H.E. Mr. Glyn T. Davies, the U.S. Ambassador to Thailand visits KKU to honor and strengthen the relationship with our university (International Visitors)

On April 20, 2016, H.E. Mr. Glyn T. Davies, the U.S. Ambassador to Thailand and Embassy delegates visited Khon Kaen University for academic discussion and building relationship. They were warmly welcomed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sommai Priprem, Vice President for Finance and Assets together with the administrative team of Khon Kaen University and personnel from International Relations Division. H.E. Mr. Glyn T. Davies mentioned about the close relations between the U.S. and Thailand in many important aspects such as science, technology, health sciences, and English instruction. The U.S. and Thailand have had a student exchange program for many years, and KKU is strategically located in the northeastern region of Thailand which is the hub for education and collaboration in the Mekong Subregion and ASEAN. Also, Mr. Davies emphasized social development, and indicated the U.S. Embassy is willing

to help KKU and in the development of society, education, ways of life, culture, and the environment of people in the Northeast region. After the meeting, there was a presentation from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on the roles of the Center for Civil Society Non-Profit Management (CSNM) in strengthening civil society organizations in the Northeast. Also, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Buapun Promphakping, Director of CSNM had been supported by the USAID through the SAPAN project which aims to develop staff and leaders for civil society organizations and CSNM. In the afternoon, there was a reception with the U.S. Ambassador, the U.S. Embassy delegates, the U.S. Alumni, and the leader students at KKU. There were idea exchanges and experience sharing among them. The meeting atmosphere was warm and friendly which was appreciated by them and strengthened their relationships considerably.

KKU signs MOU with University of Georgia, the United States of America (International Collaboration)

On April 21 - 22, 2016, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kittichai Triratanasirichai, KKU President visited University of Georgia, USA with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nawarat Wara-aspawati Charoen, Vice President for International Affairs and the administrators from the Faculty of Agriculture, the Faculty of Technology, and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. During the visit, they discussed possibilities to extend relations and academic collaboration in many projects in the future. University of Georgia is one of the top universities in the world, and UGA has cooperated with KKU for a long time, especially in the Faculty of Agriculture. Also, UGA and KKU renewed their MOU together in order to promote and support the extension of academic collaboration in many areas and aspects such as student and staff exchanges, joint research, workshop, training, and a joint mini-symposium in food safety. Editors : Advisers :

Ms. Wadinlada Thuratham Mr. Isara Suriyagul Na Ayudhaya Ms. Netdao Chamroendararasmee Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nawarat Wara-aswapati Charoen Asst. Prof. Dr. Teekayu Plangkoon Jorns Asst. Prof. Dr. Acharawan Topark-Ngarm

International Relations Officer International Relations Officer Acting Director for International Relations Division Vice President for International Affairs Assistant to the President for International Relations Assistant to the President for International Collaboration

KKU INTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTER

KKUIC Students win the 3rd Runner Up Prize in Singha English Challenge Finals 2016 (International Outstanding KKU Scholars)

During April 23 - 25, 2016, KKUIC students under the team “ Fai Rang” won the 3rd runner up prize from Singha English Chanllenge 2016 National Final at SC Part Hotel, Bangkok hosted by Singha Corperation and British Council, Singha English Challenge. “Fai Rang” is under the supervision of Mr. Chavis Ketkaew, Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs and Quality Assurance. The team consisted of three KKUIC students (Ms. Preeyapond Laosaksam, Mr. Chonbodee Rachmanee, Ms. Thanchanok Rospitupong) and one from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (Ms. Rawinnipa Ritkamlang). The project aims to develop Thai student’s English skills as well as the knowledge of ASEAN in order for Thai students to communicate and work effectively in the globalized world. Singha English Challenge utilized interesting and useful workshops for students such as, language for persuasion, speech deliverance, and TV script writing. They received not only the monetary prizes, but they also learned from activities organized by the experts in different fields. They met new friends and broadened their connections. Lastly, they learned in this competition to define their limits and create opportunities to develop themselves.

Vanda Institute, Cambodia visits KKU to discuss academic collaboration (International Visitors)

On April 26, 2016, Mr. Rhong Saran, Vice President for International Relations and Battambang Campus and delegates from Vanda Institute, Cambodia visited Khon Kaen University to introduce the Vanda Institute to KKU and discuss academic collaboration. They were welcomed by Asst. Prof. Dr. Teekayu Plangkoon Jorns, Assistant to the President for International Relations and personnel from International Relations Division. The discussion focused on staff and student exchanges, scholarship support, possibilities to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with KKU, and cultural exchanges, especially in the fields of accountancy, finance, and business English. The main campus of Vanda Institute was set up at Phnom Penh, and the two others were in Battambang and Siem Reap. This institute has specialized in Accounting, Young Auditing, and Taxation. In the afternoon, the group of delegates visited KKU International College to discuss related international programs and the KKU Library.

KKU and IDP Education Thailand co-organizes “the IELTS Clinic Seminar and the IELTS Pre-Test 2016”

(International Events/Activities)

2

On April 28, 2016, International Relations Division and IDP Education Thailand co-organized “the IELTS Clinic Seminar and the IELTS Pre-Test” for KKU staff and students and other interested people. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nawarat Wara-aspawati Charoen, Vice President for International Affairs presided over the 3rd IELTS Clinic Seminar 2016 and welcomed Mr. Daniel Golden, Senior Teacher and Operations Coordinator IDP English and Mr. Tanupat Mornkham, Regional Academic Counselor. Mr. Daniel Golden gave a presentation on techniques and gimmicks on how to prepare for IELTS. In the afternoon, the 1st IELTS Pre-Test in reading and writing skills was held for registered applicants. The results were examined and measured by the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations which were useful for their understanding of their levels of English proficiency.

https://ird.kku.ac.th

(International Visitors)

On May 3, 2016, Prof. Lynne Cohen, Dean of School of Education, Prof. Andrew Woodward, Dean of School of Sciences and Prof. Jim Cross, School of Science, delegates from Edith Cowan University, Australia met with International Affairs administrators led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nawarat Wara-aswapati Charoen, Vice President for International Affairs to extend collaboration with KKU in many areas, for example: student and staff exchange in the Faculty of Education, the Faculty of Science, the Faculty of Public Health, and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Science and the New Colombo Plan Scholarship. Edith Cowan University is also interested in computer science, and Prof. Andrew Woodward is conducting research with Asst. Prof. Dr. Chakchai So-In in computer security at the Faculty of Science.

April - June 2016

KKU extends collaboration with Edith Cowan University, Australia

New Zealand Ambassador to Thailand visits KKU to discuss academic collaboration

(International Visitors)

On May 10, 2016, H.E. Mr. Ben King, New Zealand Ambassador to Thailand, visited Khon Kaen University with Mr. Brent Rapson, First Secretary and Ms. Chortip Pramoolpol, Marketing and Strategic Relations Manager, the New Zealand Embassy in Thailand to strengthen relations and discuss with KKU administrators led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kittichai Triratanasirichai, KKU President. During the visit, they exchanged information and discussed possibilities for establishing academic and research collaboration and developing joint projects between New Zealand Embassy, Mekong Institute, and KKU. Especially, the New Zealand Embassy is pleased and interested in giving support and continuing collaboration with KKU. Collaboration would include staff and student exchanges, dual-degree program, and English training for academic staff.

https://ird.kku.ac.th

3

KKU INTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTER

KKU lecturers are invited to give lectures at two Universities in Indonesia (International Events/Activities)

During May 10 – June 9, 2016, Asst. Prof. Dr. Bodee Putsyainunt and Asst. Prof. Dr. Anucha Nilpaphan, the Faculty of Integrated Social Science, Khon Kaen University were invited as research visitors to give lectures in economic development at the University Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. On May 28, 2016, both of them were also guest speakers on the topic entitled “Long Life Education and Development in North East Thailand under the Process of Economic and Social Development Plan” at Slamet Riyadi University, Surakarta, Indonesia. The results of this visit reflected the goodwill among University Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Slamet Riyadi University, and Khon Kaen University, and the mutual benefits that could be gained from visits by lecturers and researchers for short-term research and class lectures. In the near future, there may be a new project to initiate exchange students between three Universities.

Slamet Riyadi University and KKU aim for academic collaboration (International Visitors) On May 18, 2016, Prof. Dr. Ir. Kapti Rahayu Kuswanto, Director of Slamet Riyadi University, Surakarta, Indonesia and her colleague visited the Faculty of Integrated Social Science, Khon Kaen University. They were welcomed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Apirat Petchsiri, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Integrated Social Science, Asst. Prof. Dr. Bodee Putsyainunt, Head of Economics Department and lecturers. They discussed and exchanged ideas about academic and research collaboration such as student and staff exchanges, visiting professors and scholars, and multidisciplinary research projects, as well as international conferences with invited key note speakers. In the near future, these Universities will have collaboration in many areas.

KKU International Staff Gathering 2016 (International Events/Activities)

On May 19, 2016, many international staff from various Faculties participated in the “KKU International Staff Gathering 2016” organized by the Department of International Affairs. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nawarat Wara-aswapati Charoen, Vice President for International Affairs together with Asst. Prof. Dr. Teekayu Plangkoon Jorns, Assistant to the President for International Relations and personnel from International Relations Division. In this event, they exchange ideas and proposed ways to develop KKU to continue to develop into a world leading university.

4

https://ird.kku.ac.th

(International Events/Activities)

On May 23 - 27, 2016, the International Relations Division, Khon Kaen University and the Institute of Continuing & TESOL Education, University of Queensland, Australia co-organized an English capacity building program to build High Level Competency. This program aims to promote and increase the number of English courses in KKU and support KKU lecturers in English instruction. Lecturers from various Faculties joined the program. They learned techniques in English teaching, and they also developed their English capacity from Ms. Lisa Arnold, the professional lecturer from UQ.

April - June 2016

KKU and University of Queensland co-organize the English capacity building program

KKU creates collaboration with Sangmyung University, Korea

(International Collaboration)

On May 24, 2016, Prof. Kee-Heon Goo, President of Sangmyung University, Korea visited Khon Kaen Universityt with Dr. Hangrok Cho, Dean of International Office and Ms. Yerim Oh, Coordinator of International office. They were welcomed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kittichai Triratanasirichai, KKU President and administrators and personnel from International Relations Division. During the visit, Prof. Kee-Heon Goo signed a MOU with KKU in the areas of teaching, culture, and research exchanges. They also discussed possibilities for establishing other collaborations with KKU, especially Korean language teaching. The visit grew the relations between the two universities. After the meeting, Prof. Kee-Heon Goo and his team had a campus tour to view instruction and the living atmosphere and facilities of KKU. This is the first visit to KKU of the delegates from Sangmyung University.

Lincoln University develops academic collaboration with KKU (International Visitors)

On May 24, 2016, Professor Daniel Meyer-Dinkgrafe from Lincoln University, the United Kingdom, visited Khon Kaen University to develop academic collaboration in the fields of medicine and public health. He was welcomed by Asst. Prof. Dr. Teekayu Plangkoon Jorns, Assistant to the President for International Relations and administrators from the Faculty of Public Health, the Faculty of Medicine, and the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts. Professor Daniel Meyer, a visiting professor under the international visiting scholars of KKU, is part of the exchange program in research and teaching at the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts.

https://ird.kku.ac.th

5

KKU INTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTER

The delegates from VVOB Cambodia visit KKU to observe and learn about educational innovation (International Visitors) On May 31, 2016, the Faculty of Education, Khon Kaen University and Center for Research in Mathematics Education (CRME) welcomed the representatives from VVOB Cambodia, the educational development organization in Cambodia. They visited Khon Kaen to observe and learn about educational innovation, “Lesson Study” and “Open Approach” which have been used in Khon Kaen Province from May 31 – June 2, 2016. They were welcomed by Asst. Prof. Dr. Maitree Inprasitha, the Dean of Faculty of Education with administrative team and lecturers from Mathematics Education program. Asst. Prof. Dr. Maitree Inprasitha gave a welcome speech and a lecture on the topic “Japan Lesson Study: How to Transform Education Quality in Thailand”. In this lecture, The Dean encouraged adapting and applying Lesson Study methodology within educational context in each country. In addition, he talked about sustainable educational development in the world. The VVOB Cambodia representatives joined the workshop on classroom management using

Lesson Study and Open Approach as introduced by Asst. Prof. Dr. Auijit Pattanajak, a lecturer from mathematics education program. After that, the VVOB Cambodia delegation visited Khukham Pittayasan School, Sumsoong District, Khon Kaen, the pilot school for Lesson Study and Open Approach. They observed the classroom and reflected on what they saw. This visit was a good opportunity for both countries to experience educational exchange, especially about classroom management by using Lesson Study innovation.

KKU co-organizes the 4th International Conference for Science Educators and Teachers: Bridging the Gap, Moving to the Future” (International Events/Activities)

On June 2, 2016, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nawarat Wara-aswapati Charoen, Vice President for International Affairs welcomed and gave an opening address in the 4th International Conference for Science Educators and Teachers: Bridging the Gap, Moving to the Future (ISET2016)”. This conference was held from June 2 - 5, 2016, and it was co-organized by the Faculty of Education and Development Sciences, Kasetsart University, Science Education Center, Srinakharinwirot University, the Faculty of Education, Thaksin University, the Institute for the Promotion of Teaching Science and

Technology, College of Education, Mindanao State University-lligan Institute of Technology, the Philippines, and the Faculty of Education, Khon Kaen University. The aim of this event was to open opportunities for researcher and academic staff in science studies and related areas in countries in ASEAN and around the world to exchange research and knowledge in educational development, especially research on classroom instruction and to build a network. Both Thai and foreign participants joined and presented their papers in the event that had over 300 people.

KKU discusses academic collaboration with University of Sheffield, United Kingdom

(International Visitors)

On June 2, 2016, Dr. Allister McGregor, Department of Political, University of Sheffield visited Khon Kaen University to discuss academic collaboration with KKU administrators. He was welcomed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nawarat Wara-aswapati Charoen, Vice President for International Affairs, Asst. Prof. Dr. Teekayu Plangoon Jorns, Assistant to the President for International Relations, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Buapun Promphakping, the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Dr. John Draper from College of Local Administration. They discussed teaching, research, public relations, and the research fund called the Newton Fund Institutional Program sponsored by the British Council, United Kingdom.

6

https://ird.kku.ac.th

(International Outstanding KKU Scholars)

On June 10, 2016, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nawarat Wara-aswapati Charoen, Vice President for International Affairs joined in the orientation and congratulations party for Ms. Thitikarn Pohpoach, the 4th year student from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, KKU who received the scholarship in the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program 2016 - 2017 of Fulbright Thailand. She was one of the four representatives from Thailand who received this scholarship, and she will stay in the United States for four to five months to learn and share her experiences. A lot of participants joined in this event.

April - June 2016

KKU student receives Fulbright scholarship

KKU and UN co-organize the exhibition on “Sustainable Development Goals”

(International Events/Activities)

On June 13, 2016, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nawarat Wara-aswapati Charoen, Vice President for International Affairs welcomed delegates from the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Thailand. The delegation was led by Mr. Michael Bäk, Advisor to the UN Resident Coordinator in the opening ceremony of the exhibition on “Sustainable Development Goals”. Lots of KKU administrators joined in this event. The exhibition aims to give knowledge to KKU lecturers, staff, students, and other interested people about 17 sustainable development goals, ranging from poverty eradication to quality education, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth. Ms. Catherine Wilczek, Coordination Analyst for UNRCO, presented information about the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Thailand. Many students were interested and asked questions about these goals. This event was held from June 13 - 24, 2016 at Khon Kaen University Library.

Yunnan Traffic Technician College builds collaborative network (International with KKU Visitors) On June 15, 2016, Mr. Yang Jingyuan, the principal of Yunnan Traffic Technician College (YTTC) and his esteemed team from the People’s Republic of China visited KKU to meet international affairs executives and the Faculty of Engineering. Their goal was to build possibilities for student & staff exchanges, program training and academic collaboration. They were warmly welcomed by Asst. Prof. Dr. Acharawan Topark-Ngarm, Assistant to the President for International Collaboration. During the visit, they exchanged information and discussed possibilities for establishing and strengthening academic collaboration and research, such as: student & staff exchanges for engineering at Bachelor, Master and PhD levels, contributing to water transportation, and developing economic and agriculture in the Mekong sub region. These activities would raise the standard of living and help create better lives for Chinese and Thai. It was a very good start to building great collaboration between our institutions. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be developed in the near future.

https://ird.kku.ac.th

7

KKU INTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTER

KKU attends in THE Asia Universities Summit (International Events/Activities)

On June 19 - 21, 2016, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nawarat Wara-aswapati Charoen, Vice President for International Affairs, attended in Times Higher Education Asia Universities Summit at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). Many participants from various countries joined in this event. THE Asia University Ranking 2016 ranked by THE Top Universities in ASEAN announced 7 Thai universities from Top 14 Universities in ASEAN including Mahidol Universities, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Chaing Mai University, Chulalongkorn University, Suranaree University of Technology, Khon Kaen University, and Prince of Songkla University. Two Universities from Singapore, four Universities in Malaysia, and one University in Indonesia, were ranked in the top fourteen.

Mawlamyine University develops academic collaboration with KKU

(International Visitors)

On June 29, 2016, Daw Hnin Hnin Wai, the professor & Head of English Department and her team from Mawlamyine University, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, visited KKU to meet international affairs executives, the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences and the Mekong Institute to develop possibilities for student & staff exchanges and academic collaboration. They were welcomed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nawarat Wara-aswapati Charoen, Vice President for International Affairs. During the visit, they exchanged information and discussed possibilities for establishing and strengthening academic collaboration, for example: student & staff exchanges for social sciences and sciences in geo-informatics etc. It was the 1st time that Mawlamyine University has visited KKU. It was a very good start for building collaboration between our institutions.

KKU discusses academic collaboration with universities in Australia

(International Collaboration)

On June 30 - July 1, 2016, Asst. Prof. Dr. Denpong Soodphakdee, Vice President for Academic and Communication Affairs, Asst. Prof. Dr. Teekayu Plangkoon Jorns, Assistant to the President for International Relations, and Dr. Woralap Sangvatanachai, Director of Language Institute, visited University of Sydney to discuss academic collaboration and sign a MOU between two universities. KKU administrators also visited McQuarie Univerisity and Charles Sturt University (CSU) to discuss academic collaboration. At CSU, they talked about a medical center with Prof. Boyen Huang, Vice President of Australian and New Zealand IADR, Charles Sturt University.

International Relations Division (IRD) Khon Kaen University 4th Floor, Bimala Kalakicha Building, 123 Mittraparb Road, Muang District, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand Tel/Fax: (+66)-43 -202059 E-mail: [email protected] Website: https://ird.kku.ac.th

8

https://ird.kku.ac.th