GOODWILL VISIT TO MSU BY UNITED STATES EMBASSY OFFCIALS

On August 11 MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito welcomed Mr. Jose Collazo and representatives of the Embassy of the United States of America in Bangkok who paid a goodwill visit and gave a presentation to students on American Culture and Society.

Organised through the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences the goodwill visit was to provide information on mutual cultural exchanges as well as to give MSU students a greater understanding of modern American society and culture. Most Thai student’s knowledge of American culture is gained from watching Hollywood movies or music videos which provides a very different perspective from perhaps the true American society and cultural values.

A large audience of students, teachers and other interested people were in attendance for Mr Collazo’s presentation giving an indication of how popular the idea of travelling to visit or study in the United States is with MSU students.

In the afternoon the delegation visited some of the MSU Faculties including Humanities and Social Sciences, Politics and Governance and Accounting and Management.

PRINCE OF SONGKLA UNIVERSITY STUDY VISIT

On April 22 MSU Division of Student Affairs welcomed a study delegation from the Prince of Songkla University Phuket Campus at a reception held in the conference room of the Division of Student Affairs.

The study visit is a joint Prince of Songkla- MSU initiative to engage in the exchange of information regarding management structures of student organisations, community groups and experiences of exchange students.

An exciting aspect of the study tour is the inclusion and involvement of students and student council representatives of both institutions. The invitation and inclusion of student input shown by both MSU and Prince of Songkla Student Affairs administrators is to be applauded. It is an initiative which should help greatly in keeping the future development of student affairs, organisations and communities current and adaptable. ...more pics

SONGKRAN AT MAHASARAKHAM UNIVERSITY

Songkran ceremonies and celebrations are held early at MSU as many students travel to their respective homes for the official holiday to the nineteen Isan Provinces from which MSU draws its students.

 MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito led a full day of Songkran ceremonies and festivities which were celebrated on April 8. Commencing at 7 am Dr.Supachai, MSU Executives and many others visited the City Pillar and then the Buddha at the MSU Northeastern Arts and Culture centre for a bathing ceremony.

At noon there was a merit making ceremony held in the grounds of the President’s Building. which preceded a grand parade followed by a full afternoon of entertainment, festivities and competitions. There was a beauty competition, popularity competition, dancing competition and a talent quest.

It is times such as these the full kindness, joy of life and welcoming attitude of Isan people is exemplified.

For any foreigner these goings on seem all very delightful and surprising while at the same time very strange so it is natural to feel a little out of place. Isan people soon make you feel comfortable and at ease as you are gently invited to participate in all ceremonies and festivities.

You do not feel excluded in the religious merit making ceremonies. You are invited to participate and are not ridiculed if you make a faux pas. You can join in with the parade and you can join in the dancing no matter how awkward your style. Isan people, both male and female, sing and dance from the time they are born and the exuberance and pure joy of the celebration combined with the loud and lively traditional and modern Isan music make it almost impossible for one not to join in and share the wonderful feelings.

The breathtaking beauty and colour of the traditional costumes, the adrenalin of the non-stop loud music, the elegance of movement accompanied by ubiquitous smiles make the Songkran festivities an unforgettable experience. A celebration of this kind should be on everybody’s ‘Things to Experience In My Lifetime’ list. ...more pics

NEW CAMBODIAN STUDENTS AT MSU

On April 2 seventy-seven students from Cambodia selected to receive a scholarship under the patronage of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn were welcomed to Mahasarakham University in a ceremony held in the conference room of the Faculty of Engineering. The Royal project provides full term undergraduate, Master’s and Doctoral scholarships to Cambodian students.

The welcome also included a ceremony giving thanks in the offering of flowers and thanks to honour the birthday of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn as well as praise for the programs HM King Bhumibol has introduced over the decades to support and develop education, improve the well being of the poor and in the preservation of Thai culture within the kingdom.

An innovative aspect of the scholarships is the introduction this year of full medical and dental health treatment. The Cambodian students will be given expert health treatment from MSU Faculty of Medicine and full dental treatment from the Royal Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University.

Students will undergo a two month preparation learning to speak, read and write Thai language and basic English as well as an introduction into Thai culture before commencing their full time studies in mainstream classes at MSU. ...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