MSU VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS & RESEARCH DR. PREECHA PRATHEPA GRANTED FULL PROFESSORSHIP

On January 24 MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito had the pleasure of congratulating MSU Vice President for Academic Affairs and Research Professor Dr. Dr. Preecha Prathepha on attaining the status of full professor.

Dr. Preecha was appointed a full professor in genetics in the field of Biotechnology. The announcement was officially published by the Prime Minister in the Government Gazette on January 11. Only four other civil servants were appointed professors of higher educational institutions in the announcement. Besides being Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Preecha is now a full professor in the field of genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Technology at MSU.

Professor Dr. Preecha is to be congratulated on his dedication and hard work in achieving his professorship. He provides a fine example to current and future students of Mahasarakham University.

Dr. Supachai and the full executive committee of Mahasarakham University were on hand to heartily congratulate Dr. Preecha in a ceremony held in the conference room of the President’s building.

5TH EDUCATIONAL REFORM CONFERENCE IN MARCH – MSU FACULTY OF EDUCATION

MSU Faculty of Education will be co-chairing the 5^th International Conference on Educational Reform to be held in Pattaya on the 22^nd and 23^rd March this year. Other co-chairs of the conference are Savannakhet University, The National University of Laos and Hue University (Vietnam).

The theme of the two day conference is ‘Empowering People. Empowering the World.’ Keynote speakers will be Dr. David M. Fetterman from Stanford University (pictured left) and Dr. Akihito Kamata  from the University of Oregon (pictured below left). The annual conference provides an opportunity for international educators to share new theories and practices in education. 

There are a large variety of themes being covered at the conference this year. Some of these are innovation and technology in education, curriculum and learning innovation, creativity and diversity, teaching and teacher education programs, education  for minorities and at risk and marginalised students to name a few.

There are still a few days left if you wish to submit a paper for the conference. Submissions close on January 15.

The conference will be held at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Pattaya on March 22 -23, 2012

Click here to go to to the ICER web site for more details. 

MAHASARAKHAM UNIVERSITY GRADUATION DAY 2011

On December 21 Mahasarakham University held its annual graduation day ceremony. It is estimated close to one hundred thousand people were on and around MSU’s Khamriang campus during the day. An influx in numbers of people was noticeable in Mahasarakham as early as the weekend before the Wednesday of the 21^st. 

Graduation Day is a very important event for the many friends and relatives of the graduating student.

It is not uncommon for graduates to have ten or more well wishers make the journey from their homes in one of the twenty provinces in north east Thailand to join in the celebrations. The added bonus of catching a glimpse and paying homage to the much loved Princess Sirindhorn makes the journey all that much more worthwhile.

The highlight of the day is naturally the graduation ceremony where graduates are personally presented their respective degrees by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. 

Over eight thousand graduates are presented with their degrees on the day over a morning and afternoon session as the five thousand seat MSU gymnasium is not big enough to accommodate them all in one session.

Outside the gymnasium and spreading out across the campus are family, close relatives, friends and fellow students relaxing in a picnic atmosphere. Photographs are taken in their millions with many background spaces set up especially for photos. All MSU faculties also have backgrounds of various types set up at which the precious memories of the day can be recorded.

Mahasarakham University heartily congratulates all those graduates receiving their degrees on December 21. We are also very grateful for Her Royal Highness Princess Sirindhorn to have come to attend the ceremony and give us all the opportunity to pay homage to our beloved Royal Patron and King’s representative to Mahasarakham University.

Click here for pictures from MSU Facebook (Thai)

Click here for pictures from MSU Newsletter

MSU INTERNATIONAL DINNER PARTY

On December 2 MSU Vice President for Planning and International Relations Dr. Nathanon Trachoo hosted the 4^th MSU International Dinner Party at the MSU Staff Clubhouse.

The International Dinner is an annual event to thank all the international teachers for their efforts during the year. MSU has international teachers, researchers and visiting academics from countries all over the world. Over a hundred people attended the event and all stood up and introduced themselves during the evening.

MC for the evening Ms. Shaundrelle Todd of the Faculty of Humanites and Social Sciences brightened up the evening with her lively commentary, possibly becoming an overnight MSU celebrity. Ms. Todd was ably assisted by the popular Dr. Nicolas from the College of Music.

An exhibition of traditional Indian dance called Katak performed by Ms Punima was well received with guests later trying their hand at learning Indian and Isan dance.

It was fun night with acquaintances being re-established and many new ones made. Something a little different about this year’s dinner was the increasing number of families present. It seems to indicate international teachers are coming to Mahasarakham with a good number willing to make Mahasarakham their home on a long term basis.

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MSU HOSTS NATIONAL UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT'S ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

On October 15 MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito had the pleasure of welcoming fellow Presidents of Thai Universities to the University President’s Annual General Meeting held in the conference room of Mahasarakham University President’s Building.

The Minister for Education, The Honourable Woravat Auapinyakul (pictured right) gave the opening address entitled ‘Policies of Higher Education.’

Key points under consideration at the meeting included discussion on future policy developments, preparations for 2015 and international education with other ASEAN tertiary institutions and meeting the needs of the market place through human resources development.

MSU INDUSTRY COOPERATION CENTER FUNDS INNOVATIVE PROJECTS

On October 3 MSU Vice President for Planning and International Relations Associate Professor Dr. Nathanon Trachoo chaired a meeting of the board of the MSU University Industry Cooperation Center (MSUIC) to jointly consider funding project proposals submitted by various MSU faculties/departments. Twenty submissions were considered for the allocation of a total of seven hundred thousand baht in funding with one hundred thousand baht to be provided for each of seven selected projects.

The multi faceted MSU Industry Cooperation Center provides many kinds of assistance in the development of products and/or enterprises originating from MSU students, faculties or departments towards a final goal of establishing a successful business. Commonly referred to as the MSU business incubator, the MSUIC not only provides financial aid, it also provides information linking private enterprise, government departments and research facilities.

Many projects funded and developed with the assistance of the MSUIC are aimed towards community development through value adding to existing products, innovation of existing products and commercialisation of new products developed from existing community produced raw products.

Seven project proposals are to receive funding as a result of the board meeting. Some of the successful projects include the development of household textiles from bamboo, tooth floss from natural products, medicinal herbal compresses and herbal extract rice crop pest removal products.

FACULTY OF VET SCIENCE AT 15TH ESDAR CONFERENCE IN TURKEY

In late September members of MSU Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, led by Acting Dean Dr. Dr. Sukanya Leethongdee  attended the 15^th ESDAR (European Society for Domestic Animal Reproduction) Conference held in Antalya, Turkey. Six faculty members presented papers at the conference covering the subject matter of Thai goats and local fisheries. The papers have been published in the  journal Reproduction in Domestic Animals.

Researchers from around the world attended the conference. MSU Faulty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science has gradually gained recognition as a research faculty well worthy of international standards.

COMPUTER CENTER - ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE COMPUTING SEMINAR

On September 19 MSU Computer Centre held a seminar and brainstorming session entitled Academic Performance Computing Projects for Mahasarakham University computer personnel.  In the morning MSU Vice President for Planning and International Relations Dr. Nathanon Trachoo presented a lecture on ‘Planning Information and Communication Technology Policy’ and Executive Director of the Computer Centre Mr. Thawatwong Lawan presented on the ‘Advancement Of Academic Computing and Best Practice In Application Development’.

Eighty five MSU computer personnel attended the seminar which included addressing information technology policy, understanding the university network, the Computer Crimes Act and exchanging technical information with agencies and organisations.

The afternoon brainstorming session was divided into three groups concentrating on internet network administration and cataloguing, the development of information systems and websites and thirdly computer services in general. The brainstorming sessions involved scope of work and responsibilities, problems encountered therein and solutions, approaches to measure and evaluate core competencies and frameworks for guidelines and assessments.

TECHNICAL CO-OPERATIONS WITH UNIVERSITY OF TSUKUBA

On September 16 MSU President Dr.  Supachai Samappito and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Professor Pradit Terdtoon welcomed a delegation from Tsukuba University, Japan.  The honoured visitors, led by Dr. Akhiro, attended a meeting to discuss extending collaborations under the MOU between the two institutions which has been in place since May last year.

The University of Tsukuba was the first comprehensive Japanese University to be included in a country wide university reform plan featuring openness and incorporating new systems for education and research. Tsukuba University has undergone massive restructuring over the last ten years becoming a National University Corporation in 2004. Boasting the highest number of International students in Japan at just under seventeen hundred, Tsukuba University is at the core of scientific research institutes of Tsukuba Science City.  

MSU STUDENTS CARVE THEIR WAY TO AN HONOURABLE MENTION

MSU students from the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality travelled to the Mercure Hotel in Bangkok on September 9 to compete in the national competition for the Queen’s Cup in fruit and vegetable carving

Fruit and vegetable carving skills can be described as almost a compulsory requirement in today’s competitive hospitality industry. How many of us have admired (perhaps with a little jealousy) the skills required to provide a beautifully carved accompaniment to a meal.

The seven member team representing MSU were one of twenty four teams competing to create a piece themed and in honour of His Majesty King Bhumibol in his eighty fourth year. For the casual observer it seems amazing such wonderful imaginative works can be hand made using only fruit, vegetables, banana leaves and flowers.

Dean of MSU Tourism and Hospitality Faculty Dr. Surachet Chettamart can be justifiably proud of the honourable mention gained by the team in a top quality national competition.

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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.

COMPETITION AT MSU SWIMMING COMPLEX

On August 27 a swimming competition was held at the MSU swimming complex in association with the National Swimming Federation of Thailand.

Completed just over twelve months ago the MSU swimming complex is a modern facility capable of hosting international standard swimming competitions.

This event brought together over seven hundred swimmers and officials representing thirty four swimming clubs from the northeast of Thailand. It was held as selection trials to pick a team to represent northeastern Thailand at the Universities of Thailand swimming championships. The event was also held to teach and promote water around swimming pools.

MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito and Vice President for Special Affairs Dr. Suracha Amonpan attended to support the swimmers and present medals to the winners.

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.

MOU TALKS WITH UNIVERSITY OF DANANG

On August 3 MSU Vice President for Planning and International Relations Dr. Nathanon Trachoo welcomed representatives from the University of Danang in Vietnam for discussions on the signing of an MOU.

The discussions concentrated on future technical co-operations between the Danang College of Technology and MSU Faculty of Engineering. The agreement will include exchange of students for internships and mutual research projects, holding alternate international symposiums and providing programs of mutual benefit to both academic institutions

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.

3RD YEAR MSU NURSES PRESENTED WITH WHITE HATS

On July 28 the Dean of MSU Faculty of Nursing Associate Professor Dr. Darunee  Rujkorakarn presided over a ceremony in which the traditional white nurses hat was presented to over one hundred third year graduate nursing students.

The official presentation of the white hat, a symbol of the nursing profession recognisable word wide, gives the nurses involved an opportunity to reflect on the valuable place in society of their profession. The white hat of the nursing profession can only be worn by those qualified and represents a commitment to professionally and ethically carry out their duties of responsibility for the well being and quality of life of  patients in their care.

The graduate nurses will now begin the serious business of converting what they have learned over the previous three years into practical application when they shortly start work in hospitals.

Friends and invited guests joined the ceremony where senior nurses pinned the new hats to the heads of the graduates for the first time.

FACULTY OF MEDICINE AT BAN NONG

On June 30 representatives of MSU Faculty of Medicine visited the Ban Nong community.

The visit is the first sub project for the Faculty of Medicine for the semester.

The project assists the Child Development Center towards improving the management of early childhood health. Meetings concerning early childhood health issues are discussed and children are given free medical health checks in a fun and friendly atmosphere.

MSU WAI KRU CEREMONY 2011

On July 14 MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito presided over the MSU Wai Kru Ceremony held in the MSU gymnasium. The Wai Kru ceremony is an important traditional event held at some point during the year in every single educational institution in Thailand.

Pictures of students bowing at the feet of their teachers in a show of respect may annoy some of those unfamiliar with Thai custom. In Thailand showing respect for teachers is an important part of the cultural fabric of Thailand. The respect shown by students is also returned in respect of the students from their teachers.

The Wai Kru ceremony is also an important reminder to the teachers (Ajarn) of their responsibility in guiding their students towards a better future in their lives – lifelong learning. To attend a Wai Kru ceremony is to gain a better understanding of this mutual respect between teachers and their students in Thailand.

The bond between many teachers and their students in Thailand extends beyond the classroom. Students drawn from all twenty Isan Provinces live on or close to the campus and are away from their family and friends; many for the first time in their lives. Therefore besides their alumni classmates, students look to their lecturers for more than just classroom learning. Many, many teachers are available and willing to give advice and encouragement outside the classroom environment, treating students as they would their own children.

If you spend some time at Mahasarakham University you will come to realise the Wai Kru ceremony is not a ceremony of subservience; it is a public celebration of reaching towards a common goal of lifelong learning equally applicable to both student and Ajarn. MSU is more than an educational institution. At times it feels you are part of one very large family.

The Wai Kru ceremony is just one reminder of how Thailand is a very special kingdom.

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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