On Thursday, 15 May 2025, at 02:00 p.m., in the Meeting Room 10, 10th Floor, the Golden Jubilee Administration and Information Center Building, Kasetsart University, Dr. Damrong Sripraram, Acting President of Kasetsart University, and KU administrators, namely Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuchanata Mungkung, Vice President for Finance and Asset Management; Asst. Prof. Dr.rer.Soc Supapatpimol Simlee, Assistant to the President for International Affairs; Asst. Prof. Dr. Naroon Waramit, Dean of the School of Integrated Science (SIS); Assoc. Prof. Dr. Orachos Napasintuwong, Deputy Head of the Department for International Affairs, Faculty of Economics; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kannika Sajjaphan, Deputy Dean for Research, Faculty of Agriculture; and IAD representatives joined the congratulatory event for Dr. Mercedita A. Sombilla on the occasion of her appointment as the 12th Director of SEARCA (Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture). She also holds the distinction of being SEARCA’s first female director. Dr. Sombilla officially assumed the position on 1 April 2025. She is an economist specializing in agricultural policy and regional development, with decades of experience in the field.  

SEARCA was established by SEAMEO (Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization) in 1966 as a non-profit organization. SEARCA has a long-standing and close relationship with KU in various areas, including research, staff training, and academic conferences. It has also awarded numerous scholarships to KU students and professors. During this visit to KU, Dr. Mercedita A. Sombilla expressed her strong hope that the university will continue to be a valued partner of SEARCA, initiating new activities and joint projects in the future. After the congratulatory remarks and discussions, Dr. Damrong Sripraram presented a token of appreciation to Dr. Mercedita A. Sombilla and her delegation. The event concluded with a group photo session.

The organization’s official website > www.searca.org