On Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Kasetsart University (KU) and Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences (JAAS), China was held in Meeting Room 9, 2nd Floor, the Golden Jubilee Administration and Information Center Building, Kasetsart University, Dr. Chongrak Wachrinrat, the President of Kasetsart University, presided over the event, welcomed the delegation, and signed the MoU. Several executives and faculty members from Kasetsart University participated as witnesses, including Associate Professor Dr. Apisit Songsasen, the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Lifelong Learning and Acting Dean of the Faculty of Science; Professor Emeritus Dr. Peerasak Srinives, Vice Chairman of KU Council; Associate Professor Dr. Chanate Malumpong, Deputy Dean for Research, Academic Services, and International Affairs, Faculty of Agriculture, Kamphaeng Saen Campus; Associate Professor Dr. Prakit Somta, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Kamphaeng Saen Campus; Mrs. Hathaitus Semchuchot, Acting Director of International Affairs Division; Miss Pratthana Thirakiettikun, Head of the International Collaboration and Networking Sections; and staff members of the International Affairs Division welcomed the delegation from Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences (JAAS), China on the occasion of visiting Kasetsart University to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Kasetsart University and Guizhou Education University, China. The representatives from Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences (JAAS), China attending the ceremony led by Professor Dr. Chen Xin, Vice President (Research Field-Legumes breeding and cultivation), and his delegation namely Professor Dr. Yang Jie, Director, Institute of Food Crops (Research Field –Rice genetics and breeding); Dr. Jing Jinquan, Director, Jiangsu Hilly Area Nanjing Institute of Agricultural Sciences (Research Field-Pomology); Professor Dr. Zhou  Tong, Director, Institute of Plants Protection (Research Field-Rice virus disease); Associate Professor Dr. Zhang Yuyan, Institute of Pomology (Research Field-Peach breeding; and Assistant Professor Dr. Huang Lu, Institute of Industrial Crops (Research Field-Legumes breeding) on the occasion of the official visiting Kasetsart University to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Kasetsart University and Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences (JAAS), China.

..

On this occasion, Dr. Chongrak Wachrinrat, the President of Kasetsart University, gave a welcome speech at the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Kasetsart University and Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences (JAAS), China. Then, Professor Dr. Chen Xin, Vice President, expressed his gratitude and congratulations on the opportunity to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Kasetsart University and Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences (JAAS), China is to support and promote cooperation in research for continuous effort and development. Associate Professor Dr. Chanate Malumpong, Deputy Dean for Research, Academic Services, and International Affairs, Faculty of Agriculture, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, gave a summary report to the meeting about the background of cooperation in the past and up to the present, more than 10 years.

…

Kasetsart University and Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences co-establish this General Agreement to foster international cooperation in legume crop breeding research between the two parties.

..

Both parties agree to encourage academic collaboration between the faculty/college/institute staff of their institutions, which may include the following activities, intended to promote international academic cooperation.

Exchange of legume crop materials in education and research, publications, and academic information;

Sharing of faculty and research scholars for teaching and research programs;

Opportunities for qualified students enrolled in degree programs. In such opportunities, students transfers will meet admission standards established by the respective institutions;

Joint research and meetings for education and research;

Technical assistance;

Pursuit of any activity provided for under this arrangement, both institutions shall consult each other to define the specific arrangements including the necessary financial support (where applicable).

This General Agreement shall have a term of five (5) years after which it shall automatically expire unless the parties execute a written renewal agreement to extend the term of arrangement for an additional five (5) years.

..

Following the signing ceremony, the meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between the two institutions. Both universities expressed optimism that the signing of the MoU would pave the way for meaningful and tangible collaborations in these fields. It may start with a Bilateral Symposium Online to discuss together. The event concluded with Dr. Chongrak Wachrinrat, the President of Kasetsart University, presenting souvenirs to the JASS delegation. A group photo was then taken to commemorate the occasion.

..

Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences (JAAS), established in 1931, is one of China's oldest and most prestigious agricultural research institutions. Located in Jiangsu Province, it focuses on modernizing agriculture through scientific innovation. JAAS operates 17 specialized and 11 regional institutes with expertise in crop sciences, agricultural mechanization, food safety, and environmental resources. The academy actively promotes sustainable agriculture and rural development, particularly in the Yangtze River Delta region.

..

JAAS collaborates with Kasetsart University on legume crop breeding research to foster academic exchange and joint studies.