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A PERIODIC PUBLICATION OF ASSUMPTION UNIVERSITY OF THAILAND Vol. 31, No. 6, November - December 2016

His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, King Rama X of the Chakri Dynasty

The Academic Community of Assumption University of Thailand pays Homage and Obeisance to His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun at His Accession to the Throne on December 1, 2016

CONTENTS

3 University Highlighted Activities Orientation for New AU Sta� Feast Day Cerebration of St. Martin de Tours and the Inauguration of Mural Painting Feast Day Celebration of St. Albert Congratulations to all Graduates of Class XLIV the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women AU Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Annual Faculty Seminar 2016 The 53rd Independence Day of the Republic of Kenya Executives on Education Tour CIAU Delegates attending the 11th Global Confucius Institute Conference

9 Faculty Activities AU IELE Workshop Academic Seminar organized by O�ce of Student A�airs Joint Venture between Assumption University (MOU) and TCEB Wine Festival 2016 The Indonesian Ambassador at Assumption University Educational Cooperation Deal between Khon Kaen and Assumption Universities Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Project Initiated Ripbellion: “Break the Cocoon” Exhibition Private University Library Network Meeting Joint Venture Initiated by Omron Electronics and Assumption University New Year Greeting by Scholarship Students

15 Exchange Program Winter Study Abroad at Assumption University Goodbye and God Bless!

16 Prizes, Awards and Honors The “Best Student Award Winner” “Best Research” Award Winner University’s Scholarship Recipients Who Graduated in 2016

19 Photograph Montage AU Christmas Celebration

ABACTODAYADVISORRev. Bro. Dr. Bancha Saenghiran EDITORMr. Glen Vivian Chatelier COPYWRITERDr. Absorn Meesing SECRETARY Mr. Vrong ChinvanthananondGRAPHIC DESIGNERSMr. Naren KrinchaiMr. Wacharawong Worakit PHOTOGRAPHY/CONTRIBUTORSMr. Suwat ChuoykerdMr. Thanakorn SamanyatMr. Anusorn ChongprachuablapTECHNICAL ADVISORMr. Vichai Sathtachotinun

ABACTODAY 3

University Highlighted Activities

Orientation for New AU Staff

Dr. Witaya Chareonsri, Director, Office of Human Resources Management, featured a lecture during the new AU staff orientation elaborating on the university work rules and regulations. The staff orientation conducted on November 1, 2016 at De Montfort Building, Assumption University, Hua Mak campus, was presided over by Mr. Sompol Na-Songkhla, Vice President for Administrative Affairs, who delivered a welcome speech to all new staff.

Feast Day Cerebration of St. Martin de Toursand the Inauguration of Mural Painting "Maha Nakhon Krungthep"

The Feast Day Celebrations of St. Martin de Tours was fully celebrated with the official inauguration and blessing ceremony of the mural painting of “Maha Nakhon Krungthep” (Bangkok Metropolis). Being the brainchild of Rev. Bro. Dr. Prathip Martin Komolmas, this “Maha Nakhon Krungthep” artistically features Bangkok’s important landmarks signifying the changing process of Bangkok Metropolis influenced by scientific and modern technological advancements. This grand event taking place in front of Science & Technology and Engineering Building, Assumption University, Suvarnabhumi campus on November 11, 2016, was presided over by Rev. Bro. Dr. Prathip Martin Komolmas, AU President Emeritus, and attended by Rector Magnifucus, Rev. Bro. Dr. Bancha Saenghiran, and other AU high ranking administrators, faculty members, and staff.

University Highlighted ActivitiesABACTODAY 4

Feast Day Celebration of St. Albert

The Feast Day of St. Albert was commemorated at the Faculty Lounge, 1st floor of De Montfort building, Hua Mak campus. AU Rector Magnificus, Rev. Bro. Dr. Bancha Saenghiran, addressed a group of administrators, faculty members, staff, AU alumni and distinguished guests who attended the celebration held on November 15, 2016

Congratulations to all Graduates of Class XLIV

Sunday, November 20, 2016 marked the graduation commencement exercises of graduates, Class XLIV, held at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. Rev. Bro. Bancha Saenghiran, President Magnificus, conferred the degrees to a total of 2,413 graduates which included 34 Ph.D., 459 Master’s Degree, and 1,920 Bachelor’s Degree holders prior to delivering a heart-warming congratulatory and advisory speech to graduates.

University Highlighted ActivitiesABACTODAY 5

Commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

The Director of the Office of International Affairs Mr. Glen Chatelier and Dr. IoanVoicu attended the Commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 28, 2016 at the UN Conference Center in Bangkok.

University Highlighted ActivitiesABACTODAY 6

AU Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Assumption University Student Organization (AUSO) organized AU ChristmasTree Lighting Ceremony 2016, marking the beginning of festive Christmas celebration of AU community, which was presided over by President Magnificus, Rev. Bro. Dr. Bancha Saenghiran. Also present during the occasion were Rev. Bro. Dr. Sirichai Fonseka, Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Rev. Bro. Anupatt P. Yuttachai, Professor of the Order of Saint Gabriel, Dr. Vindhai Cocracul, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Mr. Sompol Na-Songkhla, Vice Rector for Administrative Affairs together with a number of AU administrators, faculty mem-bers, staff and students. The event took place on December 1, 2016 at Scholar Square (Dome 4), Assumption University, Suvarnabhumi campus.

Annual Faculty Seminar 2016"AU English Language Proficiency Standards"

Rev. Bro. Dr. Bancha Saenghiran, President Magnificus of Assumption University, presided over the Annual Faculty Seminar 2016 organized by Institute for English Language Education under the title "AU English Language Proficiency Standards." Attending the seminar were Rev. Bro. Dr. Prathip M. Komolmas, Rector Emeritus, Rev. Bro. Dr. Sirichai Fonseka, Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Rev. Bro. Anupatt P. Yuttachai, Professor of the Order of Saint Gabriel, Dr. Kamol Kitsawad, Vice Rector for Advancement, Dr. Vindhai Cocracul, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Mr. Sompol Na-Songkhla, Vice Rector for Administrative Affairs, as well as other AU administrators and faculty members. The seminar was conducted on December 2, 2016 at John XXIII Conference Center, Assumption University, Suvarnabhumi campus.

ABACTODAY 7

University Highlighted Activities

The 53rd Independence Day of the Republic of Kenya

The Director of the Office of International Affairs Mr. Glen Chatelier and H.E. Mohsen Mohammadi, the Ambassador of Iran to Thailand, greeted H.E. Mr. Patrick Simiyu Wamoto, EBS, Ambassador of Kenya and his wife on the occasion of the 53rd Independence Day of the Republic of Kenya at a Diplomatic reception at the Grand Ballroom of the JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok on December 7, 2016

Led by the Office of Higher Education Commission (OHEC), a group of high-ranking executives fromvarious higher education institutions, who are undergoing the advanced executive development program for student affairs (Batch 22), visited Office of Vice President for Student Affairs, Assumption University, on December 9, 2016 for educational purposes. Welcoming the group with the greeting address, was Mr. Sompol Na-Songkhla, AU Vice Rector for Administrative Affairs, at Wiset Srisamut Room, The Cathedral of Learning, Assumption University, Suvarnabhumi campus.

Executives on Education Tour of Assumption University

ABACTODAY 8

CIAU Delegates attend the 11th Global Confucius Institute Conference

The CIAU delegation comprising of Rev. Bro. Dr. Bancha Saenghiran, Rector Magnifucus, Assumption University, Prof. Lu Fuping, Vice President, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, together with Thai and Chinese Directors of CIAU (Ms. Siriluk Chaiprompasit and Mr. Zhao Peiqin) and Prof. Wu Zhenjun Director of International Exchange Office of Tianjin University of Science and Technology attended the 11th Global Confucius Institute Conference in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China, between December 10 and 11, 2016, during which time they met with Mr. Xia Jianhui, Deputy Director General of Confucius Headquarters (Hanban), and discussed about the future development of CIAU. Held annually and known as Education Davos Forum; focusing on the theme of “Innovation, Cooperation, Inclusion, and Sharing”, this year’s conference hosted by Confucius Headquarters (Hanban) and Yunnan Provincial Government, was attended by more than 2200 university presidents and CI delegates from 140 countries and regions.

In 2016, CIAU opened 12 courses and two teaching sites have been set up at Nawamin High School and Assumption College Rayong which are potential Confucius Classrooms. The number of registered students is 6,409- along with 61 unregistered ones. HSK, HSKK and YCT test takers reaches 360 while cultural exchange activity participants amount to 22,800.

ABACTODAY 9

Faculty Activities

AU IELE Workshop

The Institute for English Language Education, led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Linchong Chorrojprasert, organized an “AU English Language Education Strategic Planning Workshop.” The workshop held on December 1, 2016 at Salle d’ Expo, Assumption University, Hua Mak campus was attended by a number of administrators, faculty members and other personnel.

Academic Seminar organized by Office of Student Affairs Rev. Bro. Dr. Sirichai Fonseka, Vice Rector for Student Affairs, delivered a welcome speech; presiding over the academic seminar under the title of ''Mental Health Network Seminar 2016" hosted by the Office of Student Affairs. Dr. Yossamon Jiratthawong, M.D., Psychiatry & Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital, was a guest speaker during the seminar which was participated in by AU administrators, faculty members, staff and the housing or dormitory landlords in the university vicinity. The event, which was organized on December 2, 2016, took place at Wiset Si Samut Room, Cathedral of Learning, Suvarnabhumi campus.

Faculty ActivitiesABACTODAY 10

“Devil & Angel” Wine Festival 2016

Rev. Bro. Anupatt Petchara-Yuttachai, Professor of the Order of St. Gabriel, presided over the November Biotechnology Exhibition & Festival under the theme of “Devil & Angel” Wine Festival 2016 organized on November 17, 2016 at the Hall of Fame, Coronation Hall, Assumption University, Hua Mak campus. Joining this fun-filled and celebrative event were Rev. Bro. Dr. Prathip M. Komolmas, AU President Emeritus, Dr. Churdchai Cheowtirakul, Dean of Faculty of Biotechnology, administrators, faculty members, staff and AU students.

Joint venture Between assumption university (mou) and tceb

Khun Nopparat Maythaveekulchai, President of Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and Assumption University’s Rector Magnifucus, Rev. Bro. Dr. Bancha Saenghiran, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on November 4, 2016, a bilateral agreement gearing towards MICE curriculum development for the preparation of future leaders and MICE professionals to capitalize on the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and Global MICE market. Assumption University has now joined many other universities in this ambitious development program aimed for producing as many as 20,000 capable graduates in this field within the next 5 years.

Faculty ActivitiesABACTODAY 11

Address by The Indonesian Ambassador at Assumption University

The Department of International Business Management, the Martin de Tours School of Management hosted an Address by H.E. Mr. Ahmed Rusdi, the Ambassador of Indonesia to Thailand at the Assumption University Suvaranabhumi campus on November 24, 2016

Educational Cooperation Deal between Khon Kaen and Assumption Universities

Dr. Kitti Phothikitti, Dean, Graduate Studies, Assumption University and Khon Kaen University’s representatives signed an agreement (MOU) on the cooperative education management and services. Such deal was reached during the MOU signing ceremony taking place on December 2, 2016 at The University’s IT Building, Assumption University’s Suvarnabhumi campus.

ABACTODAY 12

Faculty Activities

Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Project Initiated

An Academic collaboration between Assumption University and North South University was established through the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) initiating cooperation between AU Department of Aeronautic Engineering, (Vincent Mary School of Engineering) with North South University on Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Program enabling the transfer of students between both institutions. Such agreement (MOU) was signed by Vice Chancellor, Professor Atiqul Islam, North South University and AU Rector Magnificus, Rev. Bro. Dr. Bancha Saenghiran, on December 14, 2016 at Suvarnabhumi campus. The signing ceremony was attended by the deans of both schools, Dr. Amarit Bhumiratana (Assumption University) and Prof. Dr. Gias U. Ahsan (North South University and other lecturers. Further collaboration in other schools is also anticipated.

ABACTODAY 13

Ripbellion: “Break the Cocoon” Exhibition

The AU Department of Advertising, Albert Laurence School of Communication Arts, organized the “Ad in Love Year 6” exhibition under the concept of "Ripbellion: Break the Cocoon," from November 14 to November 15, 2016.

This innovative, out of the ordinary concept of "Ripbellion: Break the Cocoon," signifies the belief that beauty is unique and individually defined. The exhibition featured students’ works from various subjects as well as the seminars by well-known guest speakers who shared their experiences and perceptions relating to this newly invented concept. Many other imminent experts in the field including AU Rector Magnificus, Rev. Bro. Dr. Bancha Saenghiran, expressed their supporting opinions endorsing this newly introduced “Break the Cocoon” idea of advertising.

Faculty ActivitiesABACTODAY 14

Private University Library Network Meeting

The Central Library, Assumption University, organized a meeting of the Committee on Development and the Private University Library Network No.15/6/2559 on December 14, 2016. The meeting conducted at Assumption Building, Assumption University, Hua Mak campus, was chaired by AU Central Library’s Director, Dr. Chiraprapha La-ongkum, who delivered an opening speech welcoming the participants.

Joint Venture Initiated by Omron Electronics and Assumption University

Assumption University recently signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Omron Electronics, the world's leading company in electronics and automation leading to the establishment of Omron's Factory Automation Training Center under Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Vincent Mary School of Engineering, Assumption University. The MOU was signed by AU Rector Magnificus, Rev. Bro. Dr. Bancha Saenghiran and Managing Director of Omron Electronics Co. Ltd., Mr. Kitaura Kohei, on December 14, 2016 witnessed by dean, faculty members and Omron Electronics officials.

New Year Greeting by Scholarship Students AU Scholarship recipients from Wang Klai Kang Won School, Hua Hin, greeted and wished Rev. Bro. Dr. Bancha Saenghiran, President-Rector Magnificus, a Happy New Year presenting him with a new year gift basket on December 22, 2016 at the President Office, De Montfort Hall, Assumption University, Hua Mak campus.

Exchange ProgramABACTODAY 15

Winter Study Abroad at Assumption University

The Rector Magnificus and Faculty and students from the Undergraduate degree program in Biotechnology welcomed Lecturers and students from Kookmin University, South Korea on a two week study abroad program at the Assumption University Hua Mak campus from December 13-27, 2016

Goodbye and God Bless !

Rev. Bro. Dr. Bancha Saenghiran, the Rector Magnificus of Assumption University bade farewell to the Director and students of the Loyola Study abroad students as they departed from Assumption University on December 17, 2016, bound for home in time for Christmas and the New Year

Prizes, Awards and HonorsABACTODAY 16

The “Best Student Award Winner”

AU Student, Mr. Thanapong Ngarnrungruang, was congratulated by Assumption University’s Rector Magnifucus, Rev. Bro. Dr. Bancha Saenghiran, along with a group of administrators and faculty members. Thanapong Ngarnrungruang, who is majoring in Finance and Banking, Martin de Tours School of Management and Economics, was given this outstanding "Best Student Award" Activities Category, by the Association of Private Higher Education Institutions of Thailand under The Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on the occasion of its 39th anniversary. Assist. Prof. Dr. Janjira Wongkhomthong, President of Christian University and Advisor of the Association of Private Higher Education Institutions, presented the award to Thanapong on November 18, 2016 at the Asia Hotel, Bangkok.

Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET)’s “Best Research” Award Winner Congratulations to Dr. Suchaya Siamwalla on being granted SET’s “Best Award” on her research entitled “Risk and Return in the Equity Mutual Fund Industry” Conducting this related Capital Market Promoting Research under the supervision of Asst. Prof. Dr. Nopphon Tangjitprom, Dr. Siamwalla was the third Awardee/Ph.D. graduate from AU Martin de Tours School of Management and Economics, being recognized for their outstanding research papers who received such “Best Research Award” from the Stock Exchange of Thailand’s Capital Market Research Institute (CMRI). During the annual 2016 awards presentation ceremony on November 17, 2016, Dr. Chaiyawat Wibulswasdi, Chairman of Board of Governors, the Stock Exchange of Thailand, presented the Recognition Plaques to Dr. Suchaya Siamwalla. Present during this award presentation event were Asst. Prof. Dr. Nopphon Tangjitprom, her research advisor, and Dr. Uree Cheasakul, Dean of Martin de Tours School of Management and Economics.

Prizes, Awards and HonorsABACTODAY 17

University’ Scholarship Recipients Who Graduated in 2016

Name – Surname (In English) : DR. SIRIWAN PANPRIVECH Position : Full-time Lecturer Department : Food Technology Faculty : Faculty of Biotechnology Employment Date : May 26, 2008 Working year up to date : 8 years

EDUCATION : B.S. (Food Technology)(Cum Laude), Assumption University, Thailand, 2007 Ph.D. (Food Biotechnology), Assumption University, Thailand, 2016 (Joint program with University of California, Davis, USA)

Name – Surname (In English) : DR.. PISAL SETTHAWONG Position : Full-time Lecturer Faculty : Martin de Tours School of Management and Economics Department of Business Information Systems Employment Date : June 1, 2001 Working year up to date : 15 years EDUCATION : B.S. (Computer Science)(Cum Laude), Assumption University, Thailand, 2001 M.S. (Computer Science), Assumption University, Thailand, 2005 Ph.D. (Computer Science), King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Thailand, 2016

Name – Surname (In English) : DR. WANNY OENTORO Position : Full-time Lecturer Department : Management Faculty : Martin de Tours School of Management and Economics Employment Date : May 28, 2007 Working year up to date : 9 years EDUCATION : B.A. (Business English)(Magna Cum Laude), Assumption University, Thailand, 2004 M.Sc. (Management), Assumption University, Thailand, 2006 Ph.D. (Management), Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, 2016 Name – Surname (In English) : DR. PIRIYA SURAKAJOHN Position : Full-time Lecturer Department : Business Chinese Faculty : Faculty of Arts Employment Date : June 1, 2001 Working year up to date : 15 years EDUCATION : B.A. (Chinese), Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, 1998 M.A. (Chinese), Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, 2001 Ph.D. (Chinese), Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, 2016

Prizes, Awards and HonorsABACTODAY 18

University’ Scholarship Recipients Who Graduated in 2016

Name – Surname (In English) : DR. PRICHAYA MANMIN Position : Full-time Lecturer Department : Advertising Faculty : Albert Laurence School of Communication Arts Employment Date : September 1, 1997 Working year up to date : 19 years EDUCATION : B.A. (Communication Arts)(2nd Class Hons.), Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, 1997 M.A. (Mass Communication), California State University, Fresno, USA., 2003 Ph.D. (Communication Arts), Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, 2016

Name – Surname (In English) : DR. SRISUDA BOONYIM Position : Statistician Faculty : Institute for Research and Academic Services Employment Date : September 1, 1997 Working year up to date : 19 years EDUCATION : B.S. (Statistics), Khon Kaen University, Thailand, 1996 M.S. (Applied Statistics), NIDA, Thailand, 2004 Ph.D. (Statistics), NIDA, Thailand, 2016

Name – Surname (In English) : DR. NARUEBETH SAIPROM Position : Researcher Faculty : Institute for Research and Academic Services Employment Date : July 04, 2005 Working year up to date : 11 years EDUCATION : B.B.A. (General Management), Ramkhamhaeng University, Thailand, 1999 M.S. (Industrial Psychology), Kasetsart University, Thailand, 2005 Ph.D. (Applied Behavioral Sc.Research), Srinakharinwirot University, Thailand, 2016

Name – Surname (In English) : MR. KITTI SUWANNA Position : Head, Legal and General Business Department Faculty : Office of the Vice President for Administrative Affairs Employment Date : July 19, 1993 Working year up to date : 23 years EDUCATION : LL.B., Ramkhamhaeng University, Thailand, 1990 LL.M. (Business Law), Assumption University, Thailand, 2016

Photo MontageAU Christmas Celebration

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This year’s festive Christmas party hosted by the university on December 24, 2016 featured various highlighted events: which included the yearly outstanding award presentation to selected personnel namely AU Awards for Excellence, Sta� of the Year Awards and 25-Year of Service Awards as well as the joyful birthday celebration of Rev. Bro. Dr. Prathip Martin Komolmas, AU President Emeritus. This celebra-tive occasion was presided over by President Magni�-cus, Rev. Bro. Dr. Bancha Saenghiran. A sumptuous cocktail reception was hosted for faculty, sta�, their family members and honored guests. The fun-�lled event ended with the mid-night holy mass conducted at the Chapel of St. Louis Marie de Montfort, Assump-tion University’s Suvanabhumi campus.

To... One & All at AU

Christmas...

and Happy

Merry

New Year