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

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

MOU SIGNED WITH UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, MALAYSIA

Following a successful visit from representatives of UTM (University of Technology Malaysia) last month MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito led a delegation of MSU representatives on a return visit to sign an innovative MOU.

MSU faculties and departments  represented in Malaysia included Human Resources Development, General Education, University Affairs and Planning and International Relations.

Innovative agreements were made between UTM and MSU in that the MOU not only caters for student exchange but also for academic and ancillary staff exchange including accommodation. The first exchanges are expected to commence as early as May, 2011.

Besides touring the UTM campus the delegation from MSU were also visited UTM’s Centre for Teaching and Learning which conducts E-learning programs such as MyLine (English online) as well as the UTM Chemical Engineering Pilot Plant. ...more pics

LOOKING TOWARDS 2015 - MUTUAL CO-OPERATION TALKS HELD WITH UTM MALAYSIA

On January 18 Mahasarakham University welcomed representatives of the University of Technology Malaysia (UTM) to meet and discuss details of mutual co-operation between the two universities.

The UTM delegation included Director of Internal Affairs, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ismail Abdul Aziz, Dean of School of Professional and Continuing Education, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Khairul Anuar Abdullah and Manager of UTM International Section Mr.Zulkifli Osman.

The meeting, hosted by Vice President of Planning and International Relations Dr. Nathanon Trachooo was also attended by many heads of MSU Faculties, including Accountancy and Management, Humanities and Social Sciences, Board of Education, Academic Affairs, Architecture Planning and Creative Arts, Western Languages and Linguistics.

Initial talks were held on reciprocal agreements engaging student exchange through the newly created MSU University Overseas Experience Course which is a similar program to UTM’s Student Global Outreach program.

Also discussed was the future mutual exchange of academic personnel as well as engagement by both UTM and MSU in the important inclusion of exchanging traditional cultural knowledge through MSU’s Pure Thai program and UTM’s Outreach program.

A delegation from MSU will shortly travel to Kuala Lumpur to finalise details and hopefully sign an MOU officially linking these two fine ASEAN educational institutions.

Mahasarakham University is being very proactive in engaging with other ASEAN tertiary institutions looking towards the predicted 2015 educational unification of ASEAN nations. ...more pics