Volume 19 Number 2 (May - August 2012) - Mahidol University
Volume 19 Number 2 (May - August 2012) - Mahidol University
Volume 19 Number 2 (May - August 2012) - Mahidol University
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The International Newsletter of <strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong>, Thailand<br />
ISSN 0859-6670 <strong>Volume</strong> <strong>19</strong> • <strong>Number</strong> 2 • <strong>May</strong> - <strong>August</strong> <strong>2012</strong><br />
www.mahidol.ac.th<br />
<strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong> International Week <strong>2012</strong><br />
Contents >><br />
News >><br />
The ASEAN Institute for Health<br />
Development organizes a range of<br />
activities including The Friendship and<br />
Cultural Exchange Camp, aiming to<br />
create a stronger regional identify<br />
in its Thai and international students.<br />
4 7 8<br />
Research >> Awards >><br />
Spectrum meets Assoc. Prof.<br />
Dr. Somchoen Honsa, Jr. from the<br />
Faculty of Liberal Arts to learn more<br />
about a learner-centered approach to<br />
the teaching of English – the On-Line<br />
Writing Lab (OWL).<br />
The <strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong> Choir<br />
win multiple accolades at<br />
the 12 th Moscow International<br />
Children’s and Youth Choir<br />
Festival.
Features<br />
<strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong> International Week <strong>2012</strong><br />
Monday Tuesday Wednesday<br />
Friday<br />
Following last year’s success, <strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong>’s annual celebration of its international students and faculty - “<strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
International Week” or “MUIW” once again incorporated a wide-range of fun, international-related events and activities.<br />
JUNE 18-<strong>19</strong><br />
MUIW <strong>2012</strong> kicked off with the firstever<br />
“Foreign Faculty Forum” also known<br />
as the “FFF”. Here, foreign and Thai staff<br />
got together at the MU Learning Center<br />
to discuss their experiences of working at<br />
<strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong> and meet with other,<br />
often long-standing, faculty members.<br />
The next day the College of Management<br />
<strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong> (CMMU) hosted an<br />
intercultural workshop entitled “Exploring<br />
Thai Culture”. Held at the CMMU<br />
Student Lounge and attended by dozens<br />
of international students, the event<br />
allowed participants to share their<br />
observations on living in Thailand, learn<br />
useful Thai words and phrases,<br />
understand aspects of Thai culture,<br />
and even take part in a Thai salad<br />
making competition. They were also<br />
given the opportunity to introduce their<br />
own cultures to their international and<br />
Thai colleagues.<br />
2 • <strong>May</strong> - <strong>August</strong> <strong>2012</strong>, Vol. <strong>19</strong>, No. 2
JUNE 20<br />
At the MU Learning Centre, fifteen<br />
students from across <strong>Mahidol</strong><br />
<strong>University</strong> competed in the final rounds<br />
of the <strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong> International<br />
Relations Ambassador <strong>2012</strong> (MUIR<br />
Ambassador <strong>2012</strong>) competition. The<br />
participants first impressed judges with<br />
a wide-range of presentations, dance and<br />
musical performances. This was followed<br />
by a panel discussion on studying<br />
overseas with participants sharing their<br />
experiences of countries including Japan,<br />
Australia and Singapore. After this, came<br />
the second round of the MUIR<br />
Ambassador competition – a question<br />
The MU-IR Ambassadors<br />
and answer session during which the<br />
competitors performed admirably. As a<br />
result, the judges’ results were incredibly<br />
close, but eventually six ambassadors<br />
were announced (from left):<br />
• Mr. Gritimook Wisettanakorn, age<br />
22, from the Faculty of Medicine<br />
Ramathibodi Hospital<br />
• Mr. Harmish Muszid, age 21, from<br />
the Faculty of Liberal Arts<br />
• Ms. Nattawadee Thanamahamongkhol,<br />
age 21, from <strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong> International<br />
College<br />
• Ms. Sitanan Pinsuwan, age 21, from<br />
The Faculty of Liberal Arts<br />
• Mr. Karin Kunjara Na Ayudhya, age<br />
21, from <strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong> International<br />
College, and<br />
• Mr. Pattipon Kao-ngampanich, age<br />
20, from the Faculty of Physical Therapy<br />
Over the next year, the ambassadors<br />
will help support international-related<br />
events, share information on scholarships,<br />
and liaise between the Office of The<br />
President and the student body. Spectrum<br />
would like to congratulate the final six<br />
and thank all those who took part in the<br />
event.<br />
JUNE 22<br />
A Celebration <strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong>’s<br />
International Students and Faculty<br />
Asst. Prof. Surakit Nathisuwan, Vice President<br />
for International Relations delivering<br />
the International Night Report<br />
MUIW <strong>2012</strong> culminated in MU<br />
International Night <strong>2012</strong> at the Multipurpose<br />
Building, Salaya Campus; an event<br />
which brought together over 400 students<br />
and staff for an evening of food, dance<br />
and entertainment. Opened by Prof.<br />
Rajata Rajatanavin, President of Mahdiol<br />
<strong>University</strong>, highlights included a fashion<br />
show with traditional northern Thai costumes<br />
created by Mr. Anurak Karnchan, from<br />
<strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong>’s Research Institute<br />
for Languages and Cultures of Asia and<br />
performances from the Faculty of Liberal<br />
Arts, the College of Music, the Faculty of<br />
Public Health and a Multicultural Show<br />
from <strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong> International<br />
College (MUIC).<br />
As in previous years, the evening<br />
ended with the announcement of<br />
Mr. and Ms. International Night.<br />
Congratulations this year go to<br />
Mr. Manatee Jit-Anan from Thailand<br />
studying for his Ph.D at the Faculty of<br />
Public Health and Ms. Alexia Ducouss<br />
from France, an exchange student at<br />
MUIC. They were joined by Ms. <strong>May</strong><br />
Thinza Kyi (MUIC) from Myanmar who<br />
was voted International Night Popular<br />
Vote <strong>2012</strong>.<br />
Prof. Rajata Rajatanavin, President, <strong>Mahidol</strong><br />
<strong>University</strong> (centre) with Ms. Alexia Ducouss<br />
(left) and Mr. Manatee Jit-Anan (right)<br />
Prof. Suwanna Ruangkanchanaset,<br />
Vice President, <strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong> (right)<br />
with Ms. <strong>May</strong> Thinza Kyi<br />
• 3
News<br />
AIHD Hosts International Cultural Exchanges<br />
The Master of Primary Health Care<br />
Management (MPHM) program at<br />
<strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong>’s ASEAN Institute<br />
for Health Development (AIHD) recently<br />
held one of its key activities, known as<br />
“The Friendship and Cultural Exchange<br />
Camp”. This annual event aims to create<br />
a stronger regional identity in its<br />
participants by increasing their awareness<br />
of world history and heritage. Over<br />
the years, the aims of the International<br />
Camp have been expanded, and today<br />
the event helps to give its participants<br />
an even greater understanding of many<br />
of the world’s cultures. Over a two-day<br />
period (10 th -11 th <strong>May</strong>), fourteen young<br />
and creative individuals from the newest<br />
batch of MPHM students gathered in<br />
Chachoengsao province. Through the<br />
use of the arts to share their experiences<br />
and build friendships, the students, who<br />
represented seven countries (Fiji, Malawi,<br />
Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan,<br />
and Thailand), were able to learn about<br />
each other’s culture and history under<br />
the theme of “Save the World”.<br />
During their stay, the participants took<br />
part in various activities including dance,<br />
music, photojournalism, cross-cultural<br />
events, and educational team-building<br />
exercises; they also participated in the<br />
planting of mangroves and molding<br />
clay at the Baan Pla Loma and Kum<br />
Wimaandin resorts respectively. Other<br />
activities included a boat trip around<br />
Bird’s Island. All activities were led by<br />
professional instructors and AIHD staff<br />
in order to help students further develop<br />
their talents.<br />
Later in the month, thanks to the<br />
support of the Educational Affairs<br />
Section of AIHD, students were able to<br />
get together with their peers from the<br />
Master of Arts in Addiction Studies, and<br />
the Diploma program in Primary Health<br />
Care Management for a Potluck Party;<br />
an opportunity for all the international<br />
students at AIHD to experience the<br />
traditional dishes of their colleagues<br />
home countries. This event brought<br />
together representatives from eleven<br />
countries; participants were also joined<br />
by Dr. Supattra Srivanichakorn, Director<br />
of AIHD. Those attending reported that<br />
the event turned into an enjoyable and<br />
a memorable evening for everyone.<br />
For more information, please visit, www.aihd.mahidol.ac.th<br />
MUIC at NAFSA <strong>2012</strong><br />
From 27 th <strong>May</strong> to 1 st June <strong>2012</strong>,<br />
representatives from <strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
International College (MUIC) attended the<br />
64 th NAFSA : Association of International<br />
Educators, Annual Conference & Expo<br />
in Houston, USA, intending to raise the<br />
College’s international profile.<br />
Joining around 9,000 international<br />
education professionals from around the<br />
world, were Dr. Charles Windish, MUIC’s<br />
Associate Dean for International Affairs;<br />
Dr. Yingyot Chiaravutthi, its Associate Dean<br />
for Academic Affairs; Dr. Pisut Yuwanond, the<br />
Director of the Tourism and Hospitality<br />
Management Program; Ms. Laddawan<br />
Jianvittayakit, International Network<br />
Development Officer, and Ms. Anisa<br />
Mekaporn, International Relations Officer.<br />
An MUIC display booth helped boost<br />
the College’s presence at the event and<br />
strengthen its image as a top international<br />
liberal arts college in Asia. In addition to<br />
attending sessions, MUIC delegates also<br />
had the opportunity to engage in discussions<br />
with some of the College’s international<br />
partners and meet many potential new<br />
ones.<br />
NAFSA was founded in <strong>19</strong>48 as the<br />
National Association of Foreign Student<br />
Advisers. It is now the world’s biggest<br />
non-profit professional association dedicated<br />
to international education.<br />
To learn more about the event, please visit<br />
http://www.nafsa.org/<br />
To learn more about MUIC, Thailand’s leading<br />
undergraduate international institution, please<br />
visit http://www.muic.mahidol.ac.th/eng/<br />
4 • <strong>May</strong> - <strong>August</strong> <strong>2012</strong>, Vol. <strong>19</strong>, No. 2
Graduation <strong>2012</strong><br />
>> News<br />
On 5 th July <strong>2012</strong>, His Majesty the<br />
King graciously designated Her Royal<br />
Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn<br />
(pictured) as his representative at the<br />
<strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong> Graduation Ceremony<br />
2011 and affiliated institutions, held at<br />
the Royal Thai Navy Convention Hall,<br />
Bangkok. To mark this special occasion,<br />
<strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong> Council unanimously<br />
agreed to ask for the permission to<br />
present three members of the Royal<br />
Family of Thailand with Honorary Doctorate<br />
Degree in recognition of their outstanding<br />
public service.<br />
Following this announcement, Her<br />
Majesty Queen Sirikit of Thailand, Her<br />
Majesty Queen Regent was conferred<br />
with a Doctor of Philosophy Honoris<br />
Causa in Environmental Education.<br />
Joining Her Majesty were H.R.H Crown<br />
Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, who was<br />
conferred with a Doctor of Public Health<br />
Honoris Causa in Health Administration,<br />
and H.R.H. Princess Soamsawali, who<br />
was conferred with a Doctor of Science<br />
Honoris Causa in Medical Technology.<br />
Four additional honorary degrees<br />
were awarded - Prof. Emer Dr. Sompop<br />
Ruangtrakool, who was awarded a<br />
Doctor of Medicine, Honoris Causa,<br />
Prof. Emer Dr. Verasing Muangman who<br />
was awarded a Doctor of Medicine,<br />
Honoris Causa, Admiral M.L. Usni<br />
Pramoj, who was awarded a Doctor<br />
of Music, Honoris Causa (Performance<br />
Arts), and, Prof. Emer. Dr. Prapon<br />
Wilairat, who was awarded a Doctor of<br />
Philosophy, Honoris Causa in Molecular<br />
Genetics and Genetic Engineering.<br />
(Front row) Three honorary degree recipients<br />
- Admiral M.L. Pramoj, (left), Prof. Emer.<br />
Dr. Wilairat (second from right) and Prof.<br />
Emer. Dr. Muangman (right) are joined by<br />
Prof. Rajata Rajatanavin, President, <strong>Mahidol</strong><br />
<strong>University</strong> (second from left). Prof. Emer. Dr.<br />
Ruangtrakool was also bestowed with an<br />
honorary degree<br />
In total, 6,038 students from <strong>Mahidol</strong><br />
<strong>University</strong> and its affiliated institutions<br />
graduated for the academic year 2011-<br />
<strong>2012</strong>. Spectrum would like to congratulate<br />
each and every one of them.<br />
In more graduation news, on <strong>19</strong> th<br />
April <strong>2012</strong>, the 2011 Master of Public<br />
Health Graduation Ceremony (pictured<br />
left) was held presided over by President<br />
Rajatanavin. A total of 63 students<br />
were in attendance representing 12<br />
countries - Bangladesh, Fiji, India,<br />
Indonesia, Japan, Lao PDR, Myanmar,<br />
Maldives, Nepal, Sudan, Thailand and<br />
Vietnam. In order to mark this special<br />
event and to represent their diversity,<br />
many of the students dressed in their<br />
traditional or national costumes. The<br />
new graduates then celebrated by<br />
attending a Congratulatory Dinner<br />
sponsored by the Faculty.<br />
FIFA Medical Center of Excellence<br />
The College of Sports Science and<br />
Technology, <strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong> and<br />
Bangkok Hospital Medical Center have<br />
been accredited as Fédération International<br />
de Football Association (FIFA) Medical<br />
Centers of Excellence, the first in<br />
Thailand and the ASEAN region. These<br />
centers of excellence have been established<br />
worldwide by FIFA to ensure that<br />
players have access to a high-standard<br />
of football-related medicine and treatments.<br />
Following a comprehensive evaluation in<br />
clinical, educational, and research expertise<br />
by the FIFA Medical Committee, only 26<br />
football medicine centers have so far<br />
received the official accreditation globally.<br />
Over the next five years Bangkok Hospital Medical Center and the College of<br />
Sports Science and Technology will need to continue to improve their standards<br />
of football-related medical and research in order to keep their accreditation. In<br />
fact, the College intends to increase and maintain the high standard of all its<br />
sports research and recently launched an international PhD program.<br />
To learn more about the College of Sports Science and Technology, please visit<br />
http://www.ss.mahidol.ac.th/EN/<br />
• 5
Interview<br />
International Internships in Science<br />
Due to the scheduling and content<br />
of most biological science courses, it<br />
is often difficult for students to be able<br />
to participate in exchanges without<br />
disrupting their studies. For the past<br />
eight years the <strong>University</strong> of Wisconsin-<br />
Madison (UW-Madison) Department of<br />
Bacteriology, in association with the<br />
National Science Foundation and the<br />
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences<br />
have been tackling this issue by<br />
collaborating with the Faculty of Science<br />
<strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong> under the International<br />
Research Exchange Student (IRES)<br />
program.<br />
Crucially, the exchange, which aims<br />
to provide US students with a useful<br />
international research experience in<br />
Biological Sciences and establish<br />
international networks, takes place<br />
during the students’ summer break<br />
and does not conflict with their regular<br />
courses. In addition to internships at<br />
<strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong>, places are also<br />
available in India and the UK.<br />
This initiative, under the supervision<br />
of Asst. Prof. Suthep Wiyakrutta, Head<br />
of the Department of Microbiology,<br />
Faculty of Science, <strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong>, also<br />
allows selected students to enhance<br />
their research experience by investigating<br />
key issues in the field of micro and<br />
molecular biology in a recognized scientific<br />
laboratory overseas with an experienced<br />
international laboratory research team.<br />
This year, five UW-Madison<br />
undergraduates took part in program –<br />
Matthew Marcott, Ala Mustafa, Kasey<br />
Reeves, Rachel Wong, and Abigail<br />
Zagar, Spectrum took a few minutes to<br />
ask them about their experiences.<br />
Spectrum: Why did you choose to<br />
apply for the internship within<br />
Thailand at <strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong>?<br />
Kasey – Thailand seemed the most<br />
different from the US, and it was also<br />
fully funded. This makes it a lot easier<br />
as I pay for school. But above all,<br />
I really wanted a different cultural<br />
experience.<br />
Spectrum: You all arrived together,<br />
did you have an induction?<br />
Rachel – The deadline for applications<br />
was in January, then after an interview<br />
process we were all sent an email<br />
introducing the members of our group.<br />
We had a series of meetings before we<br />
arrived to get to know the ins and outs<br />
and meet with previous students. Once<br />
we got here we probably spent three or<br />
four days just travelling and getting to<br />
know each other.<br />
Spectrum: Did you have any language<br />
training?<br />
Ala – The lab I am in has a lot of<br />
foreigners, so everyone speaks decent<br />
English, including the local students.<br />
So I didn’t really run into any language<br />
issues here.<br />
Rachel - We had a quick crashcourse<br />
in Thai before we started, we<br />
learnt the basics; to greet people, say<br />
excuse me, etc. A lot involve learning<br />
from our labs.<br />
Abigail/Kasey – We try to learn a<br />
word or a phrase of the day.<br />
Spectrum: So, are you enjoying the<br />
academic and social aspects of your<br />
internships?<br />
Rachel – I really like my lab mates,<br />
they are very welcoming, I have met a<br />
lot of people who I never would have<br />
got the opportunity to meet otherwise;<br />
they take care of me and suggest<br />
places for us to go. And, ordering food<br />
for us is always nice.<br />
Spectrum: Are any of you thinking of<br />
having an international career in the<br />
future and in which field?<br />
All – Oh yes! Ala – Physician.<br />
Rachel – I want to do industrial<br />
research. Abigail – Epidemiology.<br />
Kasey – I am interested in Pathology,<br />
(From left) Rachel Wong, Ala Mustafa,<br />
Matthew Marcott, Kasey Reeves and Abigail Zagar<br />
but I am also studying a certificate in<br />
Global Health. Matthew – I’m looking<br />
into being a physician as well, I am also<br />
doing a certificate in Global Health.<br />
Spectrum: Overall, has your internship<br />
been a worthwhile experience?<br />
All – Definitely. Abigail – It’s been<br />
a very humbling experience being<br />
somewhere you don’t know the local<br />
language, yet people try to help you;<br />
for instance, when ordering food. You<br />
appreciate small things like that, the<br />
courtesies. Kasey – We’ve met people<br />
from all over the world. I have learned<br />
so much, just from talking with them<br />
and listening to their experiences on<br />
travelling and work. Rachel – I like the<br />
acceptance, everyone is welcomed and<br />
everyone is accepting of each other.<br />
Abigail – Asst.Prof. Wiyakrutta has been<br />
very helpful, providing us with laboratory<br />
space, equipment and lab coats; we<br />
would like to thank him for all his<br />
assistance.<br />
Collaboration between Mahdol <strong>University</strong><br />
and UW-Madison looks set to continue.<br />
Currently, Dr. Jon T. Roll, Faculty Associate,<br />
at UW-Madison’s Department of Bacteriology, and<br />
Director of the IRES program, is discussing<br />
expanding the number and type of student<br />
exchanges with Asst.Prof.Kanyaratt<br />
Supaibulwatana, Deputy Dean for Academic<br />
and International Cooperation, <strong>Mahidol</strong><br />
<strong>University</strong>’s Faculty of Science. They are<br />
considering sending outstanding undergraduate<br />
students from the Faculty’s distinction program<br />
to UW-Madison under a 4 month-cooperative<br />
research program. UW-Madison will also<br />
submit a proposal to the National Science<br />
Foundation to continue supporting students<br />
from the U.S. to be able to conduct internships<br />
at <strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong>, Thailand.<br />
6 • <strong>May</strong> - <strong>August</strong> <strong>2012</strong>, Vol. <strong>19</strong>, No. 2
Research<br />
Transborder Teaching of Writing Skills<br />
Using an On-line Writing Lab<br />
Although many of today’s non-native<br />
English speakers are excellent when<br />
conversing in English, many are less<br />
advanced in their writing. As a result,<br />
one of the most frequent comments<br />
universities receive from graduate<br />
employers concerns the level of graduate<br />
English writing skills. In fairness, to be<br />
able to write in an accurate, clear, and<br />
concise manner in English (or indeed<br />
any language), is one of the most<br />
difficult skills for a non-native speaker<br />
to master, and there is a clear need for<br />
more innovative ways of teaching this<br />
subject. This issue is made even more<br />
urgent as 2015, and the establishment<br />
of the ASEAN Economic Community<br />
draws near. Fortunately, Assoc. Prof.<br />
Dr. Somchoen Honsa, Jr. from <strong>Mahidol</strong><br />
<strong>University</strong>’s Faculty of Liberal Arts is<br />
responding to the challenge and is<br />
helping to strengthen the English writing<br />
and reporting skills of <strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
students. Due to a keen interest and<br />
extensive research in the field of Applied<br />
Linguistics, especially alternative<br />
assessments which foster students’<br />
autonomy, Assoc. Prof. Honsa, Jr. is<br />
aware of the need to support students in<br />
their writing and is set to launch a novel<br />
way of tackling this issue.<br />
Assoc. Prof. Honsa, Jr. is about<br />
to introduce an On-Line Writing Lab<br />
(OWL) which will be made available to<br />
all first and second year students at<br />
<strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong>. Crucially, this online<br />
E-learning approach to the teaching<br />
goes beyond traditional methods, which<br />
sometimes use websites or electronic<br />
resources as sources of further reading.<br />
This On-Line lab adopts an active and<br />
Learner-Centered approach; one that<br />
is much more flexible than traditional<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Somchoen Honsa, Jr. from<br />
the Faculty of Liberal Arts talks to Mr. Paul<br />
Bulcock, International Relations Division,<br />
<strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
classroom-based teaching methods for<br />
both the lecturer and the students.<br />
Students are free to log-on to the<br />
lab anywhere and at any time, and<br />
complete their written assignments.<br />
Students can then assess their writing<br />
by comparing it with samples from an<br />
extensive database of earlier work.<br />
This encourages the students to be<br />
more critical, allowing them to identify<br />
and correct any errors in subsequent<br />
drafts. Students are therefore less likely<br />
to repeat these errors in the future.<br />
In fact, the approach nurtures students’<br />
autonomy and the possibility of Life-Long<br />
Learning Skills for students.<br />
The facility also includes a comprehensive<br />
set of links to other English teaching<br />
sites, demonstration videos and<br />
presentations, providing students with<br />
all the background information and tools<br />
they need to complete their assignments.<br />
OWL is also trans-border in the way<br />
that EFL/ESL learners can access the<br />
OWL at any time using many kinds of<br />
electronic tools and from all corners<br />
of the globe. Thus, OWL can support<br />
students even when they cannot attend<br />
in classes, or are on overseas student<br />
exchange programs.<br />
OWL aims to help students to be able to<br />
bold students English writing skills. Students<br />
achieve this by being independent and<br />
monitoring the writing process themselves.<br />
Students learn to critique each piece of writing<br />
using writing samples as guidelines<br />
Such an approach to teaching obviously<br />
has implications well-beyond the Faculty<br />
and the teaching of English. Assoc.<br />
Prof. Honsa, Jr. therefore hopes to be<br />
able to share the lessons and experiences<br />
gained from introducing this innovative<br />
approach to teaching, not just with her<br />
immediate peers in the field of linguistics,<br />
but with lecturers of other subjects from<br />
across the region.<br />
To learn more about the Faculty and<br />
OWL, please visit http://www.la.mahidol.<br />
ac.th/eng/index.php<br />
First established in 2003, as the Faculty<br />
of Arts, the Faculty offers Bachelor<br />
of Arts in both Thai and English, plus<br />
fundamental courses in foreign languages<br />
and the humanities. The Faculty also<br />
offers an International Master of Arts<br />
Program in Applied Linguistics and can<br />
provide 20-hour Thai language and<br />
culture courses to <strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong>’s<br />
international staff and students.<br />
Interested parties should contact:<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Somchoen Honsa,Jr.<br />
Acting Deputy Dean for Research, Academic<br />
Services and International Affairs<br />
Faculty of Liberal Arts, <strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong>,<br />
999 Phuttamonthon 4, Salaya Campus<br />
Nakonpathom 73170, Thailand<br />
Tel: +66 (0)2 441 4401-4 Ext 134<br />
E-mail: arshs@mahidol.ac.th<br />
• 7
Awards<br />
Multiple Awards for <strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
Choir at Russian Festival<br />
Congratulations to the <strong>Mahidol</strong><br />
<strong>University</strong> Choir from the College of<br />
Music, who from 26 th April – 2 nd <strong>May</strong><br />
<strong>2012</strong>, won five trophies at the 12 th<br />
Moscow International Children’s and<br />
Youth Choir Festival (MICYCF) in Russia.<br />
During the festival, which is also known<br />
as “Moscow Sounds”, the choir were<br />
awarded first place in the Mixed Youth<br />
Choir category and second place in the<br />
Spiritual Music Category. In addition,<br />
Mr. Rit Subsomboon received an award<br />
for Best Conductor, Mr.Teeranai Jirasirikul<br />
for Best Piano Accompanist and Ms.<br />
Pitchaya Muangsuham for Best Soloist.<br />
MICYCF is a bi-annual event aiming<br />
to foster international collaboration and<br />
In fact, <strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong> was the<br />
only higher education institution to<br />
receive the award which is given to<br />
entrepreneurs and businesses who<br />
utilize their IP for commercial purposes.<br />
Prof. Prasit Palittapongarnpim, Vice<br />
President for Research received the<br />
award on behalf of <strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong>,<br />
presented by Mr. Siriwat Kajornprasart,<br />
Deputy Minister of Commerce on <strong>May</strong><br />
promote cultural exposure. The festival<br />
has beome a significant event in the<br />
cultural life of Moscow and is gaining<br />
increased international recognition.<br />
The <strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong> Choir has<br />
performed at many national and international<br />
events, including the Beloved Thailand<br />
Concert at Government House, Her<br />
Majesty Queen Sirikit Favourite Songs<br />
Concert at the College of Music, and<br />
the recent Asia Pacific Association for<br />
International Education Conference and<br />
Exhibition (APAIE) hosted by <strong>Mahidol</strong><br />
<strong>University</strong>.<br />
To learn more about the <strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
Choir, please visit http://www.music.mahidol.<br />
ac.th/muc/index.php<br />
<strong>University</strong> wins Top Thai<br />
Intellectual Property Award<br />
<strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong> has been announced as a leader in the field of intellectual property<br />
(IP) in Thailand under the “Invention Patent and Petty Patent” category by the<br />
Department of Intellectual Property, under the Ministry of Commerce and has<br />
received an “IP Champion <strong>2012</strong> Award”. <strong>2012</strong> marks the 20 th anniversary of<br />
the establishment of the department.<br />
3 rd <strong>2012</strong>. Prominent examples of IP at<br />
<strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong> over the 2008 to<br />
2010 period include: the MU-tip, the<br />
Siriraj stand up wheelchair, the RAMA-<br />
SP pipette, the RAMA-IUI catheter “IUI”,<br />
the disposable abdominal drape and<br />
Aero Dry. Trademarks have included<br />
M-Dent, Periokure, Periopet, Perioplus,<br />
the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra and<br />
Power Green Camp.<br />
More information on these products and on<br />
IP at <strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong> in general, is available at<br />
its Center for Intellectual Property Management<br />
website at http://www.ip.mahidol.ac.th/# (in Thai).<br />
8 • <strong>May</strong> - <strong>August</strong> <strong>2012</strong>, Vol. <strong>19</strong>, No. 2
Asst. Prof. Dr. Chamras Promptmas<br />
from the Faculty of Medical Technology<br />
and Deputy Director of National Doping<br />
Control Centre, <strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong>, as<br />
co-inventor with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kosum<br />
Chansiri, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Somchai<br />
Santiwattanakul and Dr. Thongchai<br />
Kaewphinit from the Faculty of Medicine,<br />
Srinakharinwirot <strong>University</strong> received a<br />
Silver Medal from Geneva International<br />
Invention and Special Award from Taiwan<br />
Invention Association for the invention -<br />
“Piezoelectric-based DNA Sensor for<br />
Diagnostic Detection” at 40 th International<br />
Lutheran Medical Center,<br />
>> Awards Cont<br />
Award Winning Inventions<br />
at <strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
Inventions by <strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong> faculty members continue<br />
to receieve national and international interest and acclaim.<br />
>> New Agreements<br />
USA & Faculty of Dentistry, <strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
CMMU Establishes New European Partnerships<br />
The College of Management, <strong>Mahidol</strong><br />
<strong>University</strong> (CMMU) has announced new<br />
partnerships with three of Europe’s leading<br />
business institutions: Solvay Brussels<br />
School of Economics and Management,<br />
Belgium; Toulouse Graduate School of<br />
Management, France, and BI Norwegian<br />
Business School, Norway. These schools<br />
are at the forefront of innovation in business<br />
education, and attract talented European<br />
and international students as well as<br />
business professionals. They also posses<br />
international accreditations for outstanding<br />
Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva, April<br />
20 th , <strong>2012</strong>.<br />
Asst. Prof. Promptmas‘s award<br />
follows a major national award for<br />
innovation at <strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong>, this time<br />
presented to Mr. Singha Prasitpong,<br />
a Ph.D student from the Science and<br />
Technology Education Program based at<br />
<strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong>’s Institute of Innovative<br />
Learning. Mr. Prasitpong received the<br />
Invent and Serve Award <strong>2012</strong> from the<br />
National Research Council of Thailand as<br />
part of the celebrations to mark Inventors<br />
Day <strong>2012</strong> earlier this year. Mr.Prasitpong<br />
quality in business and management<br />
education, namely EQUIS (European<br />
Quality Improvement System), AMBA<br />
(Association of MBAs), EPAS Accreditation<br />
for Master of International Management<br />
Program. The collaborations were first<br />
discussed during the recent APAIE<br />
has developed an innovative teaching<br />
device known as the “The Demonstration<br />
Set : Frictional Force Direction” which<br />
helps students visualize the direction of<br />
frictional forces. The set can be used<br />
to demonstrate both static and kinetic<br />
frictional forces and has been described<br />
in national and international publications.<br />
Mr. Prasitpong has also several made<br />
presentations at physics education<br />
conferences.<br />
To find out more about the role and objectives<br />
of the Institute of Innovative Learning, please visit<br />
http://www.il.mahidol.ac.th/eng/index.php/about-usinstitute.html<br />
On 25 th <strong>May</strong> <strong>2012</strong>, at HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn 50 th Birthday<br />
Anniversary Celebration Building, Phaya Thai Campus, Clin. Prof Nitipun Jeeraphaet,<br />
Executive Associate Dean, Acting Dean, Faculty of Dentistry, <strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
presided over the Memorandum of Understanding Signing Ceremony between<br />
Lutheran Medical Center and Faculty of Dentistry, <strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong>. Prof. Neal A.<br />
Demby, Senior Vice President for Dental Medicine and Dr. Susan Dietrich, Director,<br />
Graduate Dental Education from Lutheran Medical Center represented the Lutheran<br />
Medical Center. The Dean’s Advisory Board and Faculty Committee acted as witnesses.<br />
<strong>2012</strong> Conference and Exhibition and it<br />
is hoped that the sharing of knowledge<br />
among faculty and students from CMMU<br />
and the schools could ultimately extend<br />
to student exchange, study trips and<br />
joint degree programs as well as joint<br />
research projects.<br />
• 9
The ASEAN Column<br />
Previous editions of the ASEAN Column have focused on activities at <strong>Mahidol</strong><br />
<strong>University</strong> intending to promote the establishment of the ASEAN Community in<br />
January 2015. Events such as <strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong> to ASEAN 2015 and <strong>Mahidol</strong><br />
<strong>University</strong>’s active membership of the ASEAN <strong>University</strong> Network (AUN) are all part<br />
of wider-internationalization strategy. In this issue of the ASEAN Column, we meet<br />
<strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong> executives-Asst. Prof. Surakit Nathisuwan, Vice President for<br />
International Relations, and Dr. Puwat Charukamnoetkanok, Assistant to the<br />
President for International Relations, in order to discuss how <strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong> is<br />
preparing for the ASEAN Community.<br />
Spectrum: Thank you for taking the<br />
time out of your busy schedules to<br />
talk to us. Can I start by asking what<br />
do you think the main impacts of the<br />
ASEAN Community will be on higher<br />
education in the region?<br />
Dr. Charukamnoetkanok – I feel<br />
that nobody really knows for sure, but<br />
regardless of the nature of the impacts,<br />
we need to prepare for the arrival of<br />
the ASEAN Community. With respect<br />
to higher education, one simple way<br />
of looking at potential impacts is that it<br />
will provide students with more options<br />
with respect to their choice of university.<br />
Technically, they could apply to any<br />
university within the ASEAN region,<br />
2015 can be seen as the beginning of<br />
a period of greater openness in higher<br />
education.<br />
Also, universities will need to adhere<br />
to an international standard of quality.<br />
In fact, initiatives to develop more standardized<br />
indicators of quality in higher education<br />
are already underway within ASEAN.<br />
I think this is an important point, and<br />
believe that we should use the arrival of<br />
the ASEAN Community as an opportunity<br />
to reflect upon our institutions. In effect, the<br />
establishment of the ASEAN Community<br />
provides us with the motivation to improve<br />
ourselves.<br />
“The ASEAN Community is an<br />
opportunity for self-reflection and<br />
>> Announcements<br />
Do you have any comments or feedback<br />
regarding this issue of Spectrum or indeed<br />
any of the recent issues? Perhaps there<br />
is a particular issue concerning international<br />
higher education that you would like us to<br />
cover in the future, or an area of expertise<br />
at <strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong> with international<br />
implications that you would like us to focus<br />
on? If so, please feel free to contact our<br />
10 • <strong>May</strong> - <strong>August</strong> <strong>2012</strong>, Vol. <strong>19</strong>, No. 2<br />
provides the motivation for change”<br />
Spectrum: Does <strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
have a strategy in response to the<br />
introduction of the ASEAN Community?<br />
Asst. Prof. Nathisuwan - Yes, we<br />
have an internationalization plan with<br />
four main pillars - Internationalization as<br />
a Key Policy, Be International at Home<br />
or Abroad, Overcome Barriers and Fly<br />
as a Team. In summary, we want to<br />
make internalization the norm rather<br />
than the exception and boost awareness<br />
of ASEAN and international issues. In<br />
order to achieve this, university staffs<br />
and students need international exposure<br />
(e.g. studying or receiving training overseas).<br />
In response, we have set a modest<br />
target of 10% international exposure<br />
over the next few years. Crucially, this<br />
not only applies to our students and<br />
academic staff, but also our support<br />
and administrative personnel.<br />
Spectrum: What advice would you<br />
give <strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong> students, or<br />
indeed students from other parts of<br />
the region in order to prepare for<br />
2015?<br />
Asst. Prof. Nathisuwan – They are<br />
entering a new era, one that will offer<br />
our students more opportunities than<br />
was ever experienced before. In order<br />
to be successful and get the most from<br />
these opportunities, our students should<br />
be aware of their own strengths and<br />
(Right) Asst. Prof. Surakit Nathisuwan, Vice<br />
President for International Relations, and Dr. Puwat<br />
Charukamnoetkanok, Assistant to the President<br />
for International Relations (left) with Ms. Boonyarat<br />
Suwanchinda, Director of the International Relations<br />
Division (centre)<br />
expertise, be pro-active in terms of selfimprovement<br />
and career development<br />
and be ready to explore different<br />
experiences and careers.<br />
Spectrum: Is there any message you<br />
would like to share with our readers<br />
regarding the ASEAN Community?<br />
Asst. Prof. Nathisuwan - We can’t<br />
do this alone, the climate is now right to<br />
develop even stronger international<br />
collaborations. To achieve these, we<br />
need to do more than just discuss<br />
the possibility of working together, we<br />
need real activities. <strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
is committed to this type of approach<br />
and I look forward to welcoming future<br />
partners to our university.<br />
Dr. Charukamnoetkanok- I would<br />
encourage people, especially students in<br />
the region, to think about their education<br />
and careers differently, and to be more<br />
flexible to the ASEAN environment. As<br />
such, we also need to develop our critical<br />
thinking and complex problem solving<br />
skills and work as a team. We need to<br />
learn more about how to learn. Institutions<br />
of higher education will need to provide<br />
these skills in order to produce more<br />
adaptive learners.<br />
We Welcome your Comments<br />
Help Influence Future Editions of<br />
the Spectrum Newsletter<br />
editorial staff at the following email address<br />
. We welcome<br />
your comments and hope that they will<br />
guide future editions of our International<br />
Newsletter.<br />
We look forward to hearing from you.<br />
In any email correspondence, please use<br />
the title “Suggestions Regarding Spectrum<br />
Newsletter for the attention of Paul”.
Conferences and Training<br />
SIBA Gradation Celebration <strong>2012</strong><br />
On 30 th <strong>May</strong> <strong>2012</strong>, the College of<br />
Management, <strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong> (CMMU)<br />
organized the “SIBA Graduation<br />
Celebration <strong>2012</strong>” during which the first<br />
batch of senior executive from leading Thai<br />
companies were presented with their<br />
certificates by Prof. Rassmidara Hoonsawat,<br />
Dean of the College of Management<br />
<strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong> (CMMU). Also attending<br />
the ceremony were Prof. Rajata<br />
Rajatanavin, President, <strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
and Prof. John Akula, Senior Lecturer in<br />
Law, MIT Sloan School of Management,<br />
US, who delivered an address a speech<br />
congratulating the senior executive<br />
The Asian Physical Therapy Research Symposium<br />
From 6 th -7 th September <strong>2012</strong>, the<br />
Faculty of Physical Therapy, <strong>Mahidol</strong><br />
<strong>University</strong> will host the Asian Physical<br />
Therapy Research Symposium (APTRS).<br />
The event will provide the opportunity<br />
for academics and physiotherapists from<br />
across the region and beyond to come<br />
together and share knowledge and<br />
investigate future collaboration in this<br />
important field. Special topics and guest<br />
lectures will include “Update in motor<br />
New Dean of Ratchasuda College<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr.<br />
Tavee Cheausuwantavee<br />
has been appointed<br />
as Dean of<br />
Ratchasuda College,<br />
<strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong>.<br />
Assoc. Prof.<br />
Cheausuwantavee<br />
received his Bachelor’s of Science in<br />
Nursing and Midwifery from Chiang Mai<br />
<strong>University</strong>, Thailand. Following this, he<br />
received a Master’s of Science in Mental<br />
Health from Chulalongkorn <strong>University</strong><br />
and a Ph.D. in Social Administration<br />
from Thammasat <strong>University</strong>, Thailand.<br />
Assoc. Prof. Cheausuwantavee joined<br />
Ratchasuda College as a lecturer in<br />
participants and outlining important<br />
issues related to the establishment of<br />
the ASEAN Economic Community.<br />
SIBA is a project-based senior<br />
executive education program that aims<br />
to build the strategic and innovative<br />
management practices of its participants<br />
in order to better compete in the Asian<br />
market. This program is a collaboration<br />
between CMMU and MIT Sloan School<br />
of Management.<br />
To learn more about SIBA and the expertise<br />
provided by CMMU, please visit http://www.<br />
cmmu.mahidol.ac.th/cmmu/index.php<br />
control and neurological physical therapy”<br />
from Prof. Dr. Carolee J. Winstein from<br />
the <strong>University</strong> of Southern California, and<br />
“Update in Neuroscience and clinical<br />
application” from Prof. Dr. Naiphinich<br />
Kotchabhakdi, from <strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong>.<br />
The event will also include a discussion<br />
entitled “Asian PT Education” and “PT<br />
and Health Care System in Asia” with<br />
the heads of some of the most prestigious<br />
institutions of physical therapy in Asia as<br />
<strong>19</strong>97, after seven years based at the<br />
Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital.<br />
As a result, he now has fifteen years<br />
experience in various fields concerned<br />
with disabilities and the provision of<br />
rehabilitation services. These include<br />
rehabilitation counseling and administration,<br />
community-based rehabilitation,<br />
participatory action research, social<br />
welfare, and policy. Recently, he was<br />
appointed as a Fulbright Visiting Scholar<br />
for teaching and research at the Center<br />
on Disability Studies (CDS), <strong>University</strong><br />
of Hawaii at Manoa, Hawaii. In this role,<br />
Assoc. Prof. Cheausuwantavee is able<br />
to research the transition services for<br />
students with disabilities and teach under<br />
panel members.<br />
For more information, please visit<br />
http://www.mahidol.ac.th/mueng/<br />
events<strong>2012</strong>/aseanPT.pdf<br />
>> Announcements<br />
CDS’s Interdisciplinary Certificate in<br />
Disability and Diversity Studies Program.<br />
As the latest Dean of Ratchasuda<br />
College, he is dedicated to expanding<br />
educational services for persons with<br />
disabilities (PWDs) and persons working<br />
with PWDs as well as developing an<br />
appropriate body of knowledge regarding<br />
disabilities for the benefit of society. He<br />
adds that he “hopes Ratchasuda College<br />
will be not only an academic institute<br />
but also the leading change agent to<br />
promote quality of life and “rights” of<br />
persons with disabilities both domestic<br />
and global visibility”.<br />
To learn more about Ratchasuda College,<br />
please visit http://www.rs.mahidol.ac.th/<br />
• 11
Contacts<br />
Distinguished Visitors to <strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
08-06-12 Assoc. Prof. Pratap Singhasivanon, Dean, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, <strong>Mahidol</strong><br />
<strong>University</strong> and administrative team welcomed His Excellency Dr. Mam Bunheng and delegates from<br />
the Ministry of Health, Cambodia to the Faculty. The purpose of the visit was to discuss future<br />
collaboration between the Faculty and the Ministry, particularly in the research prevention, and<br />
control of malaria. The distinguished guests also visited the Malaria Laboratory as well as the Centre<br />
for Excellence for Biomedical and Public Health Informatics, also known as BIOPHICS.<br />
24-05-12 Asst. Prof. Surakit Nathisuwan, Vice President for International Relations, <strong>Mahidol</strong><br />
<strong>University</strong> was paid a courtesy call by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ir. Arief Kusuma A.P, Rector, Esa Unggul<br />
<strong>University</strong>, Indonesia and his delegation. During the visit, which took place in meeting room 515,<br />
5 th floor, Office of the President, the delegation briefed Asst. Prof. Nathisuwan about their discussions<br />
with the Faculty of Physical Therapy and the Golden Jubilee Medical Center concerning potential<br />
collaboration in the field of physical therapy and public health services.<br />
08-05-12 Prof. Dr. Rassmidara Hoonsawat, Dean, College of Management <strong>Mahidol</strong><br />
<strong>University</strong> (CMMU), Asst. Prof. Thanaphol Virasa, Deputy Dean for Administration and Program<br />
Chair for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, and Dr. Astrid Kainzbauer, Assistant Dean for International<br />
Relations, welcomed Prof. Dr. Budi Eko Soetjipto, Dean, and 35 Department Heads and lecturers<br />
from the Faculty of Economics, State <strong>University</strong> of Malang, Indonesia. This visit provided a great<br />
opportunity for both ASEAN-based to share their knowledge and expertise in Education, Business<br />
Management, and Entrepreneurship.<br />
05-05-12 Ms. Boonyarat Suwanchinda, Director, Division of International Relations<br />
of <strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong>, along with Dr. Charles Windish, Associate Dean for International Affairs,<br />
<strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong> International College, welcomed H.E. Mr. James Wise, Australian Ambassador to<br />
the Kingdom of Thailand, on the occasion of his visit to <strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong> International College. The<br />
aim of this informal event was to explore the possibility of greater student exchange opportunities<br />
between universities in Australia and Thailand. The meeting, which was held at MUIC’s meeting<br />
room, was followed by a brief tour of MUIC as well as a visit to its International Houses at the<br />
Chaiyapruk Village and the Green Park Home.<br />
24-04-12<br />
Asst. Prof. Surakit Nathisuwan, Vice President for International Relations, welcomed Assoc. Prof.<br />
Nguyen Van Kim, Vice Rector of the <strong>University</strong> of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam and his<br />
delegation to the Office of the President. During the meeting the group discussed academic<br />
collaboration and shared their experiences in university administration.<br />
24-04-12 Assoc. Prof. Preyanuj Yamwong, M.D., Vice President for Quality Development,<br />
welcomed Prof. Dr. Bambang Hari Purnomo, MA, Head of Educational Coaching and Development<br />
and a delegation from the <strong>University</strong> of Jember, Indonesia, to the Office of the President. During the<br />
meeting participants shared their experiences in the development and management of curriculums<br />
and the quality assurance of higher education.<br />
Published by International Relations Division, Office of the President, <strong>Mahidol</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
999 Phuttamonthon 4 Road, Salaya, Phuttamonthon, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand<br />
Tel : +66 (0) 2849 6230 (Director), +66 (0) 0849 6231-3, 2849 6235-6 Fax : +66 (0) 2849 6237 Email : opinter@mahidol.ac.th<br />
272 Rama VI Rd., Rathathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand (Bangkok Office) Website : www.mahidol.ac.th<br />
Advisor<br />
Asst. Prof. Surakit Nathisuwan, Dr. Puwat Charukamnoetkanok<br />
Chief Editor<br />
Ms. Boonyarat Suwanchinda<br />
Editorial Staff : Mr. Paul Bulcock, Ms. Suchada Phruthonkul, Ms. Peungjai Tinsulanonda