for the first time on March 24, 1976.

1977 >

First Development Plan

The college’s 10-year development plan was initiated on September 1, (during the period of 1978-1982 and 1983-1987).

1979

ABAC Newsletter

ABAC Newsletter, the first issue of Thai language newsletter was published in November 1979.

Business Computer

Business Computer Program was launched in 1979 for instruction at ABAC as the first college in Thailand to teach such a program with the approval of Ministry of University Affairs.

St. Gabriel’s Building

St. Gabriel’s Building was constructed in 1979.

Fourth President

August 25, 1979, Rev. Bro. Prathip M. Komolmas was named the 4th President; serving as the college President until 2002.

First ABAC Alumni Association

March 3, 1979, the first ABAC Alumni Association was established by Prof. Dr.  Choop Kanchanaprakorn, the College President.

Business Ethics Seminar

The Business Ethics Seminar was launched   for instruction at ABAC in 1979 as the first educational institution in Thailand to conduct such a seminar.

1980

MBA Program

An MBA Program was launched on October 23, 1980; making ABAC the first higher education institution in Thailand to offer such a Graduate Business Program.

ABAC Journal

ABAC Journal’s first issue was published in English language in December 1980

1981

Educational Change/Development

Curriculum Development Center was established on November 29, 1981

1982

International Center

An International Center was set up in 1982.

Dr. Choop Plaza

Dr. Choop Plaza was constructed in 1982.

Assumption Building

Assumption Building was erected in 1982.

First Celebrated Festival

Loy Krathong was the first festival celebrated at ABAC on October 31, 1982.

1983

St. Mary’s Square

St. Mary’s Square was constructed in 1983.

1985

Evening MBA Program

Graduate School of Business was established on June 15, 1985 and the Evening MBA Program was eventually offered.

Faculty of Insurance

The Ministry of University Affairs authorized ABAC to open Faculty of Insurance in November 1985; offering an Undergraduate Degree in Insurance.

1986

School of Arts

The Faculty of Arts was launched in November 1986; initially with the first two programs: Business English and Business French while Business Chinese and Business Japanese were added in 1987 and 1988 respectively.

Martin de Tours Building

Martin de Tours Building was erected in 1986.

Forum Luceat Lux Vestra

The Forum Luceat Lux Vestra was built in 1986.

ABAC Today

August 25, 1979, Rev. Bro. Prathip M. Komolmas was named the 4th President; serving as the college President until 2002.

Plaza Notre Dame de L’Assomption

The Plaza Notre Dame de L’Assomption was built in front of De Montfort Building on January 11, 1986.

1987

Center for Thai Arts and Culture

The Center for Thai Arts and Culture was set up in 1987.

First President of AU Alumni Association

August 25, 1979, Rev. Bro. Prathip M. Komolmas was named the 4th President; serving as the college President until 2002.

1988

School of Nursing Science

Faculty of Nursing Science was established in 1988 and fully accredited by the Ministry of University Affairs on June 1, 1992.

ABAC Journal

Graduate School of Philosophy and Religion was established in June 1988. Initially, two programs were offered: MA in Philosophy and MA in Religious Studies.

1989

Coronation Hall MCMLXXXIX

The Coronation Hall MCMLXXXIX was constructed in 1989.

1990

Sala Prathipalai

The Sala Prathipalai (Thai Pavilion) was erected at Hua Mak Campus in May 1990.

University Status Granted

ABAC was granted a new status as Assumption University (AU) by the Ministry of University Affairs on May 22, 1990.

Gate of Wisdom

The Gate of Wisdom was constructed in 1990

Logo Change

The new AU Logo devised in 1990.

Faculty of Science and Technology

Faculty of Science and Technology was established in 1990 originally with two departments: Computer Science (CS) and Information Technology (IT).

Faculty of Engineering

Faculty of Engineering was initiated in 1990 initially with two departments: Department of Electrical Engineering and Department Electronics Engineering.

1991

Student Center

Student Center was set up in 1991.

Language Center

Language Center was established in 1991.

Personnel Development Center

Personnel Development Center was established in 1991.

1992

Faculty of Law

Faculty of Law was initiated in June 1992 to produce graduates in legal profession specializing in business law.

ABAC Journal

August 25, 1979, Rev. Bro. Prathip M. Komolmas was named the 4th President; serving as the college President until 2002.

Queen’s Square

Queen’s Square was built in 1992.

Faculty of Communication Arts

Faculty of Communication Arts was established in June 1992 with two programs: Advertising and Visual Communication Arts.

1993

Graduate School of Psychology

Graduate School of Counseling Psychology was established in 1993

Graduate School of Psychology

Graduate School of Counseling Psychology was established in 1993

1994

The New Campus

Construction of the “Cathedral of Learning Building” at the new campus began on July 15, 1994 and was completed on July 15, 2000.

ABACA Profile

Cover Story

ABACA Profile Published by the Assumption Business Administration College Alumni Association as a medium for reporting news and activities of the university and the alumni association. The inaugural issue was January–February 1994.

Cover Picture:
Nirandr Hongsanukulsant
General Manager of SEIKO

Bachelor of Business Administration (Marketing) BACHELOR DEGREE PROGRAM 4
Honor: Magna Cum Laude

1995

Bang Na Campus

Bang Na Campus was officially established and approved by the Ministry of University Affairs on February 10, 1995.

St. Louis Hall

St. Louis Hall (L Building) was constructed in October 1995.

St. Raphael (SR) St. Michael (SM) St. Gabriel (SG)

The compulsory non-credit “Intensive English Course” was administered for the first time on March 24, 1976.

1997

King David

Construction of King David at Suvarnabhumi Campus began on June 1, 1997 and was completed on November 1, 2000.

Faculty of Architecture

Faculty of Architecture was established in June 1997 with two departments: Department of Architecture and Department of Interior Architecture.

Sala Jaturamook Paichitr

Construction of Sala Jaturamook Paichitr began on July 8, 1997 and completed in November 2000.

1998

Queen of Sheba Hall

The Queen of Sheba Hall was constructed at Suvarnabhumi Campus on September 1, 1998 and completed on January 1, 2000.

King Solomon Resident Hall

King Solomon Resident Hall was constructed at Suvarnabhumi Campus on November 1, 1998 and completed on December 14, 2000.

Graduate School of Education

The Graduate School of Education (GSEd) was established in 1998 with three programs comprising two M.Ed. Programs and a Ph.D. program in Educational Leadership in 2004.

Honorary Doctoral Degree

An Honorary Doctorate (Honoris Causa of Philosophy in Computer Information Systems) was conferred upon H.R.H. Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn on January 26, 1998.

Clock Tower & Museum

Clock Tower & Museum was constructed at Suvarnabhumi Campus on September 1, 1998 and completed on April 30, 2001.

1999

John XXIII Conference Center

John XXIII Conference Center was constructed on October 1, 1999 and completed on September 4, 2001.

Graduate School of English

Graduate School of English was offered in 1999.

2000

First Day of Teaching at the new Campus

The first day of teaching at the new Suvarnabhumi Campus was on March 17, 2000.

St. Louis Marie de Montfort Church

St. Louis Marie de Montfort Church was constructed on Jan 15, 2000 at Suvanabhumi campus and completed on April 30, 2002.

2001

John Paul II Sports Center

The John Paul II Sports Center was constructed at Suvanabhumi Campus in July 2001 and completed on August 25, 2002.

2002

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Presided over

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Presided over The Official Inauguration of The Cathedral of Learning, The new campus of Assumption University at Bang Na & The Centenary Celebration of The Montfort Brothers of St. Gabriel in Thailand on 27 june 2002.

Fifth President

The Installation Ceremony of The Fifth President of Assumption University of Thailand, Rev. Bro. Bancha Saenghiran, F.S.G., Ph.D., was held on Nov. 14, 2002.

Srisakdi Charmonman IT Building (SC)

Srisakdi Charmonman IT Building (SC) was constructed at Suvarnabhumi Campus in September 2002.

Graduate School of eLearning (CIDE)

Graduate School of Advanced Technology Management (GSATM) was established in 2002.

2003

AU Mall

AU Mall was constructed on January 1, 2003.

School of Music

School of Music was established in 2003 with two departments: Music Business and Music Performance.

2004

City Campus

ABAC City Campus was established in 2004 at the Emporium Tower on Sukhumvit Road.

Assumption University’s Aquatic Center

Assumption University’s Aquatic Center was constructed at Suvanabhumi Campus on October 26, 2004.

2005

Albert Laurence School of Communication Arts

Albert Laurence School of Communication Arts Building was constructed at Suvanabhumi campus and completed on September 30, 2008.

Montfort Del Rosario School of Architecture and Design

Montfort Del Rosario School of Architecture and Design Building was constructed in 2005  at Suvanabhumi campus and completed on September 30, 2008.

2007

Change of New Campus’ Name

Bang Na Campus was renamed  Suvarnabhumi Campus in 2007.

Martin de Tours School of Management and Economics

Martin de Tours School of Management and Economics Building, or MSME, was constructed in 2007 at Suvanabhumi Campus and completed on November 30, 2009.

2008

Vincent Mary School of Engineering

Vincent Mary School of Engineering Building was constructed at Suvarnabhumi Campus on May 27, 2008 and completed on November 30, 2012.

Vincent Mary School of Science and Technology

Vincent Mary School of Science and Technology Building was constructed at Suvarnabhumi Campus on May 27, 2008 and completed on November 30, 2012.

AU celebrated her 40th Anniversary

The Royal Visit of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn to Assumption University of Thailand on the occasion of the celebration of the University's 40th anniversary in 2009.

< 2009

2010 >

The Hollowed Hall of Great Thinkers

The Hollowed Hall of Great Thinkers was constructed on May 30, 2010.

The Crystal Restaurant by Chez Jean Pierre

The Crystal Restaurant by Chez Jean Pierre was constructed at Suvarnabhumi Campus on March 23, 2011 and completed in June 2011.

< 2011

2015 >

Confucius Institute

The Confucius Institute was officially established on September 12, 2015 at the  Cathedral of Learning, Suvarnabhumi Campus, Assumption University.

2017

Pan Am International Flight Training Center

Pan Am International Flight Training Center Martin Komolmas Flight Sim Building was inaugurated on May 9, 2017

20th Year Anniversary

The 20th Year Anniversary of Montfort del Rosario School of Architecture and Design was celebrated on November 6, 2017

Birthday Anniversary

Holy Mass was conducted on November 24, 2017 in felicitation of the 84th Birthday Anniversary of the Rector Emeritus and the 72nd Birthday Anniversary of the Rector Magnificus.

The 50th Anniversary of AU

The Installation Ceremony of The Fifth President of Assumption University of Thailand, Rev. Bro. Bancha Saenghiran, F.S.G., Ph.D., was held on Nov. 14, 2002.

H.M. the Queen Presides over Assumption University 50th Anniversary Grand Celebration.
Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana graciously presided over the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Assumption University on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at Suvarnabhumi Campus.

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< 2019

2023 >

A Grand Celebration in Honor of Bro. Martin's 90th Birthday

Assumption University of Thailand (AU) proudly celebrated the 90th birthday of its esteemed President Emeritus, Reverend Brother Martin Prathip Komolmas, on November 11, 2023. The grand celebration took place at The Chapel St. Louis Marie de Montfort on the Suvarnabhumi Campus, marked by a holy mass led by His Eminence Cardinal Michael Michai Kitbunchu, Archbishop Emeritus of Bangkok Archdiocese and attended by bishops from around the globe.

Sixth President

The Installation Ceremony of The Sixth President of Assumption University of Thailand, Rev. Bro. Sirichai Fonseka, F.S.G., Ph.D., on Aug. 15, 2024.

< 2024

2025 >

Gabriel Mary Research and Learning Center

Assumption University of Thailand (AU) celebrated the Feast Day of the President, Rev. Bro. Sirichai Fonseka, f.s.g., Ph.D., honoring the Archangel St. Gabriel, with a solemn blessing ceremony for its newest academic facility—the Gabriel Mary Research and Learning Center for New Energy Vehicle Technology—on September 29, 2025, at the Suvarnabhumi Campus.

The University is a non-profit institution administered by the Brothers of St. Gabriel, a worldwide Catholic religious order, founded in France in 1705 by St. Louis Marie De Montfort, devoted to education and philanthropic activities. The congregation has been operating many educational institutions in Thailand since 1901.

The University is an international community of scholars, enlivened by Christian inspiration, engaged in the pursuit of truth and knowledge, serving the human society, especially through the creative use of interdisciplinary approaches and cybertechnology.

BACKGROUND OF ASSUMPTION UNIVERSITY

St. Louis Marie De Montfort

A Pilgrim at The Tomb of St. Louis Marie De Montfort “You know that I am very indebted to this Saint and to his Treatise on True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin. Today because my pastoral visit has for the most part as its theme the sacrament of baptism, I would like to highlight the fact that, in the mind of St. Louis, the whole spiritual life flows directly from the sacrament of holy baptism as is shown by an important passage of the Act of Consecration to Jesus by the hands of Mary, written in his own precise wording”.

These are the words spoken by the Pope in the parish church of Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre, during his visit on 19th September 1996 to the tombs of Saint Louis Marie de Montfort and Blessed Marie Louise Trichet. Several times before this, the Pope had recalled that his reading of the True Devotion had been a decisive turning-point in his life, and that Montfort’s spirituality had brought him to understand that genuine Marian devotion, far from distracting us from Christ, is on the contrary rooted in the mystery of Christ and can only towards him.

Three congregations trace their foundation to Saint Louis Marie de Montfort namely:
• The Daughters of Wisdom, live out the loving search of Wisdom for wounded humanity through a variety of ministries, especially among those whom the world rejects and those alienated from the Church;

• The Company of Mary, popularly known today as the Montfort Missionaries, devoting themselves to priestly ministry and preaching
• The Brothers of the Christian Instruction of St. Gabriel, popularly known today as Montfort Brothers of St. Gabriel, formerly known as the Community of the Holy Spirit, dedicating themselves to Christian education and working among the underprivileged.

OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES

Assumption University exists for the main purpose of serving the nation by providing scientific and humanistic knowledge, particularly in the business education and management science through research and interdisciplinary approaches.
To this end it aims at forming intellectually competent graduates who :
   • Are morally sound, committed to acting justly, and open to further growth.
   • Appreciate freedom of expression, imbibe right attitudes and ideologies through a carefully integrated curriculum of Ethics, Science, Languages and Business Management.
   • Achieve academic excellence through hard work, critical thinking, and effective decision-making.

PHILOSOPHY

In loyalty to its Christian mission, Assumption University stands for
• The inculcation of respect for the three institutions of the Nation: Religion, Country, the King and a democratic way of life.
• The belief that a man justifies himself and his existence by the nobility of his work: LABOR OMNIA VINCIT
• The commitment to be a light that leads men towards the true source of all knowledge and life: LUX VERITAS

MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION

English is the officially approved medium of instruction at Assumption University. Five courses are in the Thai language but only for Thai  speaking students. Students whose native tongue is not Thai follow the same courses in English.

ENGLISH AS THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION AT ABAC
(BRO. MARTIN’S COLLECTION)

SYMBOLS

Sedes Sapientiae : The Seat of Wisdom

It is a tradition handed down for centuries that Christians venerate the Mother of Christ as “the Seat of Wisdom”. (Sedes Sapientiae)

According to Christian belief, Christ is the wisdom seated on the Throne. This implies, on the one hand, that the Mother of Christ is the Dwelling Place of the Supreme Wisdom of all science.

On the other hand, the university is the Alma Mater, or our Mother who is also the “Dwelling Place of Knowledge”. In this context, “Assumption” which, besides its religious meaning in glorification of the Mother of Christ, has yet another meaning in Thai, namely ” the Abode of Abiding Knowledge” Rightly, “Assumption University” is the Seat of Wisdom.

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Ashoka Tree

The Assumption University has adopted the Ashoka Tree as its symbol. The Ashoka Tree has as its scientific name “Polyalthea longifolia Benth & Hook. f. var. pandurata” of a Anonanceae Family, a native plant of India and Sri Lanka.

The Rationale behind the choice of the Ashoka Tree The reasons why the University has taken it as its symbol are the following:

1. The Ashoka Tree is an ever-green tree. This fact signifies freshness, coolness, and constancy, unwavering with the turning of seasons andthe changes of time. Thus, it means that the University is determined to fulfill its mission, giving emphasis to academic excellence together with quality and virtues.

2. The Ashoka Tree has a most beautiful form, majestically tall, like a stupa.

3. The Ashoka Tree is a tree with a beneficial name, because it derives from an Indian word “Ashok”, after the name of King Ashok, the Great, the most well known king during Buddha’s time, full of wisdom both in the secular and religious realms.

 4. Lastly, it is the tree first brought from India into Thailand in 1957 by the St.Gabriel Foundation of Thailand, patrons of this university (by Bro. John Mary). This first tree was planted in the compound of St. Gabriel’s College, and the Forestry Department of Thailand named it “St. Gabriel Ashoka” on 15th December 1969.

Botanic Features of the Ashoka Tree The Ashoka Tree is an ever green tree, of narrow-top can form and majestically tall. The bark is grey; its color becomes darker near the extreme top of the trunk, covered with leaves from the bottom to the top, so thick that the trunk’s characteristics can hardly be clearly visible. Its leaves are lanceolate, about 0.5-0.7 inches wide, and 4-9 inches long. The widest part of the leaf is near the base; its rim is smooth, but twisted into a tide-like form. Its flower is white greenish shade, without odor, about 1.5-1.75 inches wide. Its fruit is ellipsoid, about 0.5 inches wide and 0.75 inches long, with smooth shiny skin; its color turns yellow, red, then finally black, when it is ripe. Normally, the ripening of the fruit OCCURS between July and August every year.

COAT OF ARMS

The coat of arms of the Brothers of St. Gabriel, which is AU’s logo, is shown and engraved on many places but the biggest and noticeable one is on the wall at a stairway in the Hall of Fame.

It depicts four signs with meaningful content: the ship in the sea symbolizing the sea of life with difficulties that we have to struggle through; the DS Cross which represents Divinity and Science; A.M. and the white lilies to remind students to love their institution as their Alma Mater (Dear Mother) and be as pure in their thoughts, words and mind as the white lilies; and the star and the boat which symbolizes spiritual hope. The four symbols are framed by a shield under which is AU’s motto “LABOR OMNIA VINCIT”, which means: We can overcome all difficulties through working hard.

Brothers of st.Gabriel

The name “the Brothers of St.Gabriel” reminds us of those Brothers who sacrificed their lives, and their mother’s land, in order to help educate and develop our Thai children to grow in the right path. “LABOR OMNIA VINCIT” is the motto of our university. “We can overcome all difficulties through working hard,” or, as the Latin proverb says : “Work conquers all things,”

A.M. and The White Lilies

“A.M.” is abbreviated from a Latin word, “ALMA MATER” meaning literally” Dear Mother,” in Latin and indicating “MOTHER COLLEGE” which symbolizes that

our institution is like our “Alma Mater”, our own birth place and as a part of our own families. We should love our institution as much as we should love our own parents.

Moreover, “A.M” is also abbreviated from “AVE MARIA” (in Latin), the name of Jesus’ Mother. This means that we should love our own Mother with our heart and soul. And the beautiful snow-white lilies are symbols to remind us that we should be clean and sincere with all our thoughts, words and minds, wherever we are

“Life-Boat” Symbolized By “The Ship in The Sea”

“The ship in the Sea” symbolizes that we have to keep on struggling and facing different difficulties in the sea of life, just like the ship or the boat that fights stormy wind, steamy sun and rainy sea in order NOT to capsize in the middle of the sea. This should always remind us that “Life is a Struggle” or “ To Live is to Struggle” against the problems and difficulties and not to give up.

The Star and The Man In a Boat

“The Star and the Boat” symbolizes “Spiritual Hope”, meaning that religion is “the light of Dharma or Absolute Truth” and all the knowledge or sciences we have learned from the institution is “ the Light of the Intelligence”. Altogether they keep conduct and intelligence on track so we are not lost or capsized in the middle of the sea of life. “The man in the boat “reflects us, ourselves, rowing or guiding our own “boat of life.”

“DS” (read “D and S”)

Cross In The Middle With The Cross

“D” or Divinity represents “Religion”. We all need religion in life and mind. The Cross is the symbol of “love” and sacrifice “just as Jesus sacrificed his life for our love and he redeemed our sins as he said: “There is no other love greater than sacrificing our life for others.”

“S” or “Science” means “Knowledge,” which is the root of man’s ability to reason. Everyone should always aim at gaining more knowledge. the more we learn about mundane knowledge, the more we should also learn about “Dharma” or religious, ethical virtues.

Moreover, D|S also comes from the French phrase, “Dieu Seul,” which means “ALL WE DO IS FOR THE GRACE OF GOD ONLY.” It is to remind us of St. Louis Marie de Montfort, the founding Father of the Brothers of St. Gabriel’s motto. With this powerful motto, we have the will to work without yielding to difficulties, at studies as well as at work. We all uphold it up to this day.

“The Shield” That Frames The “Four Symbols”

The “Shield” that frames the “Four Symbols” is the “COAT OF ARMS” which stands for “HONOUR,” or “PRIDE and DIGNITY”. It also represents the HONOUR, DIGNITY, PRIDE AND PRAISE that our institution has received from the King who reigns over the Kingdom.

The Olive Branches

The wreath of the “Olive Branches” stands for “Victory or “Success.” (In ancient times, in Greek History, the athletic winner received a wreath of olive branches from the king) Or, this represents ” a wreath of high honour” to reming us that we should do good deeds to uphold the honour and fame of our beloved institution or “ALMA MATER” forever.

AU IDENTITY GUIDELINES

To maintain uniformity and standard practice, whenever required, all concerned personnel are kindly requested to download the newly revised University or Faculty Logos by visiting the following website:

The best way to raise public awareness of Assumption University is to communicate a cohesive identity through consistent use of graphic form and language. However we also recognize the need of the various departments, offices and facilities that comprise AU to express their own individual identities. There is a need to maximize both consistency and flexibility.