Prof. Kenichi Matsumoto and Prof. Shigehiko Kanaya of the Graduate School of Information Science, and DGE Director Sachi Ando visited Bangkok, Thailand, from June 17 to 21, 2017.
On June 19th, the delegation visited Kasetsart University’s Faculty of Engineering for a meeting with Dr. Putchong Uthayopasf (Acting Vice President for IT), Dr. Arnon Rungsawang (Acting Assistant to the President for IT), Dr. Peerayuth Charnsethikul (Dean of the Faculty of Engineering), and Dr. Pattara Leelaprute to discuss joint activities including a symposium planned for September of this year. Later, Dr. Supa Hannongbua (Dean of the Faculty of Science) and other junior faculty members joined the meeting to exchange information and ideas about possible collaboration in research and education.
 Visit to Kasetsart University’s Faculty of Engineering |
 Visit to Kasetsart University’s Faculty of Science |
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 View from KU’s Engineering building |
In the afternoon of June 19th, the delegates attended the 11th JUNThai meeting at the Embassy of Japan in Bangkok. JUNThai (Japanese Universities’ Network in Thailand), an alliance of Japanese universities that have satellite offices in Thailand, holds quarterly meetings each year in Bangkok for establishing and strengthening networks, and sharing up-to-date information about activities and educational developments. NAIST became a JUNThai member in April of this year following the establishment of the Thailand Office.
At this meeting, NAIST was officially welcomed as a new JUNThai member, and Prof. Matsumoto gave introductory remarks.
 Prof. Matsumoto giving introductory remarks at JUNThai |
In the morning on June 20th, Prof. Kanaya and Director Ando visited Mahidol University’s Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (or ICT) for a meeting with Dr. Pattanasak Mongkolwat (Deputy Dean for Academic Administration), Dr. Boonsit Yimwadsana (Deputy Dean for Graduate Studies and International Affairs), Dr. Duangrudee Tanramluk, and Dr. Vasaka Visoottiviseth（NAIST’s alumna）to explore possible academic collaboration, such as faculty and student exchanges. Then, the delegates visited Dr. Prayoon Fongsatitkul (Dean of the Faculty of Public Health), Dr. Kwanjai Amnatsatsue, Ms. Chenchira Nathathong, Dr. Charnchudhi Chanyasanha, and Dr. Patcharanee Pavadhgul of Mahidol University’s Faculty of Public Health to introduce each university’s academic programs and explain their current research efforts.
 Visit to Mahidol University’s Faculty of Information and Communication Technology |
 Visit to Mahidol University’s Faculty of Public Health |
In the late afternoon on June 20th, Prof. Kanaya and Director Ando were greeted by Dr. Mana Sriyudthsak at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Engineering, and then were invited for a meeting with Dr. David Banjerdpongchai (Deputy Director of Education Architects and Global Engagement Affairs), Dr. Natawut Nupairoj (Head of Computer Engineering), Dr. Falan Srisuriyachai, Dr. Kultida Rojviboonchai, and Dr. Peerapon Vateekul where they came to an agreement for the strengthening of long-standing relationships through academic exchanges, including student internships and research collaboration.
 Visit to Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Engineering |
 The square outside Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Engineering |
This visit to Thailand was very fruitful for our academic and research networks. The delegates exchanged valuable information on educational and research collaboration with representatives of our notable partner universities, Mahidol University, Chulalongkorn University, and Kasetsart University, and laid the groundwork for further developments. Also, participation in JUNThai allowed for the strengthening of networks with other Japanese universities that have offices in Thailand.
Currently at NAIST, there are 25 Thai students enrolled in the master’s and doctoral programs. Also, NAIST’s faculty members are actively engaged in collaborative research with researchers in Thailand. The NAIST Thailand Office is expected to facilitate current academic and research collaboration with universities in Thailand and open up opportunities for further joint activities and international programs.
