On Friday, October 25, 2024, at 10:00 AM, in Kamphol Adulavidhaya Conference Room, Golden Jubilee Administration and Information Center Building, Assoc. Prof. Apisit Songsasen, Ph.D. Vice President for Academic Affairs and Lifelong Learning along with the administrators from Kasetsart University officially welcomed the delegation from Nagoya University, Japan. The Kasetsart University representatives included Asst. Prof. Somwang Khantayanuwong, Ph.D. Vice President for Health Sciences Development and Suphan Buri Areas; Assoc. Prof. Srijidtra Charoenlarpnopparut, Ph.D. Assistant to the President for Academic Affairs and Lifelong Learning; Assoc. Prof. Kornsorn Srikulnath, Ph.D. Assistant to the President for Research and Internationalization; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tanee Sreewongchai Dean of Faculty of Agriculture, Bangkhen Campus; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chaisit Thongjoo Dean of Faculty of Agriculture, Kamphaeng Saen Campus; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Weeraphart Khunrattanasiri Dean of Graduate School; Asst. Prof. Aksorn Saengtienchai, D.V.M Deputy Dean of Student and International Affairs, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Assoc. Prof. Pinkawas Kongmalai, Ph.D. Faculty of Medicine; as well as deans, vice deans, assistant deans, faculty members from various faculties, Miss Pratthana Thirakiettikun, Head of the International Collaboration and Networking Section, and IAD representatives, warmly welcomed the delegation from Nagoya University, Japan.

The list of the Nagoya University delegation is as follows:

1.       Prof. Dr. Naoshi SUGIYAMA, President

2.      Prof. Dr. Shogo KIMURA, Vice President (Financial Affairs, Facilities, Development

2.Office, and Public Relations & Branding)

3.      Prof. Dr. Norimi MIZUTANI, Vice President (International Affairs, Planning & Evaluation, and Institutional Research)

4.      Prof. Dr. Makoto KOBASHI, Dean, Graduate School of Engineering

5.      Prof. Dr. Satoshi OHKURA Vice Dean, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences

6.      Prof. Dr. Jun MURASE, Director, International Collaborative Program in Agricultural

6.Sciences between NU and KU, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences

7.      Prof. Dr. Hiroshi EHARA, Director, International Center for Research and Education in

7.Agriculture (ICREA)

8.      Prof. Dr. Yoshiyuki TAKAHASHI (MD, PhD.), Professor and Chairman, Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University / Vice Director, Nagoya University Hospital

9.      Prof. Dr. Yuzuru SHIMADA, Dean, Graduate School of International Development,

9.Nagoya University

Administrative Staff list

10.    Ms. Masako IDE Manager, International Affairs Division, Nagoya University

11.     Ms. Hiromi KAWAHARA, Section Head, International Affairs Division, Nagoya University

12.    Ms. Veeraya CHENCHITTIKUL, Designated Assistant Professor and Deputy Director, Nagoya

12.University Bangkok Office

13.    Ms. Nattha PHETCHARAT, Administrative Assistant, Nagoya University Bangkok Office

Other

14.    Mr. TEPPEI OKAMURA, Development Department Technical Expert, TOWING Ltd.

Kasetsart University introduced itself with a welcome video, followed by a welcoming speech by Associate Professor Dr. Apisit Songsasen, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Lifelong Learning, expressed his gratitude for the delegation’s visit and reaffirmed Kasetsart University's strong commitment to enhancing academic engagement with Nagoya University across various faculties and disciplines beyond agriculture, such as engineering, medicine, science, and social sciences.

Prof. Dr. Naoshi SUGIYAMA then expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome, noting the significance of this visit as it coincided with the 10th anniversary of the Nagoya University Bangkok Office. He shared an overview of Nagoya University, emphasizing the longstanding academic ties between the two institutions, which he believes will drive further academic and research development in the future. Delegates from both universities introduced themselves and discussed potential areas for collaboration.

During the meeting, the two universities discussed various initiatives, including:

1. Strengthening the Joint Degree Program in Agricultural Sciences to University-University level

2. Discussed on the Joint Training Program for Undergraduate Students with the Faculty of

Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen

3. Discussed the possibility of establishing a collaboration in the area of medical school (Additional)

4. Discussed on joint research collaboration between NU Graduate School of Agriculture, KU

Faculty of Agriculture and NU-based startup TOWING Inc.

5. Discussed related topics, such as: updating cooperative programs with Thai universities, especially collaborations with Kasetsart University, and proposed initiatives such as the Joint PhD Program, seminars, workshops, training programs, and collaborations with TOWING, a Nagoya University spin-off.

Today’s meeting allowed both institutions, led by NU’s president, vice presidents, assistants for the presidents, and representatives from relevant departments, to get involved in deepening discussions on shared interests. Associate Professor Dr. Apisit Songsasen concluded by expressing appreciation for the exchange of ideas and sincerely hope to expand the collaboration across various fields and faculties as previously mentioned, including promoting increased exchange programs for students, faculty members, and researchers. Additionally, both institutions aim to strengthen cooperation between their respective graduate schools, particularly in academic discussions and collaborations. There was also a proposal to organize a Bilateral Symposium together, similar to Kasetsart University's ongoing collaborations with other universities in Japan and Taiwan. Both parties were pleased with the success of this meeting and looking forward to further solidifying these collaborations soon. Subsequently, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Apisit Songsasen, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Lifelong Learning, presented a token of appreciation to the representatives from Nagoya University, Japan, followed by a group photo session."