MSU HOSTS 2ND IQS MASTERCLASS AND INTERNATIONALISATION SEMINAR

On March 2 Mahasarakham University hosted the 2^nd iQS International Seminar and QS Masterclass on Internationalisation of Higher Education (iQS2) at the prestigious J.W. Marriott Hotel in Bangkok. The first iQS Masterclass was held on campus in Mahasarakham just over seven months ago with mostly Thai universities represented. The interest and

positive feedback generated within Thailand prompted the expansion of iQS2 to a more international stage with MSU, in partnership with QS (Asia), inviting universities outside Thailand to co-host the event.

Guangxi University for Nationalities (GXUN, China), University of the Free State (UFS, South Africa), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and University of the Philippines (UP, Diliman Campus) joined iQS2 as co-hosts sending executive representatives as well as providing keynote speakers of international renown.

MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito gave the welcoming address affirming the theme of the seminar to establish cooperative relationships between Thai and international universities in obtaining and maintaining Masterclass status as well as to provide a platform to share knowledge and ideas in the promotion of their individual institutions.

Former Minister of Science and Technology in Thailand, Professor Dr. Yongyuth Yuthavong, headed a strong list of keynote speakers who provided a wealth of material for the two hundred participants at the seminar. Dr. Yongyuth spoke entertainingly, giving a knowledgeable overview of Asian governmental and NGO’s concerned with higher education as well as how smaller universities can work to their relevant strengths in the international education arena.

Mandy Mok, Managing Director of QS Asia, provided an oversight of the many services provided by the QS Corporation. Quacquarelli Symonds Pty. Ltd. is arguably the world leader in independently providing integrated tools and solutions for universities to fulfil their potential internationally.

Dr Kevin Downing of the City University of Hong Kong provided innovative and valuable information on challenges faced by Asian universities, while Dr. Mohmd Ismail Abd Aziz gave an insightful and thorough presentation on his as yet unpublished work on aspects of cross cultural student exchange management from actual experience at the University of Teknologi Malaysia.

Professor Wu Jinzhoo, Vice President of Guangxi University of Nationalities, China, provide a perspective of the system of minority universities in China, their relationship with the Chinese government as well as important information relevant to Chinese trade and education towards ASEAN 2015.

The inclusion of South African co-host University of the Free State speaker Dr. Drieke Hay further broadened the scope of the forum with information on international curriculum design imperatives while Dr. Maria Milagros Laurel of University of the Philippines spoke on changes and the need for adaptation occurring in higher educational institutions within the Philippines.

The intensive one day seminar was completed with an hour and a half long open forum chaired by MC Dr. Intisarn Chaiyasuk. All keynote speakers kindly made themselves available for questions and comments.

Participants partook of a sumptuous buffet dinner in the evening and next day visited the famous reclining Buddha at Wat Pho before spending time shopping at Chatuchak weekend markets.

Click here for more pictures

Click here for video (in Thai)

MSU CONTINUES IMPROVEMENT IN LATEST WEBOMETRICS WORLD UNIVERSITY RANKINGS

Mahasarakham University continues to improve in the Webometrics Ranking of World Universities with the latest half yearly rankings released in January.

Webometric rankings are designed as an indicator of the quantity and quality of electronic publications of the institution. They are published twice yearly and rank over twenty thousand higher education institutions worldwide.

 MSU broke the thousand barrier in world rankings jumping over three hundred and seventy places between July 2011 and January 2012.

Table of Webometric World University Rankings  Mahasarakham University 2009 - 2012
Month/Year	World Ranking	South East Asia	Thailand
January 2009	1393	31	18
July 2009	1443	35	20
January 2010	1470	38	20
July 2010	1618	43	18
January 2011	1254	44	17
July 2011	1101	26	13
January 2012	727	21	10

MSU continues to improve in all areas, currently rated by Webometrics as twenty-first in South East Asia and tenth in Thailand.

As MSU continues towards its goal of becoming an internationally recognised world class tertiary institution it can be expected these numbers will continue to improve.

Click here for Webometrics World University Rankings (South East Asia)

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 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

KOREAN CULTURE STUDIES STUDENTS PROMOTE THEIR ART

On September 2 MSU students from the Korean Studies Center gave a performance of Korean drama at the MSU amphitheatre to share and promote their interest in Korean Studies. MSU students and the general public braved the damp conditions to witness a colourful and dynamic stage show of traditional Korean dance and drama.

Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Dr. Somkiet Poopatwiboon, addressed the students and guests on the benefits of studying Korean language and culture. The thought of studying in Korea is very popular amongst many MSU students, as is Korean fashion, music and television shows.

The Korean Studies Center at MSU is under the direction of Dr. Kanokkun Maviang  and is a branch of the Department of Thai and Oriental Languages, in turn under the umbrella of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.  The course educates students with subject matter including everyday Korean language, Korean culture, food, music, drama and fine arts.

MSU Korean Studies Center students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Korean culture through the study and performance of Korean drama. They also have the opportunity to travel to Korea and partake in MSU’s Overseas Experience program which is in collaboration with Sangmyung University in Seoul.

More photos of the event here.  

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 HONOURED TO HOST REPUBLIC OF KOREA EMBASSY OFFICIALS

On July 27 MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito and Vice President for Planning and International Relations Dr. Nathanon Trachoo welcomed representatives of the Bangkok Embassy of the Republic of Korea.

Charge d'affaires Embassy Minister Mr. Park Wom-sup and Counsellor Mr. Kwon Sun-chil paid a courtesy call to MSU and had discussions over educational matters during a luncheon held in their honour at the MSU Staff Club building.

MSU pro-actively engages in educational collaboration with ASEAN nations and are honoured to host such distinguished guests. Mahasarakham University has many students enrolled in its Korean Studies Center where they gain Korean language and culture skills. 

NEW MSU POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS

On June 4 Dr. Supachai Samappito presided over an orientation session for future MSU post graduate students held in the expansive MSU Gymnasium. Almost three thousand post grad and doctorate students will be commencing studies at MSU in the forthcoming semester.

The orientation was to welcome the students and to provide important information regarding guidelines on enrolment fee structure and regulations regarding post grad studies.

Representatives of MSU Faculties, Research Divisions and Institutes as well as enrolment personnel were on hand to give individual advice and direction to the new post grad students.

We wish all the post grad students the best of luck with their continuing epistemological endeavours at MSU.    ... more pics

BUSY MONTH FOR MSU FACULTY OF NURSING

Nursing Public Relations

On May 18 MSU Faculty of Nursing took part in a public relations exercise at the Serm Thai department store in central Mahasarakham.

The event which coincided with the birthday of Florence Nightingale included free public screenings for breast cancer, eye disease, reflexology  and yoga sessions, food for good health as well as examples of simple exercises which can be done while at work.

The Faculty of Nursing regularly performs services such as these to raise public awareness on health issues, to encourage potential nursing students toward the benefits of a professional nursing career and to inform the public of how to access public health services.

The nursing students and teachers also gain self esteem in providing their professional services free of charge.

Nursing Certificates Presented

 On May 20 MSU Vice President for Human Resources Associate Professor Dr. Thiensak Mekkapan-opas presented seventy–seven nurses with awards for the successful completion of a Clinical Nursing Specialty Practice short course. The five month course was for the gaining of skills in the treatment of disease, screening patients, consultation advice and home health care. The course included meeting and collaborating with colleagues in other public health care agencies.

Mentoring Program for Nursing Students

On May 23 over ninety people took part in the commencement of a nursing mentoring program which will enable students from the Faculty of Nursing to gain invaluable hands on experience while studying for their degree.

The mentoring project focuses on learning in real life situations, including the use of robots in the laboratory, practical nursing in health care and community facilities while collaborating with health care professionals, support staff and services as well as assisting in real life interaction with patients.

An integrated part of the mentoring program is the inclusion of discussion groups to share ideas in applied teaching and nursing education. The program is designed to produce quality graduates as well as to strengthen cooperation and understanding between teaching and learning institutions in curriculum development relevant to modern nursing methodologies. ...more pics

CAMBODIAN STUDENTS PREPARED FOR UNIVERSITY LIFE

On May 21, MSU Vice President for Planning and International Relations, Dr. Nathanon Trachoo presented certificates to forty seven Cambodian students for successfully completing a preliminary English course before  commencing their studies at MSU. The students are on full time scholarships under a program provided by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

Besides learning English listening, speaking, reading and writing skills the students were also given tuition in adapting to Thai culture and language and living skills to make their transition into mainstream student life at Mahasarakham University as enjoyable an experience as possible.  ...more pics

MSU PRESIDENT REVEALS FIVE YEAR DRAFT STRATEGY

On May 20 MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito launched a five year draft strategic plan for Mahasarakham University after a series of brainstorming seminars and meetings held between May 11 to 18.

The series of meetings organised by MSU Department of Planning and held in accordance with the National Strategic, Economic and Social Development Plan resulted in the formation of the MSU Five Year Draft Strategic Plan.

The plan incorporates outlines, future policies and guidelines concerning vision, values, philosophy, mission, organisation and strategy for Mahasarakham University for the period 2012 until 2016.

The future philosophy includes making wisdom and technical services available to the public; a vision of ‘Wisdom of the North East and of the Country, of ASEAN and Greening the University’, expanding educational opportunities and the continued conservation of the culture and traditions of the north east. ...more pics

O.E. PROGRAM STUDENTS BOUND FOR UTM MALAYSIA

On May 15 twenty students and two staff members became the first participants in the innovative Mahasarakham University OE (Overseas Experience) Program.

Many students and staff are keen to travel overseas to study although a stumbling block for many has been the ‘fear of the unknown’ in travelling abroad to study.

Having recognised this factor as a major drawback in attracting students and staff to commit to a full term of study abroad, Mahasasarakham University in collaboration with UTM (University of Technology) Malaysia has devised the short OE Program.

The OE program is designed so students and staff can travel to UTM Malaysia for a two week period to gain exposure to Malaysian culture, language as well as participating in various classes and activities organised on and around the UTM campus.

The benefits of the OE Program are many. MSU participants will return with first-hand knowledge of overseas institutions which they can pass on to their peers, hopefully removing or allaying the ‘fear factor’ of overseas study. Secondly, the OE participants act as cultural ambassadors for MSU, hopefully creating an atmosphere whereby UTM students and staff gain more knowledge and confidence in the opportunities of student exchange on offer at MSU.

Even though the OE Program does not carry any academic credits, the personal experience gained by the participants and the passing on of this experience is invaluable for the internationalisation of Mahasarakham University.

 Mahasarakham University welcomes enquiries from any other tertiary institutions who would like to participate in the innovative OE Program. ...more pics

SIX GOLD FOR MSU AT 30TH COWBOY GAMES IN CHIANG MAI

MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito and Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Sujin Butdisuwan were invited guests at the opening ceremony of the 30^th Annual Commission for Higher Education Staff Cowboy Games held at Cowboy Stadium, Inthanin in Chiang Mai Province.

Afterwards  Dr. Supachai and Vice President for Special Affairs Dr. Suracha Amornpan showed their support by attending one the MSU football teams first round games.

The games, an initiative of the Ministry of University Affairs and hosted this year by Maejo University from May 1 to 8,  attracted over five thousand competitors representing higher education staff from one hundred and thirty four universities across Thailand. 

The motto of the games was Healthiness, Harmony and Creativity through exercise and sport.

A delegation of one hundred and fifty athletes and sports managerial staff represented MSU at the games with MSU finishing fourteenth overall in the medal tally with three gold, six silver and six bronze medals. ...more pics

OVERSEAS EXPERIENCE SCHOLARSHIPS ON OFFER FOR MSU STUDENTS

Mahasarakham University has just announced an innovative Overseas Experience Scholarship for current students.

Students of MSU can apply for Overseas Experience  Program Scholarships. These scholarships provide the opportunity for MSU students to gain valuable experience by attending international universities to learn about the country’s language, traditions, history and culture.

Recent reciprocal agreements signed between the University of Technology Malaysia (UTM) and Sangmyung University in South Korea means students from MSU can spend a short time at these universities without the extra burden of paying accommodation and participation fees.

MSU students will be able to attend UTM Malaysia from May 16 to 27 or Sangmyung University South Korea from June 29 to July 20.

For more information MSU students can click here (in Thai) or email tharnthip.k @ gmail.com

VISIT BY UTM EXECUTIVES FOR ACADEMIC EXCHANGE

The recently concluded MOU between Mahasarakham University and the University of Technology Malaysia (UTM) has definitely not been left on the shelf gathering dust.

Three executive representatives of UTM recently visited MSU to engage in academic collaborations leading to academics from MSU continuing studies at doctoral level at UTM.

UTM  Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research  and Innovation Professor Dr. Marzuki bin Khalid gave a speech on artificial intelligence to a large and appreciative Faculty of Engineering audience. Chairperson of Malaysia Deans of Graduate Studies Council Prof. Dr. Rose Alinda binti Alias spoke with academics wishing to pursue doctorate studies at UTM as did Executive Director Prof. Dr. Mohd Hamdan bin Ahmad with  members of MSU Faculty of Architecture.

The UTM executives were treated to some unique after dinner entertainment during their visit when a king cobra show performance was specially brought to the outdoor entertainment area of the newly opened MSU staff building, much to the delight of MSU students who were in the vicinity and invited to join and watch the performance. Prof. Dr. Marzuka is to be congratulated on bravely taking a good natured dare by joining in and draping an eight foot python around himself after the performance. ...more pics

MSU DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS JOBS SYMPOSIUM

On February 25 MSU Division of Student Affairs held a jobs symposium for MSU students. The symposium is a co-operation between outside companies and MSU, providing a common ground where students who are looking for work after graduation and companies who are looking to employ undergraduates can meet.

This year there were one hundred and twenty-seven companies represented which included recruitment booths, job interviews and even a registration service for students wishing to work overseas.

The jobs symposium is a collaborative initiative of the Mahasarakham Employment Office Skills Development Center,  Department of Labour and MSU’s Student Development and Welfare section of Student Affairs.  .... more pics

MSU SPORTS GAMES AWARDS CLOSING CEREMONY

MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito chaired the closing ceremony of the 16^th Ratchaphruek Sporting Games on January 27. The games are an annual event with MSU faculties and departments competing against each other in sports such as including boxing, badminton, tennis, beach volleyball, petanque, tug-of-war, takraw, table tennis, checkers and crosswords.

The games are held for over a month preceding the closing ceremony with events scheduled so as not to interfere with normal university classes or working times. The large non-compulsory participation rate is due to the strong Thai cultural sense of community engagement whether with fellow students, staff or faculty members. From the writer’s western point of view it would be worth competing simply for the opportunity to win one of the huge, glamorous trophies, a reason which does not seem to occupy the forefront of the minds of the MSU competitors.

The closing ceremony and awards presentation was themed ‘Sing for the King’ with participants and prize winners all enjoying a wonderful evening. The sentiments on the night were not so much concentrated on congratulating winners but more a spirit of everybody joining in for a celebration of good sportsmanship and community togetherness which is typically Thai. ...more pics

BRITISH COUNCIL SEMINAR ON INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION AT MSU

On January 17 MSU International Relations invited the British Council to address over seventy students and members of its executive at a seminar held in the fourth floor meeting room at the President’s Building. A representative of the British Council gave an address on issues concerning personal development opportunities and international technical co-operations with institutions in the United Kingdom.

A question and answer session followed with advice given on how students could build a network of technical co-operation with higher education institutions in the UK. ...more pics

OFFICE OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS & RESEARCH 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY SEMINAR

A technical seminar entitled Leaders in the New Millennium was held at Makasarakham’s Takasila Hotel coinciding with 10^th Anniversary celebrations of the MSU Office of Academic Affairs and Research.

MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito congratulated the staff of the Office of Academic Services and Research (OAS) for the development of its Bureau of Technical Services which creates programs and solutions benefitting not only MSU academic services but also outside organisations.

Over two hundred people attended the seminar which included an address entitled Leaders in the New Millennium given by Dr. Nitipoom Nawarat. The address was given on the subject matter of human resource management regarding the future expansion and role of the Office of Academic Services. The OAS plays a pivotal role in the dissemination of knowledge, strategic management planning and corporate strategies. It has the capabilities to provide innovative service for the enhancement of confidence and image to outside organisations. more pics