VOLUME 22 ISSUE 05 MAY 2016

NonseeKASETSARTUNIVERSITY

newsletter

Contents Short-term training program in Food Security and NutritionKasetsart University welcomed delegates from Fu Jen Catholic University (FJU), Taiwan R.O.C.Academic Exchange and Cooperation with Curtin University, AustraliaAttending the Meeting of the International Program for Life Science, Ritsumeikan University, Biwako-Kusatsu Campus

Official Visit to Technische Universität and Beuth University of Applied Sciences, Berlin, Germany, for Academic and Research Collaboration

Startup collaboration meeting with five reputable Australian UniversitiesThailand Rice Production for Sustainability: KU, KPS Model Farmers’ Development Model ASEANSustainable Land Use and Natural Resource Management (SLUSE) Field Course in Phetchabun 2016

University Forestry

Release of Himalayan Vultures at Doi Lang, Chiang Mai, ThailandKU discussed cooperation with the Winrock International Institute for Agriculture DevelopmentMOU Signing with University of Muhammadiyah Malang, IndonesiaWelcome a Delegation from University of Hohenheim, Germany

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K a s e t s a r t U n i v e r s i t y R a p t o r Rehabilitation Unit (KURU), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) released 2 Himalayan Vultures at the Thai-Myanmar border in Chiang Mai province. The site (Doi Lang) is on the migration route of the vulture species and 10-30 birds have passed through every winter since 2007 to escape the harsh winters in their natal areas in the Himalayas, western China and Mongolia. In this decade, many of

the vultures found in Thailand

were found to be exhausted due to lack of

animal carcass, its main food, in the wild.

The vultures were emaciated and unable to fly in Suphan Buri

and Krabi provinces. Since the Himalayan Vulture is a legally protected avian species in Thailand, and is near-threatened globally, DNP retrieved two weak vultures, admitted them to KURU for health checks, and then they were rehabilitated by KURU veterinarians. During 3 months of medical care and flight exercise under the supervision of KURU veterinarians, the two vultures gained strength, and were ready for release. Upon release, the vultures are tracked with metal bands attached to the right leg. The vultures, led by instinct, as is usual

in wild birds, are expected to travel northward to their natal areas. Based on tracking by satellite in the past, the rehabilitated vultures, released in spring months (April to May), headed towards the Himalayas and mainland China. If you encounter banded Himalayan Vultures, please report sightings (date, location, behavior, photographs or band number if a carcass is found) to raptor@BirdsofThailand.org. Founded in 2007, KURU has treated and rehabilitated 441 raptors (hawk, eagles, vultures, kites, and owls), including 21 Himalayan vultures. Eighteen Himalayan vultures have been released back to the wild. KURU also serves as a platform for research on native raptor species to augment the knowledge of raptor medicine and clinical pathology, and to increase public awareness about raptor conservation. More info on raptor rehabilitation for release in Thailand can be viewed at KURU.

Release of Himalayan Vultures at Doi Lang, Chiang Mai, Thailand

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KU discussed cooperation with the Winrock International Institute for Agriculture Development

MOU Signing with University of Muhammadiyah Malang, Indonesia

On 22 Apri 2016 at the Meeting Room of the International Affairs Division, Assistant Professor Dr. Buncha CHINNASRI, Acting Assistant to the President, along with Associate Professor Dr. Chamaipak TAYJASANANT, Acting Assistant to the President and Acting Director of the International Affairs Division welcomed Mr. Benjamin GEHRING, Joint Director, Office of International Affairs, University of Hohenheim to the International Affairs Division of Kasetsart University. The main objective of Mr. Gehring’s visit was to discuss and plan an itinerary for the team of Kasesart University administrators who will travel to Germany to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Kasesart University and the University of Hohenheim in July 2016.

On 7 April 2016 at Conference Room 9, Kasetsart Golden Jubilee Administration and Information Center, Associate Professor Dr. Siree CHAISERI, Acting Vice President for Research together with KU Faculties welcomed Mr. Rob TURNER, Project Director and Mr. Jeff APIGIAN, Project Officer, the executives from Winrock International Institute for Agricultural Development who paid an official visit to KU to discuss and exchange views on the implementation of the project “Asia Innovative Farmers Activity” or AIFA, which is funded by the United States Agency for International Development-USAID. The purpose of the AIFA project is to implement research developments and improve the innovative practices with new agricultural technologies to help Thai farmers, for example a safe solution for protecting crops from pests or pest control, and the knowledge and technology about aquaculture or aquafarming.

Welcome a Delegation from University of Hohenheim, Germany

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The signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding for Academic Cooperation between Kasetsart University (KU) and the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) was held on 11 April 2016 at Conference Room 9, Kasetsart Golden Jubilee Administration and Information Center. Dr. Chongrak WACHRINRAT, Acting President of Kasesart University and the university administrators warmly welcomed Drs. Fauzan, M.PD, Rector of University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM), Drs. Suparto, M.PD, Assistant Rector for International Collaborations and Dr. Henik SUKORIN, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry. The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is to establish and promote a strategic and cooperative partnership between Kasetsart University and the University of Muhammadiyah Malang with particular emphasis on academic engagement and research exchange i.e. the exchange of staff and students, the development of joint or double degree programs, the implementation of summer programs, and credit transfer.

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Kasetsart University in association with the Food Security Center (FSC) at the University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany has continuously organized short training courses for KU students on the topic of Food and Agriculture. From 25-29 April 2016 FSC and the Food Science & Technology Department the Faculty of Agro-Industry, Kasetsart University conducted a short training program on “Innovative Post-Harvest Technology for Food and Nutrition Secu-rity.” The program started with a keynote lecture from Professor Dr. Umezuruike Linus OPARA, a distinguished professor at Stellenbosch University, South Africa. Other activities, including study visits and group meetings, were also arranged.

On 26 April 2016 at Conference Room 5, Kasetsart Golden Jubilee Administration and Information Center, Professor Dr. Syed ISLAM, Dean International, Science and Engineering and Mr. Adam BRYERS, Business Development Coordinator from Curtin University, Australia paid a visit to Kasetsart University. After the welcoming speech, Acting Assistant to the President, Assistant Professor Dr. Buncha CHINNASRI expressed the intention to cooperate with Curtin University particular in the Agriculture and Agribusiness area as well as educational exchange collaboration between the two universities.

On 27 April 2016 at the Meeting Room of the International Affairs Division, Assistant Professor Dr. Buncha CHINNASRI, Acting Assistant to the President, along with Associate Professor Dr. Chamaipak TAYJASANANT, Acting Assistant to the President and Acting Director of the International Affairs Division, Assistant Professor Dr. Foengfurad MUNGTAVESINSUK, Faculty of Agro-Industry, and Mrs. Benchaporn

Short-term training program in Food Security and Nutrition

AcademicExchange and Cooperation with Curtin University,Australia

Kasetsart University welcomed delegates from Fu Jen Catholic University (FJU), Taiwan R.O.C.

KITTIPADAKUL, Educator, International Studies Center at Kasetsart University extended a warm welcome to Professor Dr. Angela Yung-chi HOU, Dean, Office of International Education, Dr. Jane WU, Director, International Student Center, Office of International Education and Ms. Joyce Pei-yi CHU, Coordinator, Academic Exchange Center, Office of International Education from Fu Jen Catholic University (FJU), Taiwan on their first visit to KU to introduce FJU. The meeting was very fruitful with a lot of information related to internationalization and future commitment to become partners to promote promising educational endeavors. In particular, interested students from KU will be able to join 2 programs at the International Summer Academy - Global Business Management & Fashion and Chinese Language and Culture, which will be held from July to August 2016 at FJU.

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Attending the Meeting of International Program for Life Science, Ritsumeikan University, Biwako-Kusatsu Campus

Official Visit to Technische Universität and Beuth University of Applied Sciences, Berlin, Germany, for Academic and Research Collaboration

During the period of 1-4 March 2016, Associate Professor Dr. Gunjana THEERAGOOL, Dean of the Graduate School, together with Assistant Professor Dr. Sujate CHAUNCHOM, Associate Dean, participated in the meeting of the International Program for Life Science. This meeting was financially supported and organized by the College of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, in order to share academic and research activities among six institutes for the next five-year collaboration program in the field of life science and applied chemistry. The opening address was delivered by Professor Dr. Kazuo KOJIMA, Dean of the College of Life Sciences, followed by oral and poster presentations from representatives from each institute and a closing ceremony led by Professor Dr. Seido NAGANO, Vice-Dean of the College of Life Sciences. The six institutes were as follows: 1. College of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Japan 2. The Graduate School, Kasetsart University, Thailand

During the period of 6-14 March 2016, Associate ProfessorDr. Gunjana THEERAGOOL, Dean of the Graduate School and Thai coordinator of JSPS Core to Core Program A. Advanced Research Networks; and Assistant Professor Dr. Vichai LEELAVATCHARAMAS, Thai Vice- coordinator, Khon Kaen University, received financial support from NRCT, JSPS and Beuth University of Applied Sciences to visit two universities in Germany and one university in the United Kingdom.

1) On 7 March 2016, AssociateProfessor Gunjana THEERAGOOL together with Assistant Professor Dr. Vichai LEELAVATCHARAMAS, Professor Dr. Kazunobu MATSUSHITA and Assistant Professor Dr. Tomoyuki KOSAKA from Yamaguchi University, Japan, visited

Professor Dr. Peter NEUBAUER, Department of Biotechnology, Technische Universität, to discuss future research collaboration and scaling research up to the industrial level.

2) On 8 March 2016, we made a courtesy call to Professor Dr. Monika GROSS, President of Beuth University of Applied Sciences to introduce our research collaboration under the JSPS Core to Core Program on the “Establishment of an International Research Core for New Bio-research Fields with Microbes from Tropical Areas”. We also discussed academic and research activities as well as future collaboration with Professor-Ing. Peter GöTZ, Beuth University of Applied Sciences, and his colleagues. 3) On 11 March 2016, we visited the School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science at the University of Manchester to discuss academic and research activities as well as future collaboration with Dr. Constantinos THEODOROPOULOS and his colleagues.

3. Faculty of Technology and Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Thailand 4. Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Thailand 5. University of Brawijaya, Indonesia 6. Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, India

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Startup collaboration meeting with five reputable Australian Universities

Thailand Rice Production for Sustainability: KU, KPS Model Farmers’ Development Model for ASEAN

On 28 April 2016 at Conference Room 9, Kasetsart Golden Jubilee Administration and Information Center, Dr. Chongrak WACHRINRAT, Acting President was accompanied by Associate Professor Dr. Lily KAVEETA, Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs; Deans, Vice-Deans and faculty-members of Kasetsart University cordially welcomed the delegation of executives and academic professors from five reputable Australian Universities and the honorable corporator from the Australian Embassy in Thailand who paid an official visit to Kasetsart University to explore collaboration opportunities. Dr. Chongrak WACHRINRAT delivered warm welcoming remarks to the delegations and expressed appreciation for their visit. During the meeting, each university delegation and the KU executives exchanged information and discussed possibilities for establishing and strengthening future academic collaboration with Kasetsart University for example: R&D projects, training workshops, student exchanges, and internship programs for lecturers, researchers, students, and staff,

exclusively in the field of Veterinary, Fisheries, Forestry and Agricultural Sciences. After the meeting, the delegation of executives and academic professors from five reputable Australian Universities made individual visits to the faculty about their particular interests, including the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, the Faculty of Fisheries, the Faculty of Forestry and the Faculty of Agriculture. The delegation of executives and academic professors from five reputable Australian Universities and the commissioner from the Australian Embassy were as follows: 1. Professor Wayne R HEIN, Head of School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Dean of Roseworthy from the University of Adelaide 2. Professor Tony O’DONNELL, Dean of Science from the University of Western Australia 3. Dr. Lynne MCLNTYRE, Research Director, Breeding Higher Value Food Crops from Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) 4. Professor Michael FRIEND, Director and Professor of Agriculture Innovation, Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation from Charles Sturt University 5. Professor John P. GIBSON, Director, Centre for Genetic Analysis and Applications, Director, International Development Activities, School of Environmental and Rural Sciences, CJ Hawkins Homestead from University of New England 6. Ms. Tracy HARRIS, Trade Commissioner, Austrade Singapore and ASEAN Education Commissioner from the Australia Embassy in Thailand

Rice is an important food crop in Thailand which has sustained Thai people for ages. Rice is mainly produced by rice farmers which are honored to be the spine of the nation. Farmers get low income compared to other agricultural professions due to the problems of production, management and marketing. The emerging new trends in economy, society, environment and climate are the reasons leading farmers to adapt in order to cope with changes and they also need to enhance their potential to create stability in their occupations, which will lead Thailand’s agriculture to international standards. The Extension and Training Office, Kasetsart University, Kampaeng Saen Campus realizes the importance of changes in rice and Thai farmers’ traditions, so the application of Kasetsart agricultural knowledge, which

is beneficial and related to the current situation in rice farming, is implemented by producing a model for sustainable rice production in Thailand. Thailand Rice Production for Sustainability: Kasetsart University, Kampaeng Saen Campus Model; TRIPS KPS Model or Kampaeng Saen Rice Model represents integrated knowledge on all sustainable rice production developments and rice farming standards. This model responds to the 5 urgent Thai rice production strategies which focus on rice development and rice farming under the sufficiency economy philosophy, modern agricultural management, increased productivity, higher labor efficiency, value added product development, higher income and lower costs. Kasetsart University, Kampaeng Saen Campus is used as a classroom and laboratory allowing hands on learning. The professional rice farmer training course is one of the activities which integrates knowledge and transfers such knowledge to farmers (rice seed production, mushroom plantation, organic chicken farming, integrated plantation on ridges, green bean plantation after rice harvest which needs much less water and fertilizes the soil, etc.). More than 5,000 farmers nationwide have participated in the course and this model has been transferred to LAOS with 9 farmers from Sungthong district, leading to the establishment of a farming community learning center. Interested farmers should contact the Extension and Training Office, Kasetsart University, Kampaeng Saen Campus at +66 34281652.

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Sustainable Land Use and Natural Resource Management (SLUSE) Field Course in Phetchabun 2016 From 3 - 14 March 2016, graduate students from Kasetsart University and Copenhagen University participated in the SLUSE joint trip course conducted in villages in Khek Noi Sub-district and Camp Son Sub-district in Khao Kho District of Phetchabun Province. The cooperation has provided opportunities for participants to explore land use and certain issues based on their studies.

On 2 March 2016, a group of University of Copenhagen students arrived at the KU-SLUSE (SLUSE center, Kasetsart University) for a campus tour and participated in other activities with Thai KU students in order to enhance cross-cultural understanding. On the following day, the supervisors, the committee, the interpreters and the 34 participants consisting of 7 Thai graduate students from Kasetsart University and 27 students from the University of Denmark departed for the base camp at Thung Salaeng Luang National Park, located near the study areas. The Thai and foreign students were divided into 5 groups and assigned to work cooperatively on data collection and sampling, discussion, and presentation prior to their research under the supervision of the KU-SLUSE Coordinators; Assistant Professor Dr. Ratcha CHAICHANA, Dr. Wannana SOONTORNNARUERANGSEE, Ms. Sopana JANTAWONG, Dr. Thilde Bech BRUUN, Dr. Søren BROFELDT, and Dr. Kelvin EGAY from Sarawak University. The selected sites for this field course covered 3 villages, namely Ban Hui Nam Khao village, Ban Kirisuk village, and Ban Santisuk village in Khek Noi Sub-district and 2 villages, Ban Pa Ka village, and Ban Dong Long village in the Campson Sub-district, Khao Kho district, Phetchabun Province. Petchabun Province is home to the largest community of Hmong people in Thailand. They served with the Communist Party of Thailand before surrendering and settling down mostly in Khek Noi Sub-district and partly in Campson Sub-district. Most of the Hmong people were granted Thai citizenship and issued with ID cards. They commonly make a living from agricultural work such as ginger farming, upland rice farming, and cabbage farming. However, the main problems in this area are water shortage and the lack of formal land tenure rights. These became key topics for some groups to explore in depth. Therefore, Thai and foreign students from many countries such as Denmark, Italy, Germany, and Sarawak learned to work together with the assistance of interpreters. The field course comprising a 12-day trip was successfully completed and all the group members travelled back to KU-SLUSE center safely on 14 March 2016.

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Patrick SMYTZEK from Germany(M.Sc Sustainable Development in Agriculture (Agris Mundus)

“For me the SLUSE course was a tremendous learning experience on the professional as well as personal level. During my Bachelor degree I participated in a field course in Indonesia on sustainable rice production. Here I worked together with 8 students from KU. Through this interaction, I became very interested in the Thai culture with all its aspects. In particular, I was touched by the humbleness and kindness of my friends. I chose Thailand as my destination for the SLUSE in order to dive deeper into the Thai culture and of course to enjoy some great Pad Thai, Khao Soi and Som Tum. The SLUSE gave me the experience of a completed research process. I carried out research abroad before, but compared to the SLUSE these courses feel like kindergarten. We literally had to do everything on our own during the SLUSE - a good preparation for my thesis. Our Thai friends, translators and the international supervisor team has been very supportive and created a safe and stimulating learning environment. The most fruitful parts for me were the intercultural interactions and talks throughout the course, which gave me new personal perspectives. I can say that I left Thailand with a smile, knowing that I made some great new friends and can come back in the future.”

Amalia Zoe SACCHI from Italy (M.Sc Sustainable Development in Agriculture (Agris Mundus)

“I chose Thailand as my SLUSE destination because of my curiosity. I’ve always seen pictures of beautiful beaches and landscapes but I wondered what else was there and I must say I wasn’t disappointed. I am currently doing my masters in agricultural development. I’ve always been interested in exploring, travelling and getting to know people from all over the world. During this field work I‘ve learned so much. I‘ve learned a lot about myself also, about how I felt interacting with and interviewing people with such interesting stories. In a certain way, I could say that I was overwhelmed by the amount of information and knowledge I got. It was definitely one of the best experiences of my life. Thailand will always be in my heart and I really want to come back one day, kob khun ka!”

Signe Bork HANSEN from Denmark (M.SC Agricultural Development.)

“I have never traveled in Asia, only Europe and a little part of the US. I chose to visit Thailand because I wanted to see what Thailand can be beyond the generalizations spoken such as white bounty beaches and tourists. I’ve learned so much during the 12 days in the field. Firstly, I really didn’t have much expectation as to what would happen in the field, since I could not imagine how rural areas in Thailand would be, since I come from a “different” country. My biggest concern was the language barrier. This concern was disproved, mainly due to very skilled interpreters, who did not only do their jobs as interpreters translating the words spoken, but who also taught us about Thai culture and operated as our guides when we did not know what to do or how to behave in some situations, which kind of broke down the barriers that follow when you are a foreigner.”

The Yellow Flamboyant ( ) is the symbolic tree of Kasetsart University. Thai people call it “NONSEE”Peltophorum pterocarpum

NonseeNonsee50 Ngamwongwan Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand, Telephone : 66-2-942-8171-3, 66-2-942-8858, Facsimile : 66-2-942-8170, 66-2-942-8726 E-mail : fro@ku.ac.thWebsite : www.intaff.ku.ac.th,

Advisor & Editor in Chief : Hathaitus SEmCHuCHoT

Assistant Editor : Araya BijApHAlA

Editorial Staff : montana BooNpooH WudjiNdAkul Supawadee kAEWpuANgSEk Nithikarn poNgSATHidpoRN dolradee kHAkHAiPhotographerWisit THAmmASRi

Graphic Design : global graphic Co.,ltd. Telephone : 66-2-934-4459 E-mail : pasda2007@gmail.comWebsite : www.globalgraphic.net

published by International Affairs Division, Office of the President, Kasetsart University :

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All Eyes on KU

Planting more trees to increase the green world helps reduce the gradual heating of the Earth’s atmosphere and the layer of greenhouse gases, a process known as global warming. Trees help to reduce global warming by absorbing carbon dioxide resulting from photosynthesis. Plants can also absorb pollutants in the air and soil. Every time a tree is planted, our environment improves. The transpiration or evaporation of water from plant leaves will lower the air temperature by 2 - 4 degrees Celsius. Forests are natural resources that are essential for life on earth whether human or animal. Forests are useful as a source of raw material inputs, food, medicine, and provide habitats for a vast array of plants and animals. Adding green space or planting trees can benefit everyone. The color of the green leaves is gorgeous especially in a hot summer like this. The oxygen needs of people are around 130,000 liters per year and different tree species produce different amounts of oxygen. For example, Desert Pines produce about 6000 liters of oxygen per year. Trees in tropical rain

forests produce oxygen up to 237,000 liters per year. Therefore, the people living in the desert each require oxygen from up to 21 trees. But people who live in the tropics, especially in Thailand are very lucky. Oxygen from one tree is comfortably enough for two people. Try questioning yourself with this basic math. How many trees we must plant each year to produce enough oxygen for Kasetsart University people? The answer is 25,000 trees for 50,000 people at KU Bangkhen campus. However, if each of us grows one tree a year, we can add 50,000 trees in KU within one year. We will have university forestry which can produce plenty of perfectly good oxygen for everyone. KU will hereby provide an example of green space in the city. And this is our motto, pride and prestige to enhance “Knowledge of the Land.” Kasetsart University would like to ask a favour from our partners to make a difference together– take care of the world by growing at least one tree per year. There will be green luscious forests forever for everyone.

University Forestry

Do you have you r own green spot ? Master Nontuch SEMCHUCHOT (MUMIN), 11 years old

My personal green spot is the garden. The scenery gives me peace and quietness. Even though the

tree can’t talk, I still sense that I’m in the middle of a big crowd. It brings passion.

There is a big pool in the center of the garden. When I lookat the water, it shows reflections of my desire to do good things for everyone. The garden is the place that helps you with your problems and provides fresh air.

Mistress Nanin KALANTAKASUWAN (PRINCE), 11 years old

I have my own trees at home. I have a Cha-ba or Chinese rose tree (Hibiscus rosa sinensis). I planted vegetables like Chinese cabbage

too but there is still no head yet.

Mistress Amelia Nunes GALANTE (MELITA), 10 years old

I have my favorite tree named “UMBAUA” (Red Mahogany). I love this tree very much. I grew it when I was a little girl. The tree was planted 9 years ago. I planted this tree in front of my house in Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique. where my father is working. It is a big forest and has many different animal species. Occasionally there will have wild pigs or monkeys wandering around our place. Monkeys love to climb on my tree. I really love this forest.

Master Jirapat EAIMBOONYARIT (NAI), 10 years old

I have many trees at my mother’s workplace, Kasetsart University. There are many trees and green areas across the campus.

Mistress Sawapat YOSSOMBUT (KAOFANG), 10 years old

I have big trees and beautiful flowers in my front yard. My mother and I planted them together. My yard is fantastic and usually looks great with a beautiful flower garden.

Master Kongtharit TAYJASANANT (PINE), 4 years old

I planted jasmine trees at school last year. They gave beautiful flowers that I could present to my mother just in time for Mother’s Day in Thailand (August 12th). Now my beloved neighbors

are taking good care of these trees for me. I still visit

and water them from time to time.

Baby Haneen CHEUBONG HANEEN) , 7 month

“da-da-da-da” and “ma-ma-ma-ma.”