US CONSULAR OFFICIALS ATTEND OPENING OF AMERICAN CORNER AT MSU

On January 18 Mr. Michael Honnold, US Embassy Cultural Attache and Ms. Wendy Zaman, US Embassy American Corner Coordinator were welcomed MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito to the new temporary home of American Corner on the ground floor of the RN Building in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

For the opening a special exhibition celebrating the birthday of Martin Luther King was on show kindly supplied by the US Embassy (Bangkok).

Many students at MSU are fascinated by American culture and way of life. American Corner is a student orientated space with facilities designed for students to create their own space. In other words the students are empowered to use the space as they see fit; they are the owners of American Corner. MSU teachers and staff are on hand to give advice and provide little supervision per se.

This opening of American Corner at MSU has been classified as a ‘soft’ opening. Soft in the way it is the opening before the official opening. American Corner at the moment is a temporary space and will be moved to a new permanent home in the near future when an official opening, hopefully attended by the US Ambassador to Thailand will take place.

MSU is very grateful to the US Embassy Consular staff for their continuing interest and for making the creation of American Corner possible. The best thing about American Corner is MSU students have it as their own to create a space where students can come to learn about American culture at their own pace and on their own terms while still having the option of kindly advice from contact with US Embassy Consular staff.  

MSU TO HOST 2ND QS MASTERCLASS ON INTERNATIONALISATION OF HIGHER EDUCATION

On March 2^nd Mahasarakham University and QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) Asia will be hosting the 2nd QS Masterclass seminar on Internationalisation of Higher Education at the elite JW Marriott Hotel in Bangkok.

Three keynote speakers, Professor Yongyuth Yuthavaong, former Minister of Science and Technology (Thailand), Mandy Mok, Managing Director of QS Asia and Dr. Kevin Downing, Senior Coordinator of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance of University of Hong Kong will address the seminar. There will also be a panel discussion on the internationalisation of higher education in the afternoon.

The seminar will provide invaluable information and networking opportunities for tertiary educational institutions on sharing knowledge and in the promotion of their universities at an international level. The QS Asia organisation has an excellent reputation in assisting in the establishment of cooperative relationships between universities on a global scale.

After the success of the 1^st QS Master Class held on campus at Mahasarakham University last year which was attended in the main by Thai Universities, this 2nd QS Masterclass seminar has quickly developed internationally through putting into practise lessons learned from the 1^st QS Master Class.

MSU’s World Class quality has been made clear as, in 2011, a number of international organizations including QS World University Ranking, SCImago Institutions Ranking (SIR) World Report, UI Green Metric World Universities Ranking, Webometric, 4icu Web Popularity Ranking, and Alexa Web Ranking, have considered MSU a fast-growing, world-class-recognized university.  

This success implies that in the near future, MSU will establish increased recognition on a national scale and globally. Moving forward towards the future on the world-class stage, MSU will continue its close partnership with QS-Asia to co-organize World Class Seminars and/or QS Master Class events.

  

Mahasarakham University will be the first Thai university to be considered under the new QS Star Rating system.

The seminar is also hosted in partnership with Guangxi University for Nationalities, China, University of the Free State, South Africa, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and University of the Philippines Diliman.

Click here for information on registration - early bird discount before Feb 15

Click here for 2nd iQS Poster and Brochure

MSU HOLDS HUGE NEW YEARS EVE PARTY

On December 29 MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito on behalf of Mahasarakham University hosted a New Years Eve Party for all MSU personnel in the forecourt in front of the President’s building.

The celebration is traditionally held a few days before New Year so people can travel back to their homes to spend the New Year holidays with family.

The theme of the evening was ASEAN, promoting unity and the sharing of cultural heritage at all levels throughout the MSU community. A highlight of the evening was the competition for the best Assocaiation of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) costume with many MSU personnel dressing up in traditional costumes of one of the ten ASEAN countries.

Dr. Supachai thanked all MSU personnel for their efforts this year and handed out new year’s gifts. Many prizes were won in the free raffle and all partook in an evening of plenty of fine food, fun and frivolity.

Click here for more pictures

MAHASARAKHAM UNIVERSITY GRADUATION DAY 2011

On December 21 Mahasarakham University held its annual graduation day ceremony. It is estimated close to one hundred thousand people were on and around MSU’s Khamriang campus during the day. An influx in numbers of people was noticeable in Mahasarakham as early as the weekend before the Wednesday of the 21^st. 

Graduation Day is a very important event for the many friends and relatives of the graduating student.

It is not uncommon for graduates to have ten or more well wishers make the journey from their homes in one of the twenty provinces in north east Thailand to join in the celebrations. The added bonus of catching a glimpse and paying homage to the much loved Princess Sirindhorn makes the journey all that much more worthwhile.

The highlight of the day is naturally the graduation ceremony where graduates are personally presented their respective degrees by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. 

Over eight thousand graduates are presented with their degrees on the day over a morning and afternoon session as the five thousand seat MSU gymnasium is not big enough to accommodate them all in one session.

Outside the gymnasium and spreading out across the campus are family, close relatives, friends and fellow students relaxing in a picnic atmosphere. Photographs are taken in their millions with many background spaces set up especially for photos. All MSU faculties also have backgrounds of various types set up at which the precious memories of the day can be recorded.

Mahasarakham University heartily congratulates all those graduates receiving their degrees on December 21. We are also very grateful for Her Royal Highness Princess Sirindhorn to have come to attend the ceremony and give us all the opportunity to pay homage to our beloved Royal Patron and King’s representative to Mahasarakham University.

Click here for pictures from MSU Facebook (Thai)

Click here for pictures from MSU Newsletter

FULL DRESS REHEARSAL FOR MSU GRADUATION DAY

Today Mahasarakham University is holding a full dress rehearsal for Graduation Day 2011 which is to be held on December 21 at the gymnasium on the new campus at Khamriang.

Graduates in full graduation regalia, students, parents, relatives and friends have all turned out in force on a beautiful clear winter’s day to attend the rehearsal.

The road leading to the new campus is lined with red, white and blue Thai national flags, yellow flags bearing HM the King’s emblem and purple flags bearing the emblem of  the much respected and loved Princess Sirindhorn, Royal Patron and the King’s representative for Mahasarakham University.

Also lining the streets leading to the campus are stalls set up selling graduation day gifts. The streets are alive with colour, cars and motorcycles, students and others alike.  The roads leading to the Khamring campus are in pristine condition, having been swept and manicured over the last week in honour of the King and in preparation for the visit on December 21 of HRH Princess SIrindhorn.

The area around the gymnasium is a hive of activity and one could be forgiven for mistaking it as actually being graduation day. Throngs of ‘almost’ graduates in their colourful academic gowns make the brightly coloured garden beds pale into insignificance. There are graduates weighed down with gifts being filmed, photographed and applauded by family fellow students everywhere. Meanwhile the gymnasium is filled to capacity with graduates seated for a full dress rehearsal of Wednesday’s ceremony.

The annual graduation ceremony at Mahasarakham University is one of many similar held at all universities throughout Thailand. It is a spectacular event at which one cannot help the feelings of pride shared by all in the achievements of the graduates. One thing is for sure; it will all be worth the effort when a lifelong memory is created for every single MSU graduate when they receive their degree; handed to them in person by the gracious, benevolent and much loved Princess Sirindhorn in two days time.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL MSU STUDENTS WHO WILL RECEIVE THEIR DEGREES ON WEDNESDAY!!!!

We are all very proud of you and wish you all the very best now and in the future.

For those who will be in Mahasarakham on Wednesday, December 21 it would be worth your while to make the journey to the new campus at Khamriang to join in the festivities of congratulating the latest MSU graduates. All welcome!

Click here for pictures
Click here for pictures from MSU NEWS (Thai)

MSU 44TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS DECEMBER 1 – 9

 Mahasarakham University celebrated its 44^th Anniversary from December 1^st to the 9^th. MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito and Vice President for Special Affairs Dr. Suracha Amornpan gave the opening addresses at the opening ceremony. MSU held nine days of celebrations with the main road into the Khamriang campus closed nightly.





Faculties set up stalls along the road and a party atmosphere was present every night with thousands of students coming to shop, watch the nightly talent shows or concerts and generally get together to have a good time.

Many, many events were held on campus including Buddhist ceremonies, theatre, talent shows, sports demonstrations.

On December 9 the closing ceremony was held with an awards ceremony and talent quest winners performing.

The fireworks displays for both the opening and closing ceremonies were spectacular. The closing ceremony stood out as something special with many people floating khomb, making for spectacular scenery adding to the bright lights and activity centred around the area of the President’s building on the closing night.

Click on the separate links for OPENING CEREMONY PICTURES and CLOSING CEREMONY PICTURES

MSU’S SUCCESSFUL PARTICIPATION AT THE 7TH QS APPLE CONFERENCE – MANILA PHILIPPINES NOV 16 -18

Mahasarakham University is actively engaging in raising the profile of our university internationally.

MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito has addressed internationalisation as the third of the five themes of his vision for the future of Mahasarakham University.

“Third is the development of Mahasarakham University as a world-class quality university. We have set a goal that within four years we will be ranked in the top eight hundred universities in the world by the Times Higher Education Supplement and that within eight years we will be in the top five hundred universities in the world.”

To this end Dr. Supachai accompanied a large MSU delegation including Vice Presidents, Deans of Faculties and academics to attend the 7^th QS APPLE (Asia Pacific Professional Leaders in Education) Conference held over three days at the four hundred year old University of Santo Tomas in Manila, the Philippines from November 16 – 18.

PRE CONFERENCE VISIT TO UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

On November 15 the full MSU delegation attended a meeting held in the Rector’s Meeting Rooms at the University of the Philippines (UP) where, after a short welcoming ceremony, a workshop and discussions were held concerning future collaborations between MSU and UP. The discussions were perhaps unique in that representatives from many faculties of both educational institutions were present and had an opportunity to network with fellow academics concerning collaborations not necessarily confined to their own faculty.

Many members of both UP and MSU met and had informal discussions during the 7^th QS APPLE Conference which commenced the day after the meeting at University of Philippines.

Mahasarakham delegates and presenters had a busy next three days at the 7^th QS APPLE conference; presenting,  attending sessions, keynote addresses and generally networking with delegates from other educational institutions.

MSU PRESENTATIONS AT 7^TH QS APPLE PARALLEL SESSIONS

Mahasarakham University showed a strong presence in the parallel sessions with five people presenting at the conference.

Dr. Tarawut Boonlua, Associate Dean for Academic and International Affairs of the Faculty of Architecture, Urban Design and Creative Arts presented on cross cultural differences in architecture resulting from feedback received from Thai students and visiting students from Purdue School of Engineering and Technology. Purdue and MSU students collaborated on a one week workshop/project involving practical bamboo product design and implementation in a local village.

MSU Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Sujin Butdisuwan gave a presentation on University Social Responsibility (USR) - one faculty one community. He spoke on MSU’s commitment to involving and bringing benefit to communities through the involvement of faculties in community projects and course research directly linking programs which can be used ‘on the ground and at the grass roots level’ for practical benefit of local communities. Indeed, as Dr. Sujin explained to his audience, the acronym MSU also stands for Morality, Social Responsibility and Unity.

Ms. Apiradee Jansaeng from MSU Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences presented on education policy and the future of Chinese education in Thailand in reference to the work done through the Confucius Institute based at Mahasarakham University. The model of the successful language and cultural programs was a key part of the presentation.

Mr. Micael Talbot of MSU International Relations Office presented on the background and implementation of the ICES (Isan Cultural Exchange Schooling) program. ICES is a program run by the MSU International Relations Office and aims to attract native English speakers to assist Thai English teachers in improving Isan primary and secondary school children’s conversational English skills.

  

Dr. Santhipharp Khamsa-ard, a lecturer at MSU Faculty of Engineering,  gave his presentation on the background and making of the film Rak Na Sarakham (Love Sarakham), locally produced and filmed on location in and around Mahasarakham. Described as using cultural film making to bring rural life to an international audience, the film also sends a message of the importance of preserving traditional cultural values, through entertaining young people in a big screen movie.

All presentations were well received with interest shown by the good attendance of international delegates at all presentations. The presenters were kept busy well after their presentations answering questions and making new contacts from many international educational organisations.

MSU ROADSHOW SHINES AT 7^TH QS APPLE

  

Mahasarkahm University also brought the MSU Roadshow to the conference. The roadshow was set up in a booth which, besides displaying posters and containing information about MSU, has the added attraction of live Isan music performances. 

Delegates could learn a little Isan dance and have their picture taken with the picture being immediately uploaded to Facebook to be shown on the screen at the booth.

Many delegates took the opportunity for a little ‘time out’ from the serious business of networking to enjoy a little ‘cultural activity’ at the MSU Roadshow booth.

The MSU Roadshow was manned for the full three days of the conference from the opening to the closing by the hardworking MSU International Relations staff of Team Leader Ms. Siremorn Prathunthip(Jiap), musician Ms. Napatchanan Boonramee (Pookie), dancer Ms. Suyanee Chaisuwan (Pang) and musician Dr. Sitthisak Champadaeng from the Faculty of Cultural Science.

The small band and dancer Pang kept the energy and vibrancy of Isan music and dance alive for the full three days, amazing for outsiders but pure enjoyment for these wonderful Isan ambassabors.

MSU SIGNS GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP WITH QS APPLE

The 7^th QS APPLE conference ended on a high note, both for Mahasarakham University and for QS Asia. Shortly after the closing addresses on November 18 Dr Supachai Samappito and QS Asia Managing Director Mandy Mok signed an agreement making Mahasarakham University a global partner of QS APPLE (Asia Pacific Professional Leaders in Education).

The QS corporation was founded in 1990 and is now considered one of the world’s premier educational networking organisations. QS Asia organises the annual QS APPLE conferences which bring together professional leaders in education from over forty countries world-wide.

The agreement is an important part of Mahasarakham University plans towards the creation of a world class university. It is believed MSU is the first university in Thailand to become a global partner with QS APPLE.

7^TH QS APPLE HOST UNIVERSITY – UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS, MANILA

The University of Santo Tomas which held the 7^th QS APPLE conference is to be congratulated on their gracious hospitality and wonderful performance during the three days of the conference. The venues were excellent, the students and staff involved could not have been more courteous and helpful. Everything ran smoothly, the food and service was excellent. One was made to feel welcome right from the start and the feedback from delegates spoken to at the conference contained nothing less than glowing praise. Congratulations on your four hundred years anniversary as an educational institution and a job well done. MSU thanks you for your hospitality. We hope we can return it in the near future.

LOOKING TOWARDS THE FUTURE WITH QS

Details are sketchy at the moment but it can be revealed discussions were held between MSU and QS Asia for Mahasarakham University to host a two or three day QS Master Class convention at a leading convention center in Bangkok in early to mid 2012. This will be in collaboration with three or four leading Asian universities. It is expected many Presidents, Vice Presidents and key administrators of world class universities will take the opportunity to attend. Internationally renowned speakers will give keynote addresses with panel discussions led by expert moderators also being held. More details as they come to hand.

MSU HOSTS NATIONAL UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT'S ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

On October 15 MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito had the pleasure of welcoming fellow Presidents of Thai Universities to the University President’s Annual General Meeting held in the conference room of Mahasarakham University President’s Building.

The Minister for Education, The Honourable Woravat Auapinyakul (pictured right) gave the opening address entitled ‘Policies of Higher Education.’

Key points under consideration at the meeting included discussion on future policy developments, preparations for 2015 and international education with other ASEAN tertiary institutions and meeting the needs of the market place through human resources development.

PHARMACY FACULTIES MEET FOR HARMONY THROUGH SPORT

On October 8 MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito presided over the opening ceremony of the Pharmacy University sports competition in the Mahasarakham University gymnasium building. Hosted by Mahasarakham University this year, the goodwill games involved participants from the Faculties of Pharmacy from six universities including Ubon Ratchathani and Khon Kaen.

The three days of events are to strengthen ties between pharmacy students from across the country. It also presents an opportunity to publicise the professional and ethical benefits of the pharmaceutical profession.

 Students participated in a variety of competitive events including football, volleyball, basketball, table tennis and cheerleading.

The games are held yearly on a rotational basis and give the students and staff participating in the Pharmacy University Games a great opportunity to unwind after examinations and to socialise with their fellow future pharmacists.

MSU RELEASES NEW VIDEO

Mahasarakham University has just released a new video.




The 5.45 minute promotional video named 'Mahasarakham University - Heart of the Northeast'  has no narration, instead showcasing MSU through imagery and text.

 There is some brief history with the video also providing imagery on some of the research institutes of MSU, many of them conducting research unique to northeastern Thailand and the Isan area.






You may also gain an insight into the MSU campus.

Pictured here are some screenshots from the video. There is no need to write more about it.

To let the video do the talking, CLICK HERE

MSU INDUSTRY COOPERATION CENTER FUNDS INNOVATIVE PROJECTS

On October 3 MSU Vice President for Planning and International Relations Associate Professor Dr. Nathanon Trachoo chaired a meeting of the board of the MSU University Industry Cooperation Center (MSUIC) to jointly consider funding project proposals submitted by various MSU faculties/departments. Twenty submissions were considered for the allocation of a total of seven hundred thousand baht in funding with one hundred thousand baht to be provided for each of seven selected projects.

The multi faceted MSU Industry Cooperation Center provides many kinds of assistance in the development of products and/or enterprises originating from MSU students, faculties or departments towards a final goal of establishing a successful business. Commonly referred to as the MSU business incubator, the MSUIC not only provides financial aid, it also provides information linking private enterprise, government departments and research facilities.

Many projects funded and developed with the assistance of the MSUIC are aimed towards community development through value adding to existing products, innovation of existing products and commercialisation of new products developed from existing community produced raw products.

Seven project proposals are to receive funding as a result of the board meeting. Some of the successful projects include the development of household textiles from bamboo, tooth floss from natural products, medicinal herbal compresses and herbal extract rice crop pest removal products.

COLLEGE OF MUSIC CELEBRATES THIRD ANNIVERSARY

On September 26 the Dean of MSU College of Music Associate Professor Dr. Supunnee Leauboonshoo welcomed MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito to join in celebrating the third anniversary of the establishment of the College of Music.

Celebrations included dedications to his Royal Highness King Bhumibol upcoming birthday on December 5, blessings from the monks, student performances and the awarding of certificates to students.

Previously part of the Faculty of Fine Arts and recognized for its efficiency in producing graduates with expertise in modern and folk music, the College of Music became an independent faculty three years ago. The college now offers undergraduate, masters and PhD  program in musical art. The college also operates a pre-university program equivalent to an upper secondary school level as a choice for high school students wishing to specialize in musical art.

MSU College of Music plays an important part in the preservation of traditional Isan music and dance with its talented students involved in performance at almost every single celebration or event held at MSU or indeed around the Mahasarakham Province.

COMPUTER CENTER - ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE COMPUTING SEMINAR

On September 19 MSU Computer Centre held a seminar and brainstorming session entitled Academic Performance Computing Projects for Mahasarakham University computer personnel.  In the morning MSU Vice President for Planning and International Relations Dr. Nathanon Trachoo presented a lecture on ‘Planning Information and Communication Technology Policy’ and Executive Director of the Computer Centre Mr. Thawatwong Lawan presented on the ‘Advancement Of Academic Computing and Best Practice In Application Development’.

Eighty five MSU computer personnel attended the seminar which included addressing information technology policy, understanding the university network, the Computer Crimes Act and exchanging technical information with agencies and organisations.

The afternoon brainstorming session was divided into three groups concentrating on internet network administration and cataloguing, the development of information systems and websites and thirdly computer services in general. The brainstorming sessions involved scope of work and responsibilities, problems encountered therein and solutions, approaches to measure and evaluate core competencies and frameworks for guidelines and assessments.