On 19 May 2014, Dr. Keerath Sanguansai, President of Walailak University together with WU senior administrators and staff welcomed Dr. John Robert Craig, Assistant Director and Head of Social Sciences, the Higher Education Academy, London. Dr. Craig gave a special lecture on “Using Active Learning to Enhance Student Achievement” at Meeting room 4, Innovation Building, Walailak University. There were more than 100 lecturers, teachers and educators from Walailak

University, high schools and universities in Nakhon Si Thammarat and nearby provinces attended the lecture. Dr. John Craig has taught politics at the University of Huddersfield, University of Leeds and the Open University and led a range of teaching and learning initiatives, including the Fund for the Development of Teaching and Learning, Phase 5 (FDTL5) Case-based learning in Politics project. His research interests span higher education policy, privatisation, African politics and teaching and learning in politics and the social sciences. Source: http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/contacts/detail/Heads/john_craig

A special lecture by Dr. John Robert Craig, the Higher Education Academy, London

Incomings and Collaborations

1-3

Student Development

7-8

Exchange Students

9

WU Prides 10

Outgoings and Collaborations

4-6

WUWUWU InternationalInternationalInternational Relations eRelations eRelations e---NewsletterNewsletterNewsletter

April-June 2014 Volume 6, No. 2

Inside this issue: Incomings and Collaborations

Page 2 WU International Relations e-Newsletter

Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Haiphong University and Walailak University

On 2 June 2014, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cuong Van Pham, Rector of Haiphong University (HPU), Vietnam, together with executives staff namely Assoc. Prof. Dr. Loan Thi Vu, Director of Personal Department, Dr.

Loan Thi Minh Nguyen, Director of Department for International Cooperation and Training, MA. Tien Van Nguyen, Director of Department for Testing and Quality Assurance and Mr. Cuong Viet Khoa, Staff of development for International Cooperation and Training visited Walailak University.

The visiting group was welcomed by Dr. Keerath Saguansai, President of Walailak University (WU), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amara Changsub, Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Assoc. Prof. Dr.

Aswin Promsopa, Assistant to the President for International Relations, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Valla Tantayotai, Dean of the School of Nursing, Dr. Lertchai Sirichai, Dean of the School of Liberal Arts and faculty members of ASEAN Studies Program.

The main objective of the visit was to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Haiphong University and Walailak University. The MOU has been formerly signed during the WU Administrators’ visit to HPU in November 2014. The visiting group had an opportunity to discuss with Dr. Lertchai Sirichai, Asst. Prof. Dr. Nibondh Tipsrinimit, Dean and Associate Dean of School of Liberal Arts and faculty

members the School of Liberal Arts, regarding the possibility of collaborative activities. The two parties have agreed to mutually support all possible collaborative projects for their academic strengths. The possibilities would be 1) In-Country Language and Cultural Studies Program; WU plans to send students to HPU under this program which will last for 6 months beginning in December 2014 2) joint research and academic seminar of mutual interest areas 3) staff/researcher exchange 4) possibility of establishing undergraduate Dual Degree Programs and 5) possibility of establishing Teaching Thai as a Foreign

Language Program.

The Center of Excellent for Ecoinformatics, Walailak University in association with University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB), the United States of America and Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC) jointly conducted a research project on Coral Reef Fish by surveying Kon Kare and Patok Bays, Racha Island, Phuket during 26 April-3 May 2014. The research team comprised of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krisanadej Jaroensutasinee, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mullica Jaroensutasinee, three WU Ph.D. candidates—Uthai Kuhapong, Premrudee Noonsang, Siriluk Chumkaew, one from the Center—Kaittisak Chaidej, three from UCSB—Dr. Andrew, Keith and Jessica, and one from PMBC—Mongkol Klongsamut. The research finding revealed that the biodiversity of coral reef fish at Kon Kare and Patok Bays were different because the numbers of coral reefs at the two places were different.

Joint Research Project on Coral Reef Fish

Page 3 Volume 6, No. 2

During 6-9 May 2014, Dr. Keerath Sanguansai, President of Walailak University (WU), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aswin Promsopa, Assistant the President for International Relations, Asst. Prof. Dr. Valla Tantayotai, Dean, School of Nursing, Asst. Prof. Dr. Chatchai Wattanapiromsakul, Dean, School of Pharmacy, Assoc. Prof. Weerawath Mahattanatrakul, M.D., Dean’s representative, School of Medicine, paid official visits to five universities in Japan.

On 7 May 2014, the WU delegates visited two campus of Toho University (TU)—Omori and Narashimo Campuses and were warmly welcomed by TU senior executives. The visiting group was kindly taken to visit Omori Hospital (an affiliated hospital of Toho University), Pharmacology Lab, Pharmaceutical Chemistry Lab, and Botanical Garden.

Page 4 WU International Relations e-Newsletter

Invited Speakers at GLOBE Train the Trainer Workshop

Two scholars from the Center of Excellent for Ecoinformatics, Walailak University, had been invited by Prof. Dr. Pay Liam Lin, Taiwan GLOBE country coordinator to be guest speakers at GLOBE Train the Trainer Workshop at National Central University, Taiwan.

The workshop was organized during 19-21 April 2014 in Taiwan. 50 Taiwanese teachers from 12 Schools participated in the workshop. Four invited speakers, two from India—Prof. Dr. Desh Bando, and Dr. Avinash Tawari and two from the Center of Excellent for Ecoinformatics, Thailand—Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krisanadej Jaroensutasinee and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mullica Jaroensutasinee had transferred and shared their knowledge on Atmosphere, Hydrology, Soil and Land Cover Protocols to the workshop participants.

Outgoings and Collaborations

WU Executives Paid Official Visits to Five Universities in Japan

On the morning of 8 May 2014, the group visited Tokyo Women’s Medical University (TWMU). WU group had an opportunity to observe TWMU Hospital Operating System including the visit of Maternal and Perinatal Center where normal to highly complicated preganancy and premature to normal newborns are cared for and nursed. The center has also a neonatal ICU (NICU). In the afternoon, the group moved to the University of Tokyo to visit the university hospital—observing its operating system and technology. The group proceeded to Kogakuin University in the evening to pay a courtesy call to the President of Kogakuin University, strengthen relationship and seek for more academic collaborations between the two universities.

On 9 May 2014, President Keerath and his team visited Josai University Educational Cooperation to sign an academic Memorandum of Understanding. WU team received a warm hospitality from the Chairman of University Council, President and Senior Executives of Josai University. After the MOU signing, the two parties had discussed for feasible collaboration activities in pharmacy, nursing, and agriculture. On the afternoon of the same day, the group proceeded to Soka University to seek for possibility of academic collaborations in nursing fields and also had an opportunity to visit nursing lab, library and other facilities of the university.

Page 5 Volume 6, No. 2

Page 6 WU International Relations e-Newsletter

During 11-15 June 2014, Dr. Keerath Saguansai, President of Walailak University (WU) together with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amara Changsub, Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aswin Promsopa, Assistant to the President for International Relations, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Poonpong Boonbrahm, Dean of the School of Informatics, Asst. Prof. Dr. Suwit Wuthisuthimethavee, Dean of the School of Agricultural Technology, Dr. Lertchai Sirichai, Dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Asst. Prof. Dr. Suratsavadee Korkua, Chair of the Discipline of Electrical and Computer Engineering, School of Engineering and Resources, paid official visits to three universities in the People’s Republic of China namely Chongqing University of Posts and Telecom-munications, Southwest University and Chongqing University.

On 12 June, WU President and his team received a warm welcome by senior executives of Chongqing University of Posts and Telecom-munications (CQUPT) which is located at Nan’an District. The WU delegation was taken to visit state-of-the-art laboratories of CQUPT such as Telecommunication Lab of School of Communication and Information Engineering, Automation Lab of School of Automation, Language Lab of School of Foreign Language/ International School. WU and CQUPT executives also explored the possibilities of academic collaborations. Some of possibilities are Chinese In-Country Program, Project Study, Joint Research, Co-Advisor for graduate students, and Student Exchange.

On 13 June 2014, WU delegates paid a visit to Southwest University (SWU), Beibei District, Chongqing. SWU has outstanding strength in Agriculture. To SWU, WU primarily proposed some feasible collaborations such as joint research of potential interests in agriculture-related fields, student and staff exchange, and co-advisor for graduate students. President Keerath Sanguansai and his team visited Chongqing University, Shapingba, on 14 June 2014. Walailak University and Chongqing University has a good relationship and a formal MOU since June 2008. WU annually send 10-20 students to participate in Chinese In-Country Program at Chongqing University for one semester. Chongqing University will provide scholarships to 3-4 WU graduates and staff to further study in master’s and doctoral degree programs in Chinese. There are some potential collaborations in the field of Informatics such as development of 1+1 master’s degree programs in computer and information, joint research, co-advisor for postgraduate programs, summer camp and winter camp.

WU Executives Paid Official Visits to Three Universities in China

International Relations Office organized “the English Discovery: Learn Neighbor, Learn More Culture, Learn Malaysia”. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aswin Promsopa, Assistant to the President for International Relations together with International Relations Officers led 36 WU students to Malaysia to participate in “the English Discovery: Learn Neighbor, Learn More Culture, Learn Malaysia”.

The objectives of this event were 1) to encourage students to speak English in real life situations 2) to be aware of an importance and necessary of English literacy in AEC, and 3) to learn and understand different cultures as well as to work well under cross-cultural contexts.

The event was organized during 9-11 April 2014 at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) and Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). The participants were required to use English as a medium of communication when participated in the provided activities. The event activities were Public Speaking, ASEAN quiz, Story Telling, and Game Playing. The students were allowed to speak independently on their own preference topics in English. In this event, Mr. Adisorn Kumseang, a WU student won Public Speaking Award in Public Speaking Competition at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).

English Discovery: Learn Neighbor, Learn More Culture, Learn Malaysia

Page 7 Volume 6, No. 2

Student Development

Page 8 WU International Relations e-Newsletter

International Relations Office sent five students from School of Allied Health Sciences and Public Health and School of Liberal Arts, Walailak University (WU) to participate Bahasa Indonesia for Foreign Speaker Program (BIPA2014) during 22 June – 7 July 2014 at Tadulako University (UNTAD), Palu, Indonesia. BIPA program is designed to train international students to actively communicate in both written and spoken Bahasa Indonesia.

The program also included a cultural experience program to learn and understand people’s different ways of life. Since the first year of MOU signing between WU and UNTAD in August 2012, the two parties have been co-conducted several collaboration activities such as joint research program in agricultural field, Ph.D. student and staff exchange, oil palm seminar program.

There are two more collaboration activities in plan 1) WU will grant a scholarship for a graduate student from UNTAD to study a master’s program within the School of Agricultural Technology and 2) UNTAD will send five students to participate an academic and cultural exposure student exchange program at WU in August or September 2014.

Bahasa Indonesia for Foreign Speaker Program (BIPA2014)

Educational Trip to Malaysia and Singapore

A group of lecturers and 4th year students from School of Architecture and Design visited Malaysia and Singapore for their educational purpose. The group aimed to open their vision of architecture and design from ASEAN country as well as to reinforce their academic knowledge about architectural profession before graduation. They visited many places to observe architecture and designs of buildings such as Academic Complex, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), Supreme Court designed by FOSTER+PARTNERS, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Changi Airport Singapore, Gardens by the Bay; Flower Dome, Cloud Forest and Super Tree.

Walailak University in association with the World Association for Cooperative & Work-Integrated Education (WACE), and The World Association for Cooperative Education-International Satellite Office at Suranaree University of Technology (WACE-ISO@SUT) agreed to be a cooperative educational host university of Mr. Mkhize Nkosikhona Wiseman from Durban University of Technology, the Republic Of South Africa. Mr. Mkhize Nkosikhona Wiseman, a final year student majoring in Computer Engineering, is attached to a workplace--Western Digital Company (Ltd.) in Ayutthaya as an internship student for a period of 6 months from 6 January to 6 June 2557. During this period, the student is required to attend an orientation for International Cooperative Education Students organized by the Center for Cooperative Education and Career Development at Walailak University. On 2 April 2014, Mr. Mkhize Nkosikhona Wiseman visited Walailak University to extend his visa and meet his academic advisor.

The student also had an opportunity to take a campus tour. As a host university, Walailak University will be borne the cost of accommodation, provide a visa assistance and provide an academic supervisor for an internship student. In this regard, the School of Engineering and Resources assigned Dr. Anurak Thungtong to be an academic advisor to the student. Next year, the WU Center for Cooperative Education and Career Development plans to send one WU student to do his/her internship program with

Durban University of Technology under the reciprocal agreement.

Page 9 Volume 6, No. 2

On 30 June 2014, International Relations Office organized farewell party for four exchange students from Universiti Teknologi

MARA (UiTM), Malaysia. The students were attached to ASEAN Studies Program, School of Liberal Arts, under the supervision of Mr. Abdulroya Panaemalae. During April to May 2014, they were assigned to teach Bahasa Malaysia to students in primary schools around the university. The

students shared their experiences in teaching at Thai primary schools and living at Walailak University.

Cooperative Student from the Republic Of South Africa

Exchange Students

They also expressed their feeling through a poem below: “Walailak was the first place Travel far from our homeland Different language and culture But still we love to be here Miles away from family But it doesn’t matter Treated like a king So thankful to Him Leaves when the times comes Together with the sweet memories Together we will miss it Hopefully we will not be forgotten”

UiTM Exchange Students Shared their Experiences at Walailak Univesity

Page 10 WU International Relations e-Newsletter

Ms. Rawikorn Rakmuang and Ms. Sirapapha Matmultree, students from School of Allied Health Sciences and Public Health, Walailak University had been selected by Association of Universities of Asia and the Pacific (AUAP) to participate in Global Leadership Summer Camp 2014 during 7-25 July 2014 at Sias International University (SIAS), Zhengzhou, Henan, the P.R. China. The host university (SIAS) will be responsible for registration fee, accommodation fee and providing meals for the students. CONGRATULATIONS!!

During 1-3 May 2014, Dr. Somchai Sawasdee, Dr. Attawadee Seayun, Ajarn Pajaree Sakdiset, and Ajarn Bussaban Sukkarn together with two students—Miss Chuthamas Woradechakul and Mr. Kritsada Saesee from School of Pharmacy participated in the 3rd Current Drug Development (CDD) International Conference 2014 at Pavilion Queen's Bay, Ao Nang, Krabi. The lecturers and students presented their research studies conducted on behalf of Drugs and Cosmetics Research and Development Cluster by displaying posters. In this event, a research poster presentation entitled “Analytical Method Validation for Determination of Sildenafil Citrate in Extemporaneous Preparation” of Miss Chuthamas Woradechakul won the Best Poster Presentation Award. CONGRATULATIONS!!

Two WU Students joined Global Leadership Summer Camp 2014

WU Prides

WU student won the Best Poster Presentation Award

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