On 24 January 2025, at 2:00 p.m., the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Kasetsart University and Iwate University, Japan, was held in Meeting Room 9, 2nd Floor, the Golden Jubilee Administration and Information Center Building, Kasetsart University. Dr. Damrong Sripraram, Vice President for Administration and Carbon Neutrality, represented 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 Asst. Prof. Dr.rer.Soc Supapatpimol Simlee, Assistant to the President for International Affairs; Assistant Professor Dr. Thongrob Ruenbanthoeng, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities; Professor Dr. Wanwipa Vongsangnak, Acting Dean of Kasetsart University International College; Assistant Professor Dr.  Jiramate Changklom, Assistant Dean for International Affairs, Faculty of Engineering; Professor Dr. Yupaka Fukushima, Department of Eastern Languages, Faculty of Humanities; Dr. Narongsak Pitchayapisut, Lecturer of the Business Japanese Program, Department of Eastern Languages, Faculty of Humanities; Miss Pratthana Thirakiettikun, Head of the International Collaboration and Networking Sections; and staff members of the International Affairs Division. The delegation from Iwate University, Japan, led by Professor Dr. Satoshi Ogawa, President of Iwate University, was also warmly welcomed. Other members of the delegation included Professor Dr. Masahiro Daibo, Faculty of Science and Engineering; Professor Dr. Ken-ichi Kimura, Dean of the United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences; Ms. Akiko Ito, Chief of the International Liaison and Education Group, International Office; and Mr. Lucas Hoshino, Specially Appointed Staff at Global Village, International Education Center.

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The occasion marked the beginning of an academic exchange agreement between Iwate University and Kasetsart University. Iwate University, Japan, intends to formalize this collaboration through an Agreement on Academic Exchange to foster cooperation in education, research, and student/personnel exchanges. The agreement also seeks to strengthen ties between the two countries. The activities under this Agreement include: 1) Faculty and personnel/researcher exchange; 2) Undergraduate and graduate student exchange; 3) Exchange of information and publications; 4) Joint research projects and conferences; and 5) Curriculum development. Implementing these activities will involve mutual discussions between both parties and will be documented in writing before the activities commence. This MoU is valid for five years and becomes effective upon signature by both parties.

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On this occasion, Dr. Damrong Sripraram, Vice President for Administration and Carbon Neutrality, delivered a welcome speech at the signing ceremony. Following his address, President Satoshi Ogawa of Iwate University expressed gratitude and shared that this MoU would promote research collaboration and the exchange of academic knowledge. Both institutions agreed to support cooperation between their faculties, colleges, and institutes, with activities designed to deepen academic ties between their countries.

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President Ogawa also highlighted the ongoing academic collaboration between Iwate University’s Faculty of Science and Engineering and Kasetsart University since 2014, particularly in the fields of electronic engineering, electrical engineering, and information systems.

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After the signing ceremony, a discussion was held to explore potential cooperation in research and academics. Both parties presented ideas and identified opportunities for collaboration, which may include a student exchange program, joint research, joint publications, staff exchanges, summer courses, joint degree programs, etc. Dr. Damrong Sripraram, Vice President for Administration and Carbon Neutrality, then presented souvenirs to the Iwate University delegation. Finally, participants took a group photo to commemorate the occasion.

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Iwate University, established in 1949, is a national university located in Morioka, Iwate Prefecture, Japan. It offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs through its five faculties: Humanities and Social Sciences, Education, Science and Engineering, Agriculture, and Veterinary Medicine. The university is renowned for its research contributions in agriculture, disaster mitigation, and sustainable development, reflecting the unique characteristics of the region. Iwate University is committed to fostering global partnerships and supporting student exchange programs to promote cultural and academic collaboration.

References: https://www.iwate-u.ac.jp/english/about/iwateuniv/vision-2030.html

https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/iwate-university