MSU FACULTY OF VETERINARY MEDICINE AND ANIMAL SCIENCE PROACTIVE IN THE FIELD

MSU Faculty of Veterinarian Medicine and Animal Science students have been providing free consultations and vaccinations for the pets of residents of the Sri Khan and Kantarawichai districts.

Veterinary medicine students have travelled to villages in the animal ambulance to provide free medical examinations, treatments and vaccinations to the local pet and livestock population.

The field trips promote community awareness of the animal ambulance service, animal health care, the need for protection against animal diseases and to provide information on how people can access health care for their livestock and pets.

The proactive program provides clinical practise for current students as well as promoting the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science to possible new student recruits.

The animal ambulance will be in operation travelling to local communities throughout 2012 treating animals providing free vaccinations against rabies, Lacan’s disease and parasitic and allergic skin diseases. 

WORLD WETLANDS DAY AT MSU

On February 2 MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito presided over the ceremony marking World Wetlands Day.

February 2 is the day the Ramsar Convention (on Wetlands of International Importance) treaty was signed in Ramsar, Iran in 1971. World Wetlands Day (WWD) was first celebrated in 1997 with just under two thousand Ramsar (wetland) sites of importance currently listed. Contracting parties from over one hundred and sixty countries, including Thailand, are signatories to the Ramsar Treaty.

The slogan for WWW in 2012 is Wetland Tourism: A Great Experience.

MSU Office of Academic Services, Division of Building, Department of Visual Arts, Faculty of Fine Arts, Veterinary Science and Medicine, Medical School, Centre for Book Research and the Department of Fisheries and others collaborated with fifteen neighbourhood schools and thirteen local villages in holding events raising awareness on World Wetlands Day.

Events held included fishing, rice planting , painting and dancing competitions as well as many other community activities. The focus was on raising awareness among young people of preserving wetlands (and forests) along the rivers of northeast Thailand and the important role they play in the ecological balance of nature.

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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 STRATEGIC MEETING FOR AGRICULTURAL COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

On December 28 MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito chaired meeting on strategic policy for fully engaging with community and agricultural agencies in the transfer of agricultural technology.

Mahasarakham University Farm and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, besides educating students, play a pivotal roles in the transference of modern agricultural technologies to the large farming communities in Maha Sarakham and surrounding Isan provinces.

Over fifty MSU staff, faculty and community leaders attended the strategic planning project meeting which included a brainstorming session on how best to create a future strategy consistent with the real needs of the community i.e. strategy into action.

The goal is to create a sustainable strategy whereby successful networking relationships are created between acadaemia, agricultural communities and agricultural agencies in research and development projects consistent with the real world needs of the agricultural community.

The strategic policy meeting was held in anticipation of the completion of the partially constructed Royal Agricultural Technology Transfer Center. The three storey laboratory and classroom building will also include an animal hospital providing clinical treatment for animals.

MSU BIG CLEANING DAY IN HONOUR OF H.M. KING BHUMIBOL

On December 13 the MSU Big Cleaning Day in honour of His Majesty King Bhumibol was held. More than three hundred people met on the lawn in front of the MSU condos before heading out to give the university campus a Big Clean. Trees were pruned, gardens were weeded, streets were swept and rubbish picked up on and around streets in and leading to the campus.

The event was opened by MSU Vice President for General Management Dr. Piyapun Santaveesuk. The Big Cleaning Day gives students, faculty and staff members an opportunity to pay homage to His Majesty King Bhumibol. It is also an opportunity for participants to get to know each other and to create solidarity within the Mahasarakham University community. The results of the Big Cleaning Day are now on show all around MSU campus.

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MSU BIRTHDAY WISHES FOR HIS MAJESTY KING BHUMIBOL ADULYADEJ

Everybody at Mahasarakham University is today sending their best wishes and celebrating the 84th birthday of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej (meaning Strength of the Land, Incomparable Power).
HM King Bhumibol is the world's longest reigning monarch, having been King of Thailand since 1946. Admired and respected throughout the world, the ninth Rama King of the Chakri dynasty has made it his life's work to serve his loyal Thai subjects.
HM King Bhumibol is involved in Royal projects the length and breadth of Thailand. The list of His projects is too long to mention here although His philosophy of sufficiency economy which has been embraced by the Thai people is particularly worthy of note.
Portraits of the King adorn homes, offices and public places all over the Kingdom of Thailand.
The King's birthday is also designated as Father's Day in the Kingdom.
It is difficult to put into words the respect and reverence in which King Rama IX, Bhumibol Adulyadej is held in Thailand, and indeed all over the world so we will not try, except to say;

HAPPY BIRTHDAY YOUR MAJESTY FROM EVERYONE AT MAHASARAKHAM UNIVERSITY

LONG LIVE THE KING  

MSU CONFERENCE ON STUDENT LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Between September 9 and 11 Mahasarakham University Division of Student Affairs in collaboration with MSU Student Development Office held a three day seminar and conference pertaining to the future organisation and development of MSU Student organisations at the Golden Gold Resort and Spa in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat).

MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito presided over the opening of the Student Leadership Development Conference at which reports of the previous year’s student organisation’s activities were provided, budgets reported and allocations given.

 Mahasarakham University believes it is good corporate management to engage with and include student representatives of their respective organisations in the process. The conference aims to discuss, develop and share in knowledge to provide the best and most equitable outcomes for the future needs of MSU students.

This attitude of sharing knowledge cultivates leadership, good organisation and planning for future student projects from within student organisations. MSU student organisations are very community minded and projects designed for the improved education, knowledge sharing and benefit of the general Isan community are evident in most programs MSU student organisations plan and execute. Too many to name individually, faculty or student organisations provide benefit to many different parts of Isan. It is also evident in many programs the students are very aware and mindful of the promotion and development of   HM King Bhumibol’s self sufficiency economy model.

The inclusiveness shown by Mahasarakham University through planning and sharing of knowledge at the all the way from the President through to the student base illustrates the strength of community awareness within MSU management. This inclusiveness will no doubt be passed on to the outside general community through the future deeds of the student organisations. It is from seminars such as this a successful future for both Mahasarakham University and the general population can be assured.

MSU PRESIDENT DR. SUPACHAI ACCEPTS PRESTIGIOUS GOLDEN BELL AWARD

On August 22 MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito was honoured to receive a Golden Bell at the 4^th Annual Golden Bell awards ceremony held in Phayathai, Bangkok on the third floor of the Public Relations Division of Thailand. The awards are presented to government officials and/or organisations and presented by the President of the Privy Council as the King’s Person of the Year Awards in honour of H.M. King Bhumibol.

Golden Bell Awards are organised by the National General Assembly of Thai television, news and newspapers. The awards recognise the impact and influence modern media can have on society and are given to those who have shown professional ethics and responsibility to the members of their society receiving the messages broadcast by the media. They acknowledge the speed with which modern news can be broadcast and as stakeholders in these fields have created policies, productions or overseen various media for the educational and social benefit of their audience. The awards cover such fields as education, entertainment, sports, the environment and politics.

Mahasarakham University has both a radio and television station which are very active in broadcasting in Maha Sarakham Province as well as reaching provinces outside Mahasarakham. MSU radio and television stations provide a mix of entertainment not necessarily confined to purely educational matters. Dr. Supachai, as MSU President, takes a keen interest in the development and direction of MSU’s broadcasting networks. Dr. Supachai’s Golden Bell was awarded in the field of a government officer who has contributed greatly to the benefit of society as whole.

This year one hundred and sixty-four Golden Bells were awarded over fifteen categories.

More pictures of the awards ceremony can be found on the MSU Hall of Fame web page and also in the Mahasarakham University Fan Page (Thai) photo album.

MSU COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Many faculties and divisions at Mahasarakham University are very actively involved with local communities. It is a firm policy of MSU to create an atmosphere of community involvement whether it is through bringing education to farmers or local businesses, offering the services of the faculty/division to help provide solutions for improvements or simply having students go out to a school or community site to clean up, paint or beautify an area through tree planting.

Many of these smaller, and not so small projects, which create engagement between local communities and Mahasarakham University go un-noticed and/or un-reported.

This is typical of the Isaan culture whereby all members of a community pitch in to help each other out without   expectation of self recognition or gain in return. Of course, in Isaan the wheel turns and the help will be returned, albeit not immediately nor directly.

If you spend time in north east Thailand you cannot help but notice this strength of community through common spirit of each helping the other.

It can be argued the MSU policy of involvement in community is not due to any PC directive, it is simply a natural extension of the Isaan culture and way of life.

Below are just two examples of the links being forged between MSU and local communities. 

Firstly, on June 18 MSU Faculty of Education students travelled to Nong Kham District in nearby Kantarawichai to brighten up one of the schools. Walls and fences were painted, rubbish was cleared, grass was cut and a general cleanup all round. Students and the general public from the village also got involved.

Secondly, on June 26 at Tha Khon Yang, also in the Kantarawichai District, a community workshop was held for students to meet with community leaders, the local school Director and the general public.

Organised through the office of MSU Division of Student Affairs Vice President Dr Sujin Butdisuwan and accompanied by MSU students, the workshop provides for a future where MSU students will work together with the local school and community to provide active community service and environmental development. On this visit eighty-four trees were planted to honour HM King Bhumibol.

Students also walked through the village speaking with local residents to raise awareness of the need for communities to combat mosquito larvae breeding.

As is usual at most Isaan gatherings, there was a traditional music and dance performance. 

MSU LIBRARY SUMMER CAMP FOR KIDS

On April 25 to 28 a three day fun reading summer camp for Grade one to six students was held at MSU Academic Resource Center. The camp was part of a Royal mission which is in the third year of a decade long program to improve national literacy. Named the Bibliography Conservation Project, the camp is held and financed under the patronage of the Royal Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

The initiative is to create a love of reading in young people, to familiarise them with the benefits of developing healthy reading habits, in turn creating a life-long self learning   process.

Approximately ninety students from central Mahasarakham and Kantarawichai districts had an enjoyable three days of fun filled activities. ... more pics

ONE UNIVERSITY, ONE PROVINCE PROJECT AT BAN HUAY SUN

On April 19 MSU Vice President for Special Affairs Suracha Amornpan opened a community service project at Ban Huay Sun in the Kantawaricha district. The project comes under the national initiative of ‘One University, One Province’, a program aiming to create sustainable development at a community level.

The program commencing at Ban Huay Sun includes the utilisation of the transfer of academic knowledge from the MSU Faculty of Science to the grass roots level. It encourages and teaches local community members in household management revenue, organic vegetable farming and the production of charcoal briquettes.

Surplus produce will be sold at the MSU markets in an effort to increase income and alleviate debt.

The initiative is an extension of the popular and well accepted King’s sufficiency economy philosophy. More than one hundred people attended demonstrations at the event which should ensure the program gets off to a flying start. ... more pics

‘PRAY FOR JAPAN’ PROCEEDS PRESENTED ON NATIONAL TV

On April 1 MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito, his family and MSU faculty and staff members made an appearance on Thai television station Channel 3, Bangkok.

The television appearance was to personally present a cheque for sixty-nine thousand baht to aid the victims of the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

The money was raised from donations and sales of Pray for Japan t-shirts by the people of Mahasarakham and Mahasarakham University.  ...more pics

PRAY FOR JAPAN - FUNDRAISING APPEAL LAUNCHED AT MSU

On March 17 MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito launched a fundraising appeal for the recent disaster in Japan.

The appeal has been named ‘Let’s Pray for Japan’. Staff from all MSU faculties and departments will be selling T-shirts to raise funds for Japanese disaster relief. The T-shirts are readily available and can be bought at many outlets around the campus.

We urge all students and staff of MSU as well as any reading this article to please spare a thought and Pray for Japan as well as perhaps making a small donation. .... more pics

THREE TIERED COLLABORATIONS FOR HIGH SCHOOL LIFE SKILLS

An agreement on an innovative collaborative project prototype has been developed between Mahasarakham University and Thakonyang Pittayakhom School.

MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito, Maha Sarakham Secretary of Provincial Administration Mr. Praya Sripha, MSU Director of Computing Mr. Phisit Supansri and Director of Thakonyang Pittayakhom High School attended the signing of the agreement on March 14.

The purpose of the agreement is for the benefit of junior and senior high school students extending to the benefit of the wider community. Co-operative projects such as this do more than simply provide benefit to school students.

This project brings utilises the combination of resources and knowledge from local government administration, Mahasarakham University and Thakonyang Pittayakhom School using a strategic planning and community development approach. The project includes input from those for whom the project is designed to benefit. i.e. the students and general community.

Besides providing the students with knowledge through a computing summer school, the project also includes teaching students everyday life skills and to encourage and support community-centred learning. One example is the setting up of a chicken farm at Thakonyang Pittayakhom School with produce being used to provide school lunches and excess sold at the local market. The program aims towards providing continual life skills integrating IT training to students for the strengthening and sustainability of community heritage and traditions utilising networked resources of government, education and private agencies.  .... more pics

MSU ACADEMIC SERVICES LINKING WITH COMMUNITY PROJECTS

On February 21 MSU Divisions of Research Promotion and Academic Services held a signing ceremony of the ‘Promotion and Preservation Project’ MOU between Mahasarakham communities and MSU in line with the national focus on academic relationships with communities.

MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito  and  Vice President for Academic Research, Dr. Preecha Prathepha headed the MSU representatives present at the signing.

The MOU aims to fulfill one of the mission statements of MSU in creating links between communities, their leaders, the corporate and community sectors to create social fairness and reduce social inequalities in and between local communities through education and sustainable self development.

Available under the MOU is funding for twenty-eight projects  under the MOU Working Group involving thirty-six community areas in Maha Sarakham Province. The involvement of Mahasarakham University is not confined only to Maha Sarakham Province. The ‘Promotion and Preservation Project’ also involves projects in Mukdahan, Kalasin and Roi Et Provinces. .... more pics

SOCIAL SECURITY INFORMATION SESSION FOR INTERNATIONAL STAFF

On January 11 MSU International Relations Office held an information session regarding Social Security for MSU International Staff at the meeting room in the Faculty of Science.

Mahasarakham University is in the process of ensuring all present staff employed are correctly registered and current with Social Security.

After a presentation outlining Social Security benefits a question and answer session was held with representatives from Mahasarakham Social Security Office, MSU Human Resources, Finance and International Relations making themselves available to answer questions concerning issues of Social Security. It is now MSU policy to have all current and future International Staff registered for Social Security. ...more pics

NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL 2010 AWARD TO DR. PATHOM HONGSUWAN

Congratulations to Dr. Pathom Hongsuwan from MSU’S Faculty of         Humanities and Social Science being awarded the National Research Council Annual Research Award 2010.

Hongsuwan’s work, entitled ‘The Buddha Images Myths of Lanna: Intellectual Power of the Beliefs and Relationship with Local Communities’ is a research work aiming to collect legends of Buddha first appearing in Lanna. Lanna refers to eight provinces around Chiang Mai in Upper North Thailand. (For a little background on the Kingdom of Lanna go to Wikipedia: search term Lanna)

Hongsuwan’s research includes analysis of four sets of ideas of values determining behaviour from meanings gathered from symbols of the Buddha.

The research also analyses the value and power of the Buddha legend on the local Lanna community in order to gain an understanding of the nature and social life of the Lanna which continues to this day. ...more pics