The event, held on March 1, 2024, was hosted by Kasetsart University’s Faculty of Engineering, in collaboration with partner universities from France, Japan, the Philippines, and Taiwan. It commenced with a report from Professor Dr. Wanchai Yodsudjai, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, followed by opening remarks from Assoc Prof. Dr. Chatchapol Chungchoo, Vice President for Quality Development. Dr. Pechdau Tohmeena, Advisor to the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, delivered a keynote lecture on “International Collaborative Network for Development for Engineering Students” and awarded certificates to participating students.
Among the attendees were representatives from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science Research, and Innovation (MHESI), as well as dignitaries from various partner countries:
- Mrs. MILLICENT CRUZ PAREDES, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of the Philippines to the Kingdom of Thailand
- Mrs. Ann Y.H. Hsueh, Second Secretary of Education Division, Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in Thailand
- Mr. Johan BROC, Cooperation Officer for Scientific, Academic, and Climate Affairs.
- Mr. Shimazu Hideki, JICA Advisor to AUN/SEED-Net.
- Mr. Didier DESPLANCHE, Rector of ECAM LASALLE
- Assoc. Prof.Gulapar Srisawasdi, Director of Sirindhorn School of Prosthetics and Orthotics.
Additionally, faculty, staff, and students from various institutions, including Keio University, Shizuoka University, Osaka Sangyo University (Japan), ECAM LaSalle (France), De La Salle University Manila (Philippines), National Tsing Hua University (Taiwan), and Thailand’s Sirindhorn School of Prosthetics & Orthotics (SSPO) of Mahidol University, participated in the event, totaling approximately 90 attendees from February 25 to March 2, 2024.
Throughout the program, students engaged in academic and cultural activities, such as a Thai cooking class (som-tam), a visit to Wat Arun Ratchawararam, sightseeing at Pattaya Beach and Koh Samed, and an excursion to the LNG industry at PTTLNG in Rayong province.
They also took part in a medical device design workshop at the Sirindhorn School of Prosthetics and learned to utilize 3D design and 3D printing software at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, culminating in group design presentations.
This initiative aims to enhance the international standing of Kasetsart University students in 2024. The outcomes will facilitate academic collaboration between Thai and foreign students, while offering an intimate experience of Thai culture and lifestyle, fostering potential future collaborations.
Following the workshop event, in a significant move towards international academic collaboration, Kasetsart University and ECAM LaSalle have signed a Double Degree Agreement. This partnership offers students at ECAM LaSalle the opportunity to pursue graduate education at Kasetsart University’s Faculty of Engineering, earning both a master’s degree from Kasetsart University and the prestigious “Diplôme d’Ingénieur” from ECAM LaSalle. This collaboration reflects a commitment to excellence in engineering education and opens doors for students to experience diverse cultural and educational environments. As the agreement takes effect, it sets a precedent for future collaborations, emphasizing the importance of international partnerships in advancing higher education.