Volume 19 Number 2 (May - August 2012) - Mahidol University

The International Newsletter of Mahidol University, Thailand
ISSN 0859-6670 Volume 19 • Number 2 • May - August 2012
www.mahidol.ac.th
Mahidol University International Week 2012
Contents >>
News >>
The ASEAN Institute for Health
Development organizes a range of
activities including The Friendship and
Cultural Exchange Camp, aiming to
create a stronger regional identify
in its Thai and international students.
4 7 8
Research >> Awards >>
Spectrum meets Assoc. Prof.
Dr. Somchoen Honsa, Jr. from the
Faculty of Liberal Arts to learn more
about a learner-centered approach to
the teaching of English – the On-Line
Writing Lab (OWL).
The Mahidol University Choir
win multiple accolades at
the 12 th Moscow International
Children’s and Youth Choir
Festival.

Features
Mahidol University International Week 2012
Monday Tuesday Wednesday
Friday
Following last year’s success, Mahidol University’s annual celebration of its international students and faculty - “Mahidol University
International Week” or “MUIW” once again incorporated a wide-range of fun, international-related events and activities.
JUNE 18-19
MUIW 2012 kicked off with the firstever
“Foreign Faculty Forum” also known
as the “FFF”. Here, foreign and Thai staff
got together at the MU Learning Center
to discuss their experiences of working at
Mahidol University and meet with other,
often long-standing, faculty members.
The next day the College of Management
Mahidol University (CMMU) hosted an
intercultural workshop entitled “Exploring
Thai Culture”. Held at the CMMU
Student Lounge and attended by dozens
of international students, the event
allowed participants to share their
observations on living in Thailand, learn
useful Thai words and phrases,
understand aspects of Thai culture,
and even take part in a Thai salad
making competition. They were also
given the opportunity to introduce their
own cultures to their international and
Thai colleagues.
2 • May - August 2012, Vol. 19, No. 2

JUNE 20
At the MU Learning Centre, fifteen
students from across Mahidol
University competed in the final rounds
of the Mahidol University International
Relations Ambassador 2012 (MUIR
Ambassador 2012) competition. The
participants first impressed judges with
a wide-range of presentations, dance and
musical performances. This was followed
by a panel discussion on studying
overseas with participants sharing their
experiences of countries including Japan,
Australia and Singapore. After this, came
the second round of the MUIR
Ambassador competition – a question
The MU-IR Ambassadors
and answer session during which the
competitors performed admirably. As a
result, the judges’ results were incredibly
close, but eventually six ambassadors
were announced (from left):
• Mr. Gritimook Wisettanakorn, age
22, from the Faculty of Medicine
Ramathibodi Hospital
• Mr. Harmish Muszid, age 21, from
the Faculty of Liberal Arts
• Ms. Nattawadee Thanamahamongkhol,
age 21, from Mahidol University International
College
• Ms. Sitanan Pinsuwan, age 21, from
The Faculty of Liberal Arts
• Mr. Karin Kunjara Na Ayudhya, age
21, from Mahidol University International
College, and
• Mr. Pattipon Kao-ngampanich, age
20, from the Faculty of Physical Therapy
Over the next year, the ambassadors
will help support international-related
events, share information on scholarships,
and liaise between the Office of The
President and the student body. Spectrum
would like to congratulate the final six
and thank all those who took part in the
event.
JUNE 22
A Celebration Mahidol University’s
International Students and Faculty
Asst. Prof. Surakit Nathisuwan, Vice President
for International Relations delivering
the International Night Report
MUIW 2012 culminated in MU
International Night 2012 at the Multipurpose
Building, Salaya Campus; an event
which brought together over 400 students
and staff for an evening of food, dance
and entertainment. Opened by Prof.
Rajata Rajatanavin, President of Mahdiol
University, highlights included a fashion
show with traditional northern Thai costumes
created by Mr. Anurak Karnchan, from
Mahidol University’s Research Institute
for Languages and Cultures of Asia and
performances from the Faculty of Liberal
Arts, the College of Music, the Faculty of
Public Health and a Multicultural Show
from Mahidol University International
College (MUIC).
As in previous years, the evening
ended with the announcement of
Mr. and Ms. International Night.
Congratulations this year go to
Mr. Manatee Jit-Anan from Thailand
studying for his Ph.D at the Faculty of
Public Health and Ms. Alexia Ducouss
from France, an exchange student at
MUIC. They were joined by Ms. May
Thinza Kyi (MUIC) from Myanmar who
was voted International Night Popular
Vote 2012.
Prof. Rajata Rajatanavin, President, Mahidol
University (centre) with Ms. Alexia Ducouss
(left) and Mr. Manatee Jit-Anan (right)
Prof. Suwanna Ruangkanchanaset,
Vice President, Mahidol University (right)
with Ms. May Thinza Kyi
• 3

News
AIHD Hosts International Cultural Exchanges
The Master of Primary Health Care
Management (MPHM) program at
Mahidol University’s ASEAN Institute
for Health Development (AIHD) recently
held one of its key activities, known as
“The Friendship and Cultural Exchange
Camp”. This annual event aims to create
a stronger regional identity in its
participants by increasing their awareness
of world history and heritage. Over
the years, the aims of the International
Camp have been expanded, and today
the event helps to give its participants
an even greater understanding of many
of the world’s cultures. Over a two-day
period (10 th -11 th May), fourteen young
and creative individuals from the newest
batch of MPHM students gathered in
Chachoengsao province. Through the
use of the arts to share their experiences
and build friendships, the students, who
represented seven countries (Fiji, Malawi,
Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan,
and Thailand), were able to learn about
each other’s culture and history under
the theme of “Save the World”.
During their stay, the participants took
part in various activities including dance,
music, photojournalism, cross-cultural
events, and educational team-building
exercises; they also participated in the
planting of mangroves and molding
clay at the Baan Pla Loma and Kum
Wimaandin resorts respectively. Other
activities included a boat trip around
Bird’s Island. All activities were led by
professional instructors and AIHD staff
in order to help students further develop
their talents.
Later in the month, thanks to the
support of the Educational Affairs
Section of AIHD, students were able to
get together with their peers from the
Master of Arts in Addiction Studies, and
the Diploma program in Primary Health
Care Management for a Potluck Party;
an opportunity for all the international
students at AIHD to experience the
traditional dishes of their colleagues
home countries. This event brought
together representatives from eleven
countries; participants were also joined
by Dr. Supattra Srivanichakorn, Director
of AIHD. Those attending reported that
the event turned into an enjoyable and
a memorable evening for everyone.
For more information, please visit, www.aihd.mahidol.ac.th
MUIC at NAFSA 2012
From 27 th May to 1 st June 2012,
representatives from Mahidol University
International College (MUIC) attended the
64 th NAFSA : Association of International
Educators, Annual Conference & Expo
in Houston, USA, intending to raise the
College’s international profile.
Joining around 9,000 international
education professionals from around the
world, were Dr. Charles Windish, MUIC’s
Associate Dean for International Affairs;
Dr. Yingyot Chiaravutthi, its Associate Dean
for Academic Affairs; Dr. Pisut Yuwanond, the
Director of the Tourism and Hospitality
Management Program; Ms. Laddawan
Jianvittayakit, International Network
Development Officer, and Ms. Anisa
Mekaporn, International Relations Officer.
An MUIC display booth helped boost
the College’s presence at the event and
strengthen its image as a top international
liberal arts college in Asia. In addition to
attending sessions, MUIC delegates also
had the opportunity to engage in discussions
with some of the College’s international
partners and meet many potential new
ones.
NAFSA was founded in 1948 as the
National Association of Foreign Student
Advisers. It is now the world’s biggest
non-profit professional association dedicated
to international education.
To learn more about the event, please visit
http://www.nafsa.org/
To learn more about MUIC, Thailand’s leading
undergraduate international institution, please
visit http://www.muic.mahidol.ac.th/eng/
4 • May - August 2012, Vol. 19, No. 2

Graduation 2012
>> News
On 5 th July 2012, His Majesty the
King graciously designated Her Royal
Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn
(pictured) as his representative at the
Mahidol University Graduation Ceremony
2011 and affiliated institutions, held at
the Royal Thai Navy Convention Hall,
Bangkok. To mark this special occasion,
Mahidol University Council unanimously
agreed to ask for the permission to
present three members of the Royal
Family of Thailand with Honorary Doctorate
Degree in recognition of their outstanding
public service.
Following this announcement, Her
Majesty Queen Sirikit of Thailand, Her
Majesty Queen Regent was conferred
with a Doctor of Philosophy Honoris
Causa in Environmental Education.
Joining Her Majesty were H.R.H Crown
Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, who was
conferred with a Doctor of Public Health
Honoris Causa in Health Administration,
and H.R.H. Princess Soamsawali, who
was conferred with a Doctor of Science
Honoris Causa in Medical Technology.
Four additional honorary degrees
were awarded - Prof. Emer Dr. Sompop
Ruangtrakool, who was awarded a
Doctor of Medicine, Honoris Causa,
Prof. Emer Dr. Verasing Muangman who
was awarded a Doctor of Medicine,
Honoris Causa, Admiral M.L. Usni
Pramoj, who was awarded a Doctor
of Music, Honoris Causa (Performance
Arts), and, Prof. Emer. Dr. Prapon
Wilairat, who was awarded a Doctor of
Philosophy, Honoris Causa in Molecular
Genetics and Genetic Engineering.
(Front row) Three honorary degree recipients
- Admiral M.L. Pramoj, (left), Prof. Emer.
Dr. Wilairat (second from right) and Prof.
Emer. Dr. Muangman (right) are joined by
Prof. Rajata Rajatanavin, President, Mahidol
University (second from left). Prof. Emer. Dr.
Ruangtrakool was also bestowed with an
honorary degree
In total, 6,038 students from Mahidol
University and its affiliated institutions
graduated for the academic year 2011-
2012. Spectrum would like to congratulate
each and every one of them.
In more graduation news, on 19 th
April 2012, the 2011 Master of Public
Health Graduation Ceremony (pictured
left) was held presided over by President
Rajatanavin. A total of 63 students
were in attendance representing 12
countries - Bangladesh, Fiji, India,
Indonesia, Japan, Lao PDR, Myanmar,
Maldives, Nepal, Sudan, Thailand and
Vietnam. In order to mark this special
event and to represent their diversity,
many of the students dressed in their
traditional or national costumes. The
new graduates then celebrated by
attending a Congratulatory Dinner
sponsored by the Faculty.
FIFA Medical Center of Excellence
The College of Sports Science and
Technology, Mahidol University and
Bangkok Hospital Medical Center have
been accredited as Fédération International
de Football Association (FIFA) Medical
Centers of Excellence, the first in
Thailand and the ASEAN region. These
centers of excellence have been established
worldwide by FIFA to ensure that
players have access to a high-standard
of football-related medicine and treatments.
Following a comprehensive evaluation in
clinical, educational, and research expertise
by the FIFA Medical Committee, only 26
football medicine centers have so far
received the official accreditation globally.
Over the next five years Bangkok Hospital Medical Center and the College of
Sports Science and Technology will need to continue to improve their standards
of football-related medical and research in order to keep their accreditation. In
fact, the College intends to increase and maintain the high standard of all its
sports research and recently launched an international PhD program.
To learn more about the College of Sports Science and Technology, please visit
http://www.ss.mahidol.ac.th/EN/
• 5

Interview
International Internships in Science
Due to the scheduling and content
of most biological science courses, it
is often difficult for students to be able
to participate in exchanges without
disrupting their studies. For the past
eight years the University of Wisconsin-
Madison (UW-Madison) Department of
Bacteriology, in association with the
National Science Foundation and the
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
have been tackling this issue by
collaborating with the Faculty of Science
Mahidol University under the International
Research Exchange Student (IRES)
program.
Crucially, the exchange, which aims
to provide US students with a useful
international research experience in
Biological Sciences and establish
international networks, takes place
during the students’ summer break
and does not conflict with their regular
courses. In addition to internships at
Mahidol University, places are also
available in India and the UK.
This initiative, under the supervision
of Asst. Prof. Suthep Wiyakrutta, Head
of the Department of Microbiology,
Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, also
allows selected students to enhance
their research experience by investigating
key issues in the field of micro and
molecular biology in a recognized scientific
laboratory overseas with an experienced
international laboratory research team.
This year, five UW-Madison
undergraduates took part in program –
Matthew Marcott, Ala Mustafa, Kasey
Reeves, Rachel Wong, and Abigail
Zagar, Spectrum took a few minutes to
ask them about their experiences.
Spectrum: Why did you choose to
apply for the internship within
Thailand at Mahidol University?
Kasey – Thailand seemed the most
different from the US, and it was also
fully funded. This makes it a lot easier
as I pay for school. But above all,
I really wanted a different cultural
experience.
Spectrum: You all arrived together,
did you have an induction?
Rachel – The deadline for applications
was in January, then after an interview
process we were all sent an email
introducing the members of our group.
We had a series of meetings before we
arrived to get to know the ins and outs
and meet with previous students. Once
we got here we probably spent three or
four days just travelling and getting to
know each other.
Spectrum: Did you have any language
training?
Ala – The lab I am in has a lot of
foreigners, so everyone speaks decent
English, including the local students.
So I didn’t really run into any language
issues here.
Rachel - We had a quick crashcourse
in Thai before we started, we
learnt the basics; to greet people, say
excuse me, etc. A lot involve learning
from our labs.
Abigail/Kasey – We try to learn a
word or a phrase of the day.
Spectrum: So, are you enjoying the
academic and social aspects of your
internships?
Rachel – I really like my lab mates,
they are very welcoming, I have met a
lot of people who I never would have
got the opportunity to meet otherwise;
they take care of me and suggest
places for us to go. And, ordering food
for us is always nice.
Spectrum: Are any of you thinking of
having an international career in the
future and in which field?
All – Oh yes! Ala – Physician.
Rachel – I want to do industrial
research. Abigail – Epidemiology.
Kasey – I am interested in Pathology,
(From left) Rachel Wong, Ala Mustafa,
Matthew Marcott, Kasey Reeves and Abigail Zagar
but I am also studying a certificate in
Global Health. Matthew – I’m looking
into being a physician as well, I am also
doing a certificate in Global Health.
Spectrum: Overall, has your internship
been a worthwhile experience?
All – Definitely. Abigail – It’s been
a very humbling experience being
somewhere you don’t know the local
language, yet people try to help you;
for instance, when ordering food. You
appreciate small things like that, the
courtesies. Kasey – We’ve met people
from all over the world. I have learned
so much, just from talking with them
and listening to their experiences on
travelling and work. Rachel – I like the
acceptance, everyone is welcomed and
everyone is accepting of each other.
Abigail – Asst.Prof. Wiyakrutta has been
very helpful, providing us with laboratory
space, equipment and lab coats; we
would like to thank him for all his
assistance.
Collaboration between Mahdol University
and UW-Madison looks set to continue.
Currently, Dr. Jon T. Roll, Faculty Associate,
at UW-Madison’s Department of Bacteriology, and
Director of the IRES program, is discussing
expanding the number and type of student
exchanges with Asst.Prof.Kanyaratt
Supaibulwatana, Deputy Dean for Academic
and International Cooperation, Mahidol
University’s Faculty of Science. They are
considering sending outstanding undergraduate
students from the Faculty’s distinction program
to UW-Madison under a 4 month-cooperative
research program. UW-Madison will also
submit a proposal to the National Science
Foundation to continue supporting students
from the U.S. to be able to conduct internships
at Mahidol University, Thailand.
6 • May - August 2012, Vol. 19, No. 2

Research
Transborder Teaching of Writing Skills
Using an On-line Writing Lab
Although many of today’s non-native
English speakers are excellent when
conversing in English, many are less
advanced in their writing. As a result,
one of the most frequent comments
universities receive from graduate
employers concerns the level of graduate
English writing skills. In fairness, to be
able to write in an accurate, clear, and
concise manner in English (or indeed
any language), is one of the most
difficult skills for a non-native speaker
to master, and there is a clear need for
more innovative ways of teaching this
subject. This issue is made even more
urgent as 2015, and the establishment
of the ASEAN Economic Community
draws near. Fortunately, Assoc. Prof.
Dr. Somchoen Honsa, Jr. from Mahidol
University’s Faculty of Liberal Arts is
responding to the challenge and is
helping to strengthen the English writing
and reporting skills of Mahidol University
students. Due to a keen interest and
extensive research in the field of Applied
Linguistics, especially alternative
assessments which foster students’
autonomy, Assoc. Prof. Honsa, Jr. is
aware of the need to support students in
their writing and is set to launch a novel
way of tackling this issue.
Assoc. Prof. Honsa, Jr. is about
to introduce an On-Line Writing Lab
(OWL) which will be made available to
all first and second year students at
Mahidol University. Crucially, this online
E-learning approach to the teaching
goes beyond traditional methods, which
sometimes use websites or electronic
resources as sources of further reading.
This On-Line lab adopts an active and
Learner-Centered approach; one that
is much more flexible than traditional
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Somchoen Honsa, Jr. from
the Faculty of Liberal Arts talks to Mr. Paul
Bulcock, International Relations Division,
Mahidol University
classroom-based teaching methods for
both the lecturer and the students.
Students are free to log-on to the
lab anywhere and at any time, and
complete their written assignments.
Students can then assess their writing
by comparing it with samples from an
extensive database of earlier work.
This encourages the students to be
more critical, allowing them to identify
and correct any errors in subsequent
drafts. Students are therefore less likely
to repeat these errors in the future.
In fact, the approach nurtures students’
autonomy and the possibility of Life-Long
Learning Skills for students.
The facility also includes a comprehensive
set of links to other English teaching
sites, demonstration videos and
presentations, providing students with
all the background information and tools
they need to complete their assignments.
OWL is also trans-border in the way
that EFL/ESL learners can access the
OWL at any time using many kinds of
electronic tools and from all corners
of the globe. Thus, OWL can support
students even when they cannot attend
in classes, or are on overseas student
exchange programs.
OWL aims to help students to be able to
bold students English writing skills. Students
achieve this by being independent and
monitoring the writing process themselves.
Students learn to critique each piece of writing
using writing samples as guidelines
Such an approach to teaching obviously
has implications well-beyond the Faculty
and the teaching of English. Assoc.
Prof. Honsa, Jr. therefore hopes to be
able to share the lessons and experiences
gained from introducing this innovative
approach to teaching, not just with her
immediate peers in the field of linguistics,
but with lecturers of other subjects from
across the region.
To learn more about the Faculty and
OWL, please visit http://www.la.mahidol.
ac.th/eng/index.php
First established in 2003, as the Faculty
of Arts, the Faculty offers Bachelor
of Arts in both Thai and English, plus
fundamental courses in foreign languages
and the humanities. The Faculty also
offers an International Master of Arts
Program in Applied Linguistics and can
provide 20-hour Thai language and
culture courses to Mahidol University’s
international staff and students.
Interested parties should contact:
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Somchoen Honsa,Jr.
Acting Deputy Dean for Research, Academic
Services and International Affairs
Faculty of Liberal Arts, Mahidol University,
999 Phuttamonthon 4, Salaya Campus
Nakonpathom 73170, Thailand
Tel: +66 (0)2 441 4401-4 Ext 134
E-mail: arshs@mahidol.ac.th
• 7

Awards
Multiple Awards for Mahidol University
Choir at Russian Festival
Congratulations to the Mahidol
University Choir from the College of
Music, who from 26 th April – 2 nd May
2012, won five trophies at the 12 th
Moscow International Children’s and
Youth Choir Festival (MICYCF) in Russia.
During the festival, which is also known
as “Moscow Sounds”, the choir were
awarded first place in the Mixed Youth
Choir category and second place in the
Spiritual Music Category. In addition,
Mr. Rit Subsomboon received an award
for Best Conductor, Mr.Teeranai Jirasirikul
for Best Piano Accompanist and Ms.
Pitchaya Muangsuham for Best Soloist.
MICYCF is a bi-annual event aiming
to foster international collaboration and
In fact, Mahidol University was the
only higher education institution to
receive the award which is given to
entrepreneurs and businesses who
utilize their IP for commercial purposes.
Prof. Prasit Palittapongarnpim, Vice
President for Research received the
award on behalf of Mahidol University,
presented by Mr. Siriwat Kajornprasart,
Deputy Minister of Commerce on May
promote cultural exposure. The festival
has beome a significant event in the
cultural life of Moscow and is gaining
increased international recognition.
The Mahidol University Choir has
performed at many national and international
events, including the Beloved Thailand
Concert at Government House, Her
Majesty Queen Sirikit Favourite Songs
Concert at the College of Music, and
the recent Asia Pacific Association for
International Education Conference and
Exhibition (APAIE) hosted by Mahidol
University.
To learn more about the Mahidol University
Choir, please visit http://www.music.mahidol.
ac.th/muc/index.php
University wins Top Thai
Intellectual Property Award
Mahidol University has been announced as a leader in the field of intellectual property
(IP) in Thailand under the “Invention Patent and Petty Patent” category by the
Department of Intellectual Property, under the Ministry of Commerce and has
received an “IP Champion 2012 Award”. 2012 marks the 20 th anniversary of
the establishment of the department.
3 rd 2012. Prominent examples of IP at
Mahidol University over the 2008 to
2010 period include: the MU-tip, the
Siriraj stand up wheelchair, the RAMA-
SP pipette, the RAMA-IUI catheter “IUI”,
the disposable abdominal drape and
Aero Dry. Trademarks have included
M-Dent, Periokure, Periopet, Perioplus,
the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra and
Power Green Camp.
More information on these products and on
IP at Mahidol University in general, is available at
its Center for Intellectual Property Management
website at http://www.ip.mahidol.ac.th/# (in Thai).
8 • May - August 2012, Vol. 19, No. 2

Asst. Prof. Dr. Chamras Promptmas
from the Faculty of Medical Technology
and Deputy Director of National Doping
Control Centre, Mahidol University, as
co-inventor with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kosum
Chansiri, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Somchai
Santiwattanakul and Dr. Thongchai
Kaewphinit from the Faculty of Medicine,
Srinakharinwirot University received a
Silver Medal from Geneva International
Invention and Special Award from Taiwan
Invention Association for the invention -
“Piezoelectric-based DNA Sensor for
Diagnostic Detection” at 40 th International
Lutheran Medical Center,
>> Awards Cont
Award Winning Inventions
at Mahidol University
Inventions by Mahidol University faculty members continue
to receieve national and international interest and acclaim.
>> New Agreements
USA & Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University
CMMU Establishes New European Partnerships
The College of Management, Mahidol
University (CMMU) has announced new
partnerships with three of Europe’s leading
business institutions: Solvay Brussels
School of Economics and Management,
Belgium; Toulouse Graduate School of
Management, France, and BI Norwegian
Business School, Norway. These schools
are at the forefront of innovation in business
education, and attract talented European
and international students as well as
business professionals. They also posses
international accreditations for outstanding
Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva, April
20 th , 2012.
Asst. Prof. Promptmas‘s award
follows a major national award for
innovation at Mahidol University, this time
presented to Mr. Singha Prasitpong,
a Ph.D student from the Science and
Technology Education Program based at
Mahidol University’s Institute of Innovative
Learning. Mr. Prasitpong received the
Invent and Serve Award 2012 from the
National Research Council of Thailand as
part of the celebrations to mark Inventors
Day 2012 earlier this year. Mr.Prasitpong
quality in business and management
education, namely EQUIS (European
Quality Improvement System), AMBA
(Association of MBAs), EPAS Accreditation
for Master of International Management
Program. The collaborations were first
discussed during the recent APAIE
has developed an innovative teaching
device known as the “The Demonstration
Set : Frictional Force Direction” which
helps students visualize the direction of
frictional forces. The set can be used
to demonstrate both static and kinetic
frictional forces and has been described
in national and international publications.
Mr. Prasitpong has also several made
presentations at physics education
conferences.
To find out more about the role and objectives
of the Institute of Innovative Learning, please visit
http://www.il.mahidol.ac.th/eng/index.php/about-usinstitute.html
On 25 th May 2012, at HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn 50 th Birthday
Anniversary Celebration Building, Phaya Thai Campus, Clin. Prof Nitipun Jeeraphaet,
Executive Associate Dean, Acting Dean, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University
presided over the Memorandum of Understanding Signing Ceremony between
Lutheran Medical Center and Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University. Prof. Neal A.
Demby, Senior Vice President for Dental Medicine and Dr. Susan Dietrich, Director,
Graduate Dental Education from Lutheran Medical Center represented the Lutheran
Medical Center. The Dean’s Advisory Board and Faculty Committee acted as witnesses.
2012 Conference and Exhibition and it
is hoped that the sharing of knowledge
among faculty and students from CMMU
and the schools could ultimately extend
to student exchange, study trips and
joint degree programs as well as joint
research projects.
• 9

The ASEAN Column
Previous editions of the ASEAN Column have focused on activities at Mahidol
University intending to promote the establishment of the ASEAN Community in
January 2015. Events such as Mahidol University to ASEAN 2015 and Mahidol
University’s active membership of the ASEAN University Network (AUN) are all part
of wider-internationalization strategy. In this issue of the ASEAN Column, we meet
Mahidol University executives-Asst. Prof. Surakit Nathisuwan, Vice President for
International Relations, and Dr. Puwat Charukamnoetkanok, Assistant to the
President for International Relations, in order to discuss how Mahidol University is
preparing for the ASEAN Community.
Spectrum: Thank you for taking the
time out of your busy schedules to
talk to us. Can I start by asking what
do you think the main impacts of the
ASEAN Community will be on higher
education in the region?
Dr. Charukamnoetkanok – I feel
that nobody really knows for sure, but
regardless of the nature of the impacts,
we need to prepare for the arrival of
the ASEAN Community. With respect
to higher education, one simple way
of looking at potential impacts is that it
will provide students with more options
with respect to their choice of university.
Technically, they could apply to any
university within the ASEAN region,
2015 can be seen as the beginning of
a period of greater openness in higher
education.
Also, universities will need to adhere
to an international standard of quality.
In fact, initiatives to develop more standardized
indicators of quality in higher education
are already underway within ASEAN.
I think this is an important point, and
believe that we should use the arrival of
the ASEAN Community as an opportunity
to reflect upon our institutions. In effect, the
establishment of the ASEAN Community
provides us with the motivation to improve
ourselves.
“The ASEAN Community is an
opportunity for self-reflection and
>> Announcements
Do you have any comments or feedback
regarding this issue of Spectrum or indeed
any of the recent issues? Perhaps there
is a particular issue concerning international
higher education that you would like us to
cover in the future, or an area of expertise
at Mahidol University with international
implications that you would like us to focus
on? If so, please feel free to contact our
10 • May - August 2012, Vol. 19, No. 2
provides the motivation for change”
Spectrum: Does Mahidol University
have a strategy in response to the
introduction of the ASEAN Community?
Asst. Prof. Nathisuwan - Yes, we
have an internationalization plan with
four main pillars - Internationalization as
a Key Policy, Be International at Home
or Abroad, Overcome Barriers and Fly
as a Team. In summary, we want to
make internalization the norm rather
than the exception and boost awareness
of ASEAN and international issues. In
order to achieve this, university staffs
and students need international exposure
(e.g. studying or receiving training overseas).
In response, we have set a modest
target of 10% international exposure
over the next few years. Crucially, this
not only applies to our students and
academic staff, but also our support
and administrative personnel.
Spectrum: What advice would you
give Mahidol University students, or
indeed students from other parts of
the region in order to prepare for
2015?
Asst. Prof. Nathisuwan – They are
entering a new era, one that will offer
our students more opportunities than
was ever experienced before. In order
to be successful and get the most from
these opportunities, our students should
be aware of their own strengths and
(Right) Asst. Prof. Surakit Nathisuwan, Vice
President for International Relations, and Dr. Puwat
Charukamnoetkanok, Assistant to the President
for International Relations (left) with Ms. Boonyarat
Suwanchinda, Director of the International Relations
Division (centre)
expertise, be pro-active in terms of selfimprovement
and career development
and be ready to explore different
experiences and careers.
Spectrum: Is there any message you
would like to share with our readers
regarding the ASEAN Community?
Asst. Prof. Nathisuwan - We can’t
do this alone, the climate is now right to
develop even stronger international
collaborations. To achieve these, we
need to do more than just discuss
the possibility of working together, we
need real activities. Mahidol University
is committed to this type of approach
and I look forward to welcoming future
partners to our university.
Dr. Charukamnoetkanok- I would
encourage people, especially students in
the region, to think about their education
and careers differently, and to be more
flexible to the ASEAN environment. As
such, we also need to develop our critical
thinking and complex problem solving
skills and work as a team. We need to
learn more about how to learn. Institutions
of higher education will need to provide
these skills in order to produce more
adaptive learners.
We Welcome your Comments
Help Influence Future Editions of
the Spectrum Newsletter
editorial staff at the following email address
. We welcome
your comments and hope that they will
guide future editions of our International
Newsletter.
We look forward to hearing from you.
In any email correspondence, please use
the title “Suggestions Regarding Spectrum
Newsletter for the attention of Paul”.

Conferences and Training
SIBA Gradation Celebration 2012
On 30 th May 2012, the College of
Management, Mahidol University (CMMU)
organized the “SIBA Graduation
Celebration 2012” during which the first
batch of senior executive from leading Thai
companies were presented with their
certificates by Prof. Rassmidara Hoonsawat,
Dean of the College of Management
Mahidol University (CMMU). Also attending
the ceremony were Prof. Rajata
Rajatanavin, President, Mahidol University
and Prof. John Akula, Senior Lecturer in
Law, MIT Sloan School of Management,
US, who delivered an address a speech
congratulating the senior executive
The Asian Physical Therapy Research Symposium
From 6 th -7 th September 2012, the
Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol
University will host the Asian Physical
Therapy Research Symposium (APTRS).
The event will provide the opportunity
for academics and physiotherapists from
across the region and beyond to come
together and share knowledge and
investigate future collaboration in this
important field. Special topics and guest
lectures will include “Update in motor
New Dean of Ratchasuda College
Assoc. Prof. Dr.
Tavee Cheausuwantavee
has been appointed
as Dean of
Ratchasuda College,
Mahidol University.
Assoc. Prof.
Cheausuwantavee
received his Bachelor’s of Science in
Nursing and Midwifery from Chiang Mai
University, Thailand. Following this, he
received a Master’s of Science in Mental
Health from Chulalongkorn University
and a Ph.D. in Social Administration
from Thammasat University, Thailand.
Assoc. Prof. Cheausuwantavee joined
Ratchasuda College as a lecturer in
participants and outlining important
issues related to the establishment of
the ASEAN Economic Community.
SIBA is a project-based senior
executive education program that aims
to build the strategic and innovative
management practices of its participants
in order to better compete in the Asian
market. This program is a collaboration
between CMMU and MIT Sloan School
of Management.
To learn more about SIBA and the expertise
provided by CMMU, please visit http://www.
cmmu.mahidol.ac.th/cmmu/index.php
control and neurological physical therapy”
from Prof. Dr. Carolee J. Winstein from
the University of Southern California, and
“Update in Neuroscience and clinical
application” from Prof. Dr. Naiphinich
Kotchabhakdi, from Mahidol University.
The event will also include a discussion
entitled “Asian PT Education” and “PT
and Health Care System in Asia” with
the heads of some of the most prestigious
institutions of physical therapy in Asia as
1997, after seven years based at the
Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital.
As a result, he now has fifteen years
experience in various fields concerned
with disabilities and the provision of
rehabilitation services. These include
rehabilitation counseling and administration,
community-based rehabilitation,
participatory action research, social
welfare, and policy. Recently, he was
appointed as a Fulbright Visiting Scholar
for teaching and research at the Center
on Disability Studies (CDS), University
of Hawaii at Manoa, Hawaii. In this role,
Assoc. Prof. Cheausuwantavee is able
to research the transition services for
students with disabilities and teach under
panel members.
For more information, please visit
http://www.mahidol.ac.th/mueng/
events2012/aseanPT.pdf
>> Announcements
CDS’s Interdisciplinary Certificate in
Disability and Diversity Studies Program.
As the latest Dean of Ratchasuda
College, he is dedicated to expanding
educational services for persons with
disabilities (PWDs) and persons working
with PWDs as well as developing an
appropriate body of knowledge regarding
disabilities for the benefit of society. He
adds that he “hopes Ratchasuda College
will be not only an academic institute
but also the leading change agent to
promote quality of life and “rights” of
persons with disabilities both domestic
and global visibility”.
To learn more about Ratchasuda College,
please visit http://www.rs.mahidol.ac.th/
• 11

Contacts
Distinguished Visitors to Mahidol University
08-06-12 Assoc. Prof. Pratap Singhasivanon, Dean, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol
University and administrative team welcomed His Excellency Dr. Mam Bunheng and delegates from
the Ministry of Health, Cambodia to the Faculty. The purpose of the visit was to discuss future
collaboration between the Faculty and the Ministry, particularly in the research prevention, and
control of malaria. The distinguished guests also visited the Malaria Laboratory as well as the Centre
for Excellence for Biomedical and Public Health Informatics, also known as BIOPHICS.
24-05-12 Asst. Prof. Surakit Nathisuwan, Vice President for International Relations, Mahidol
University was paid a courtesy call by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ir. Arief Kusuma A.P, Rector, Esa Unggul
University, Indonesia and his delegation. During the visit, which took place in meeting room 515,
5 th floor, Office of the President, the delegation briefed Asst. Prof. Nathisuwan about their discussions
with the Faculty of Physical Therapy and the Golden Jubilee Medical Center concerning potential
collaboration in the field of physical therapy and public health services.
08-05-12 Prof. Dr. Rassmidara Hoonsawat, Dean, College of Management Mahidol
University (CMMU), Asst. Prof. Thanaphol Virasa, Deputy Dean for Administration and Program
Chair for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, and Dr. Astrid Kainzbauer, Assistant Dean for International
Relations, welcomed Prof. Dr. Budi Eko Soetjipto, Dean, and 35 Department Heads and lecturers
from the Faculty of Economics, State University of Malang, Indonesia. This visit provided a great
opportunity for both ASEAN-based to share their knowledge and expertise in Education, Business
Management, and Entrepreneurship.
05-05-12 Ms. Boonyarat Suwanchinda, Director, Division of International Relations
of Mahidol University, along with Dr. Charles Windish, Associate Dean for International Affairs,
Mahidol University International College, welcomed H.E. Mr. James Wise, Australian Ambassador to
the Kingdom of Thailand, on the occasion of his visit to Mahidol University International College. The
aim of this informal event was to explore the possibility of greater student exchange opportunities
between universities in Australia and Thailand. The meeting, which was held at MUIC’s meeting
room, was followed by a brief tour of MUIC as well as a visit to its International Houses at the
Chaiyapruk Village and the Green Park Home.
24-04-12
Asst. Prof. Surakit Nathisuwan, Vice President for International Relations, welcomed Assoc. Prof.
Nguyen Van Kim, Vice Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam and his
delegation to the Office of the President. During the meeting the group discussed academic
collaboration and shared their experiences in university administration.
24-04-12 Assoc. Prof. Preyanuj Yamwong, M.D., Vice President for Quality Development,
welcomed Prof. Dr. Bambang Hari Purnomo, MA, Head of Educational Coaching and Development
and a delegation from the University of Jember, Indonesia, to the Office of the President. During the
meeting participants shared their experiences in the development and management of curriculums
and the quality assurance of higher education.
Published by International Relations Division, Office of the President, Mahidol University
999 Phuttamonthon 4 Road, Salaya, Phuttamonthon, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
Tel : +66 (0) 2849 6230 (Director), +66 (0) 0849 6231-3, 2849 6235-6 Fax : +66 (0) 2849 6237 Email : opinter@mahidol.ac.th
272 Rama VI Rd., Rathathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand (Bangkok Office) Website : www.mahidol.ac.th
Advisor
Asst. Prof. Surakit Nathisuwan, Dr. Puwat Charukamnoetkanok
Chief Editor
Ms. Boonyarat Suwanchinda
Editorial Staff : Mr. Paul Bulcock, Ms. Suchada Phruthonkul, Ms. Peungjai Tinsulanonda