On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, at the Reception Room 4, 2nd floor, the Golden Jubilee Administration and Information Center Building, Kasetsart University,  warmly welcomed Prof. Dr. Yukio Tanizawa, President of Yamaguchi University, and the senior management team, including Dr. Yuri Ishii, Vice President for International Cooperation; Dr. Hiroyuki Tanaka, Director of the International Affairs Division; Ms. Mami Amamoto, Manager of the General Affairs Division; and Dr. Hideyuki Miura, Chief of the International Affairs Division, on the occasion of their official visit to Kasetsart University.

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Dr. Chongrak Wachrinrat, Acting President of Kasetsart University, along with senior administrators and faculty members of the university, including Assoc. Prof. Somwang Khantayanuwong, Ph.D., Vice President for Health Sciences Development and Suphan Buri Areas; Assoc. Prof. Chamaipak Maiklad, Ph.D., Assistant to the President for International Affairs; Asst. Prof. Supapatpimol Simlee, Ph.D., Assistant to the President for International Affairs;  Assoc. Prof. Tanee Sreewongchai, Ph.D., Dean of Faculty of Agriculture; Assoc. Prof. Weeraphart Khunrattanasiri, Ph.D., Dean of Graduate School; Assoc .Prof. General Chumpol Piamsomboon, Ph.D., Dean of Faculty of Medicine; Assoc. Prof. Major General Saisamorn Chaleoykitti, Ph.D., Acting Dean of Faculty of Nursing; Assoc. Prof. Ingorn Kimkong, Ph.D., Head of Department of Micrology, Faculty of Science; Assoc. Prof. Srijidtra Charoenlarpnopparut, Ph.D., Assistant to the President for Academic Affairs and Lifelong Learning; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gunjana Theeragool, Ph.D., Advisor to the Dean of Graduate School; Asst. Prof. Donludee Jaisut, Ph.D., Associate Dean for International Relations Faculty of Agriculture; Asst. Prof. Noppon Lertwattanasakul, Ph.D., Department of Micrology, Faculty of Science; Miss Pratthana Thirakiettikun, Head of International Collaboration and Networking Section; and IAD representatives, warmly welcomed the President and senior executives from Yamaguchi University, Japan.

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On this occasion, Dr. Chongrak Wachrinrat, Acting President of Kasetsart University, extended a warm welcome to Prof. Dr. Yukio Tanizawa, President of Yamaguchi University, along with his senior administrative team during their visit to Kasetsart University. Dr. Chongrak highlighted proposed areas of collaboration between the two universities, emphasizing the New S-Curve strategy, which focuses on emerging businesses and industries with significant growth potential. This includes areas such as medicine, nursing, science, agriculture, agro-industry, forestry, and others, aimed at strengthening health science initiatives relevant to today’s aging society. Dr. Chongrak outlined nine strategies for the new S-Curve as follows:

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Research on Microorganisms

AI and Digital Transformation in the University

Energy and Electric Vehicles (EV) from alternative sources

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Carbon Neutrality

Future Food, Agriculture Marketing, and Automation

Developing Smart Thai and Global Citizens for all generations

Collaborative initiatives between universities

Innovative research for production beyond education

Creating new platforms for lifelong learning in technology

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Prof. Dr. Yukio Tanizawa expressed his agreement with these goals and his willingness to support and foster collaborations between the two institutions. He emphasized their shared objective of advancing academic excellence and innovation, as well as building a robust academic network to benefit the global educational community.

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Subsequently, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gunjana Theeragool, Ph.D., Advisor to the Dean of Graduate School, presented an overview of the longstanding collaboration between Kasetsart University and Yamaguchi University, which began in 1998. This partnership has focused on research development, student exchanges, and resource sharing in agriculture. Notably, the cooperation has involved the Thermotolerant Microbial Resources (TMR) Research Center at Yamaguchi University and the Biodiversity Center at Kasetsart University, under the Faculty of Science.

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The collaboration has also included initiatives such as a joint degree program in agricultural and life sciences, promoting international education and research. In 2016, the establishment of the Yamaguchi University International Collaboration Office (YUICO) within the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science at Kasetsart University, further reinforced sustainable international education activities.

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The meeting was attended by senior administrators from Kasetsart University and deans from various faculties, who engaged in discussions with their counterparts from Yamaguchi University. Both sides reaffirmed the significance of their long-standing partnership and the importance of continuing their collaboration.

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This meeting marks an important step in enhancing the relationship between Kasetsart University and Yamaguchi University, Japan, and serves as a foundation for sustainable future collaboration. Following the discussions, Dr. Chongrak Wachrinrat, Acting President of Kasetsart University, presented commemorative gifts to the Yamaguchi University management team as a symbol of friendship between the two institutions and took a group photo together.

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Yamaguchi University was established in 1825 as a medical school aimed at advancing education and social development in the region. It officially became a university in 1950, marking a legacy of over 200 years. The name "Yamaguchi" translates to "the gateway to the mountains," reflecting its location surrounded by natural beauty and scenic landscapes. Today, Yamaguchi University operates its main campus in Yamaguchi City and another campus in Ube City. It offers a wide range of disciplines, including medicine, engineering, and agriculture, with a mission to promote education, research, and sustainable community development.