MSU PRIMARY FAREWELLS YEAR 6 STUDENTS

 On April 4 MSU Demonstration Primary School Director Dr. Maliwan Tunapan welcomed MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito to assist in presenting certificates and diplomas to Year 6 students who have just completed their final year of primary schooling.

Students were presented with leaving certificates, awards and diplomas for outstanding performance.

Many of the students will go on to attend MSU Secondary and then move on to Mahasarakham University.

MSU Primary Demonstration School runs two strands of education. One is where subjects are taught in Thai with optional subjects in English and the other as a complete primary education taught in English.

MSU Primary is considered one of the leading public Primary Schools in the province and students regularly win awards from national competitions. 

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 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

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.

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.

MSU INFORMATICS STUDENTS WIN TAT DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION

On September 28 two teams of journalism students from MSU Faculty of Informatics Department of Mass Communication received awards for five minute documentaries in a contest organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

The theme for the contest entries was based on an initiative by the TAT to promote a new attitude within the tourist industry through the promotion of cultural tourism.

The first prize of fifty thousand baht was awarded to the MSU team for their five minute short film Human and Elephant (apologies if the translation is incorrect) who entered the contest under the production pseudonym Dog Films. An honourable mention for MSU’s BBFM team gained them a five thousand baht prize.

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.

MAHASARAKHAM CREATIVE ECONOMY MODEL PROJECT LAUNCHED

On September 1 a three day exhibition and launch of the Ten Cities Creative Economy Model Project for Maha Sarakham was launched at MSU Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning.

The launch was attended by MSU President Dr. Supachai Sammapito, Vice President for Special Affairs Dr. Dr. Surachai Amornpan, the Governor of Maha Sarakham Province and representatives of the Ministry of Commerce and Department of Intellectual Property. Mahasarakham was listed last May as one of the top ten creative cities in Thailand and this project should ensure this does not change.

The project will be developed under three sections. Firstly through the provision of knowledge, technology  and creative education provided by Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham Rajabat University, MSU College of Nursing, Faculty of Agriculture (and others) , Mahasarakham College of Physical Education and Mahasarakham Technical College.

Secondly the development of human capital with an estimated one hundred thousand members of the community being provided with access to highly qualified experts, students and scholars  for self research and learning.

Thirdly, with the community mostly farm based and earning extra income from handicrafts, the project will endeavour to give the local community a sense of cultural identity. Self pride in local community and the development and understanding of a unique cultural identity is a key to successful building of human capital.

The project is supported at all levels of government, educational institutions in Maha Sarakham Province, NGO’s and local businesses alike. It will build and develop on the strengths of local geographical, social, cultural and economic wisdom.

The three day exhibition held from September 1 – 3 at MSU Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning showcased handicrafts and value added products from the Top Ten Creative Cities as well as having local community members demonstrating handicrafts.

Footnote:

 Many overseas visitors to Mahasarakham are unaware they can visit local villages and watch local artisans at work making such things as fine Thai silk, all types of reed mats,  pottery and souvenir items and to name just a few. The experience of having a photo taken with the person who actually made your ‘souvenir’ gives the item much more personal meaning than if bought at a market. 

The city of Mahasarakham is spelled as one word. The Province of Maha Sarakham is spelled as two words.

MSU PREMIER LEAGUE FOOTBALL DRAWS TO AN END

On July 30 the closing ceremony of the current MSU Premier League football season was held. The competition was run from August last year and was completed in July 2011 with eighteen teams representing MSU faculties competing.

MSU Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Sujin Butdisuwan gave the address and President Dr. Supachai Samappito presented certificates and awards. 

Awards were presented to the Faculty of Education and College of Politics and Governance with honourable mentions going to the Faculties of Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences and Nursing.

Earlier in the day MSU President Dr. Supachai swapped his gown for goalkeeping garb when he led his VIP invitation team in an exhibition match against another VIP team led by the Deputy Governor of Maha Sarakham Province. The game finished in a 2 all draw.

PERFECT SETTING FOR TRADITIONAL LEARNING

On July 22 a new cultural and social sharing program was introduced by the MSU Museum. Every Friday at 11 am at the MSU Historical Village Museum students, staff and the general public are invited to come along to a place where they can sit down and informally chat with elders.

The aim is to share wisdom in a traditional way with participants meeting together and speaking with their elders to gain knowledge and wisdom. The weekly sessions will include subjects such as traditional food preparation, astrology, Thai massage and knowledge of herbs. There will also be plays and music performed at various times.

The program provides an opportunity for all participants to share in and learn traditional wisdom in a traditional way. Naturally no meetings such as these would be complete without the sharing of traditional Isan foods such as som tam, sticky rice and lotus seeds while speaking together.

The Mahasarakham Historical Village has full size traditional Isan houses and is a perfect setting in which to host such a program. Anybody living in Mahasarakham interested in attending can make contact through the comments section at the bottom of this post.

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. 

15TH GENERAL EDUCATION FAIR

On June 23 to 24 MSU Department of Education representatives participated in the 15^th Annual General Education Exhibition at Ubon Ratchathani University.

The Education Exhibition provides an opportunity for high school students to gather information about undergraduate studies from many different institutions. Mahasarakham University’s exhibition proved to be a popular site with recreational activities, games, giveaways and prizes on offer.

 Students and teachers were on hand throughout to offer advice and information to prospective students.

The large exhibition attracted participating educational institutions from throughout Thailand.

FRESHY DAY AND FRESHY NIGHT 2011

On June 25 the culmination of orientation proceedings for freshmen and women at Mahasarakham University was celebrated with Freshy Day and Freshy Night.

Fun events were held at many faculties all over the campus and when night came all gathered together in the MSU gymnasium for a gala evening which included an address by MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito, traditional music and dance performances, joint games and activities and the much awaited selection of male and female Freshy of 2011.

 In his address Dr. Supachai told students to have pride in their identity, not only as students of MSU but also within themselves; to make sure they are mindful of cultural values and community and not to fear expressing themselves in a creative way with their contemporary senior staff and students. He also asked students to be aware there are many activities available on campus in which they can participate to relieve the stress from studying.  

As with many functions held at MSU, the glitz, glamour and quality of the entertainment on the night would rival any seen in Las Vegas

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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

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

MAHASARAKHAM - ONE OF THE TOP TEN CREATIVE CITIES IN THAILAND

On May 11 Mahasarakham was named as one of the Top Ten Creative Cities in Thailand at a ceremony hosted by the Department of Intellectual property at Government House in Bangkok. Mahasarakham was selected sixth (described as a city of learning and community development) on the list of one hundred and eight cities from all over Thailand. The list was shortened to thirty cities before the top ten were selected.

The selection guidelines included intellectual capital, stakeholders, products and services, system planning and management working towards a creative economy.

Government agencies including Provincial Development, Tourism and Sports, Chamber of Commerce, Public Works and Planning, Industrial Planning as well as many scholars from Rajabhat Mahasarakham and Mahasarakham University are to be thanked for their combined efforts in achieving this great honour.

Maha Sarakham is known throughout Thailand as a city of learning towards community development. more pics