Study in Japan Fair

As part of NAIST’s goal to further expand our international student population, participating in study-abroad fairs is an essential recruiting activity. Prof. Kenichi Matsumoto (Dean, Graduate School of Information Science), Prof. Minoru Okada (Information Science), Prof. Naoyuki Inagaki (Vice Dean, Graduate School of Biological Sciences), Prof. Jun Ohta (Dean, Graduate School of Materials Science), Mr. Katsuhiro Azuma (Deputy Head, International Affairs Divison), DGE Director Sachi Ando, and three Thai students (Shade Ruangwan, Napol Kaewkascholkul, and Nattakarn Wuthibenjaphonchai) from NAIST participated in JASSO’s “Study in Japan Fair” that was held in central Bangkok on September 3, 2017. Former NAIST internship students from Thailand also joined our booth. According to JASSO, a total of 2,724 people attended this year’s fair. At the information booth, more than 80 attendees who were interested in science and technology graduate schools discussed possibilities for their education with NAIST representatives and received detailed information concerning our educational programs, research activities, scholarships, student life at NAIST, and more.

NAIST delegates at the Study in Japan Fair

Delegates representing NAIST

Chulalongkorn University Visit

On September 4, 2017, the NAIST delegates, escorted by Assoc. Prof. Mana Sriyudthsak of Electrical Engineering Department, paid a courtesy visit to Prof. Bundhit Eua-arporn (President) and Assoc. Prof. Supot Teachavorasinskun (Dean, Faculty of Engineering), discussing our institutions’ active educational and research collaboration. Following this, the NAIST group visited Asst. Prof. Komson Petcharaks (Head, Electrical Engineering Department) and Asst. Prof. Natawut Nupairoj (Head, Computer Engineering Department), and other faculty members for meetings to discuss various educational and research opportunities. Then the NAIST delegates had a meeting with Assoc. Prof. Tawatchai Charinpanitkul (Associate Dean, Faculty of Engineering) and Dr. Falan Srisuriyachai to discuss the renewal of academic exchange agreements to further expand collaboration. At an information session for the Faculty of Engineering students, DGE Director Sachi Ando, Prof. Kanaya, Prof. Okada, Prof. Jun Ohta, and two current Thai students from NAIST shared information on NAIST’s educational programs, research activities, internship opportunities, and study-in-Japan experiences.

Courtesy visit to Chulalongkorn University President	NAIST delegates visiting Dept. of Computer Engineering
Announcement of NAIST information session	NAIST and Chulalongkorn faculty members

NAIST Thailand Office Inaugural Symposium

An inaugural symposium commemorating the opening of the NAIST Thailand Office, held in Bangkok, Thailand on September 5, 2017, was enjoyed by many researchers, academics, students, and members of the public. “NAIST and Thai Universities for Research and Education Collaboration Symposium 2017” took place not only as part of the MEXT’s Top Global University Project, but also as one of the events for the 130th Anniversary of Japan-Thailand Diplomatic Relations. First, Vice President Kiyomi Kakiuchi opened the symposium with an introduction of the history and ties between Thai universities and NAIST. Then, Dr. Chongrak Wachrinrat, President of Kasetsart University, delivered remarks to welcome all the guests and attendees. Following this, Dr. Chularat Tanprasert, Vice President of National Science and Technology Development Agency in Thailand, and Mr. Hideo Fukushima, Deputy Chief of Mission and Minister of the Embassy of Japan in Thailand, offered congratulatory remarks for the NAIST Thailand Office that would play significant roles in bridging the two countries for education and research. DGE Director introduced NAIST’s global education, and Asst. Prof. Pattara Leelaprute of Kasetsart University’s Faculty of Engineering introduced academic collaborations between the two universities. At each session of the symposium, NAIST’s faculty/staff, students and alumni, as well as collaborators in Thai universities including Kasetsart University, Chulalongkorn University, Mahidol University, and Chiang Mai University, presented past and ongoing educational and research collaborative activities. The symposium became a catalyst for further academic collaborations among institutions in the two countries.

Vice President Kakiuchi delivering opening remarks	DGE Director Ando introducing NAIST
Distinguished guests and NAIST delegates

King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) Visit

Prof. Okada and DGE Director Ando visited King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) on September 6, 2017. The visit consisted of meetings with Ms. Shubhashree Pal (International Relations Officer, International Affairs Office), Assoc. Prof. Rardchawadee Silapunt (Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering), Assoc. Prof. Natasha Dejdumorang (Department of Computer Engineering), and Dr. Kamon Jirasereeamornkul (Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering), and other faculty members to discuss possible academic collaboration.

Visiting KMUTT

As of September 1, 2017, there are 221 international students at NAIST, and 20 of them are from Thailand. Among these Thai students, there are 10 Kasetsart University, 6 Chulalongkorn University, and 3 Mahidol University alumni. There is a long, active history of research and education collaboration between our faculty members and Thai faculty members and researchers. This visit is expected to further develop educational and research opportunities for students and faculty members.