MSU TO CELEBRATE 44TH FOUNDATION DAY - NINE DAYS OF CELEBRATIONS

On December 1 - 9 Mahasarakham University will be having its 44th Foundation Day celebrations.
The celebrations will open just after lunch on Thursday December 1 with a traditional street parade commencing at 1300 in the afternoon. The main street running past the President's building will be closed to traffic for the duration of the celebrations.

During the celebrations the MSU campus is alive with exhibitions, talent contests and concerts which are organised by and participated in by members and staff of all MSU faculties.

There are many stalls open, including exhibition stalls created by MSU students from their relevant faculties and also by our Vietnamese, Cambodian and Chinese students. Here you can speak with students while sampling the delicious foods they have on offer.

As is usual with a festival event in Thailand there is a lively market atmosphere with many stalls set up where you can buy all sorts of foods and goods. It may be noted because there are many student 'customers' the prices seem to be a little cheaper than at your usual festival markets.

There is also a grand opening ceremony on December 1 and a closing ceremony on December 9 held opposite the President's building. Both are well worth attending. Both ceremonies include awards for academic excellence, speeches and extravagant entertainment of all types.

Mahasarakham University campus is the place to be for the nine days of December 1 -9. All are welcome to come along to help Mahasarakham University celebrate our forty-fourth birthday.

PS. For those of you in Bangkok it is not too late to join us. Thai Air operates three return flights a day to nearby Khon Kaen.


Note: Pictures are from previous year's festivities.

HANDS ON OPPORTUNITY FOR MSU STUDENTS IN MICRO BUDGET FILM MAKING

MSU Students are invited to participate in the making of a micro budget film to be shot on location in and around MSU campus.
MSU collaboration in the project has the approval of MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito.


Micro budget film maker KM Lo and producer Jean-Philippe Ury-Petesch (JP) are seeking volunteer students from MSU to act as film crew and extras for the project. 

Students selected to be part of the film crew will be paid an allowance of 300 baht per day shooting which will be paid in a lump sum at the end of the shooting, expected to be from December 22 - 31 and January 4 - 7 next year.


MSU Students! - Click here to go to the Micro Budget Film Information Page 


The film is entitled “Le Temps de Cigales – The Time of the Cicadas” which is a reference to Jean De La Fontaine’s fable. Click here for link 


Famous French Indie star Mr. Didier Wampas , lead singer of famous French punk rock/psychobilly band Les Wampas has agreed to come to Thailand at his own expense and donate his valuable time to appear in the film. (Click here for Wikipedia link to the band Les Wampas)

Mr. Didier will be in Thailand  for filming for a short time in early January.

The film will be submitted to all big European and Asian film festivals in 2012. Hopefully it will be released Thailand in August/September 2012 and then possibly in Europe.

Interested students will first attend a two hour lecture on micro budget film making given by Hong Kong born film maker/producer KM Lo on December 19. 





In KM Lo’s own words;

 “I've been invited as industry expert to lecture in many universities and I always tell students, class room is not fit for film lecturing. Just go on the set and you learn much faster.”

Film maker KM Lo is a great believer in hands on learning; urging students to take what they learn from his workshops outside to immediately put into practical use what they have learned. He has previously been involved in similar projects in Cambodia and spent time living the part when producing films on homeless in Japan.

KM Lo was accompanied to MSU last week by French born writer JP (Jean Philippe Ury-Petesch) who wrote the script for the film for initial film location selection.

It is expected the film will be shot on location in and around MSU campus.

KM Lo is also a proponent of tuk tuk cinema, a concept whereby a mobile cinema is set up using a tuk tuk, a very mobile form of cinema which can easily travel from village to village.

In early December KM Lo and JP will be giving a two hour lecture/information/recruitment session to interested students. After this there will be evening workshops where students will learn about producing a professional product on a micro budget. Shooting on location will then take place in late December and early January.

KM Lo is not bringing a film crew with him. MSU students will be directly involved in camera work, sound, costume etc. MSU students will be the film crew.

Looking into the future it is possible the micro budget film concept introduced by KM Lo opens up possibilities for the low cost production of Isan movies. There are thousands of wonderful Isan traditional folk stories, culturally significant sites whose story can be told.and traditional cultural values which can be passed on to the younger generation. Not to forget the significance of sharing Isan music and dance. Coupling micro budget film making with the concept of tuk tuk (or even song thaew) cinema and the support of the MSU business incubator and knowledge base of Mahasarakham University opens up many possibilities for the formation of a community based indigenous film industry.

It is perhaps one answer to the question of how traditional Isan cultural traditions and values can be given relevance using modern technology.

Click here to go to the Micro Budget Film Information Page 

Click here to go to KM Lo's You Tube Channel

MSU PREPARING FOR ASEAN 2015

Visitors to the President’s Building at MSU will notice something new.

On November 23 MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito and Vice President for Planning & International Relations Dr. Nathanon Trachoo oversaw the erection of twenty flagpoles comprising two sets of ten flanking each side of the entrance to the President’s building.

Each flagpole bears the flag of one of the ten members of the Association of South East Nations (ASEAN); Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

The flagpoles are a symbol of the commitment of Mahasarakham University to be well prepared when the proposed AEC (ASEAN Economic Community) is formed in 2015.

MSU is pro active in engaging with educational institutions across the ASEAN University Network in promoting collaborative research and student exchange programs.

First established in 1967, the ASEAN motto is ‘One Vision, One Identity, One Community’. Much  more information on ASEAN 2015 can be gathered from the publication Roadmap for an ASEAN Community 2009 – 2015.

MSU FACULTY OF MEDICINE 8TH ANNIVERSARY

On  November 21 nine monks participated in the ceremony commemorating the eighth anniversary of the MSU Faculty of Medicine. The ceremony,, commencing at seven am, was well attended by students, staff and executives of the  university. As is traditional, after the blessing ceremony, alms were presented to the monks.

MSU Faculty of Medicine currently has a six year open university program in Medicine as well as a graduate program in Applied Thai Traditional Medicine, a Department of Medical Science, a Geaduate Business Center plus post doctoral studies in health sciences.

Students for the Faculty of Medicine practise at hospitals in Mahasarakham, Kalasin, Roi Et, and Mukdahan hospitals as well as many community medical centres.

Later in the day MSU President  Dr. Supachai Samappito gave a progress report on the progress of the four hundred million baht two hundred bed campus hospital which is due for completion in October next year. He also reported on a future Center of Applied Thai Traditional Medicine located next to the Medical Center. This center will cater to patients receiving Thai traditional medical attention as well as producing traditional medicines and herbal products.

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.

FACULTY OF FINE AND APPLIED ARTS CHARITY BALLET CONCERT

On November 18 and 19 the MSU School of Ballet in collaboration with the North Eastern Ballet Company of Thailand and the Siri Ballet Company of Mahasarakham staged ballet performances to raise funds for flood victims in Central Thailand and Bangkok.

The performances were aptly named “Lend a Hand. Shall We Dance to 2011”

The charity performances were held in the MSU Ballet Concert Studio with two performances each night commencing at 6 pm and 8 pm respectively. The entrance fee for the performances was two hundred baht per person with staff, students and visitors given the opportunity to donate more if they wished.

The charity event raised 21,909 baht which was duly presented to MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito on November 25 at the President’s Building.

MSU FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, URBAN DESIGN AND CREATIVE ARTS ANNUAL COMEDY

On November 18 students from the Faculty of Architecture, Urban Design and Creative Arts gave their annual theatrical comedy performance. This performance is an annual event organised and ran by Year 4 students with participation by year one to three students.

The comedy performance this year is the 11^th year it has been performed.  In many faculties Year 4 students organise annual events. As well as a rite of passage it involves younger students from the faculty and is an important part of providing unity between students at all stages of their undergraduate studies. Next year it will be this year’s year three student’s turn to organise the performance.

Besides the entertainment value the annual concert showcases skills undergraduate students have learned in the application of their craft to acting, costume design and creation, scene design and creation, lighting etc.

The action was not confined to the stage only with actors moving among the audience, bringing performances ‘up close and personal’.

An exhibition of work by students from the Faculty of Architecture, Urban Design and Creative Arts was also on display for visitors and students alike to peruse while waiting for the performance to commence. 

The performance also provides students intending to study in the field of creative arts in the future a window through which they can learn about creative arts. The professional standard performances, sets, costumes and all round presentation is a credit to the creative arts students and adviser Mr. Mongkol Khan (pictured on stage, centre)

FACULTY OF TECHNOLOGY EM BALL WORKING BEE

On November 9 over three hundred people attended a working bee at the MSU Faculty of Technology to make and pack Effective Micro Organism Balls (EM Balls).

The flooding in Bangkok has been widely reported in international news for the last month. Many people do not realise large tracts of farmland in Isan have been inundated for a much longer period of time. Whole villages have been displaced for well over a month with many still waiting for floodwaters to drain.

Many farmers are harvesting crops from boats , in chest or waist high water. Others  have nothing left to harvest.

Because of the huge influx of water many areas have ‘trapped’ water. i.e. Water has flooded over man-made barriers such as roads and cannot drain naturally leaving large areas which have to be pumped out or are draining very slowly. Besides ruining crops, the standing water runs the risk of stagnating, becoming contaminated from sewage and accumulated rubbish bringing with it greatly increased risks of disease and contamination of the land.

The EM (Effective Micro-organism) balls are the brainchild of horticultural expert Professor Yasuo from Ryuku University in Okinawa, Japan. EM or balls are cast into the water. They are not harmful to humans, help restore the natural ecological balance and increases oxygen levels in water while assisting in the process of decomposition of organic matter in the water.

MSU CELEBRATES LOI KRATHONG FESTIVAL

On November 8 MSU Students celebrated the annual Loi Krathong festival. The actual celebration day this year is on November 10 but it is celebrated at MSU a little early as many students return home to celebrate with family. The festival included a parade, dancing competition, an address to the students by MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito and the tradtional floating of Loi Kratong and khomb.

The Loi Krathong Festival takes place on the evening of the full moon of the twelfth month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar.  People either make or buy the loi (float) krathong (raft) which may be described as a lotus shaped raft designed to float on water. Although scholars argue the origins of the Loi Krathong festival it may be safe to say the loi krathongs are created as an offering to  the Goddess of the water, Phra Mae Khongkai and in honour of Buddha. When they are floated on the water it is symbolic of a person letting go of their grudges and floating them away.

A traditional Loi Krathong is made from a base cut from the trunk of a banana tree or a spider lily. Decorations are made from woven banana leaves and flowers and topped with a candle and joss sticks to honour the Buddha. They can also contain some food, candles and even fingernail clippings and hair. A small coin is often put in the base as an offering to Phra Mae Khongkai .

This is why you see many young children waiting around until after the festivities are over to collect the Loi Krathongs looking for the coins.

It is also traditional at this time to float khom loi (floating lanterns) as a symbol of merit making. A khom is a lantern made from thin rice paper and similar to a hot air balloon. It has a small kerosene/compressed paper burner wired into the base which is lit. When the air inside is hot enough to float the khom it is released to float off into the night sky.  The floating of khom loi is not restricted to Loi Krathong festival. They are also floated at other Buddhist festival events.

The night of the Loi Krathong festival with the candle lit loi krathong combined with many khomb floating in the sky is an event which, once seen, will be remembered for a lifetime.

KATHIN CEREMONY AT KANTARAWICHAI

On November 6 MSU Division of Student Affairs organised a traditional Kathin event which was held this year in Ban Don Nong in Kantarawichai led by MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito and MSU Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Sujin Butdisuwan.

Kathin is a traditional Buddhist event which is normally held within four weeks of the end of Buddhist Lent. Kathin is also the name of the traditional robes worn by monks and the Kathin ceremony includes the giving of robes to the monks on this day.

MSU staff and students accompanied Dr’s Supachai and Sujin in the traditional ceremony which is a full day event commencing when the visitors  enter the village through a specially constructed gate. They then parade through the village bearing special krathin, gifts, food and money to be presented to the monks and villagers later in the day. Besides normal monk’s robes being presented, a special kathin is presented which has been hand made from pieces of cotton stitched together.

Participants join in meals, dancing and ceremonies together. This day is one of many community events illustrating the importance Mahasarakham University places on keeping traditional customs and ceremonies alive. It allows new students to meet community members and while attending MSU  feel a part of ceremonies they would normally participate in at their home towns or villages.

CET 2011 CONFERENCE - SHANGHAI

Staff and students from the Chemistry Department of MSU Faculty of Science attended the three day World Congress on Engineering and Technology (CET 2011) between October 28 and 30 in Shanghai, China. MSU was well represented at the conference with six faculty members presenting research papers.

CET 2011 comprises of fifteen separate conferences facilitated towards the global development of engineering and technology. Presenters are given the opportunity to promote their research through CET 2011 and possibly gain funding from one of the large number of representatives of governments, academic and private enterprise organisations in attendance.

CET conference proceedings will be published by IEEE and accepted papers will be indexed by EI Compendex and ISTP.