Signing Ceremony for Double Degree Programs between KU and Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST), Japan

On Friday, August 16th, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. in Kamphol Adulavidhaya Conference Room, Golden Jubilee Administration and Information Center Building, Kasetsart University, Bangkhen Campus, Dr. Chongrak Wachrinrat, Acting President of Kasetsart University along with administrators and lecturers, namely

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Weeraphart Khunrattanasiri, Dean of Graduate School
Prof. Dr. Wanchai Yodsudjai, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Punpiti Piamsa-Nga, Head of the Department of Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering
Asst. Prof. Dr. Thanawin Rakthanmanon, Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs, Faculty of Engineering
Asst. Prof. Dr. Chaiporn Jaikaeo, Deputy Director of the Office of Educational Administration
Prof. Dr. Chantana Chantrapornchai, Lecturer of the Department of Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anan Phonphoem, Vice President for Digital Technology and Artificial Intelligence
Dr. Withawat Tangtrongpairoj, Acting Deputy Director of the Office of Computer Service
Dr. Chawanat Nakasan, Lecturer of the Department of Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Srijidtra Charoenlarpnopparut, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Lifelong Learning
Asst. Prof. Dr. Ampika Bansiddhi, Deputy Dean of the Department of Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Oratai Jongprateep, Lecturer of the Department of Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sureerat Polsilapa, Lecturer of the Department of Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering
Asst. Prof. Dr. Gasidit Panomsuwan, Assistant Dean for Research and Innovation, Faculty of Engineering
Prof. Dr.Dokrak Marod, Vice President for Research and Internationalization
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chamaipak Maiklad, Assistant to the President for International Affairs
Asst. Prof. Dr.rer.Soc Supapatpimol Simlee, Assistant to the President for International Affairs
welcomed representatives from Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST), namely
Dr. Shiozaki, President
Dr. Ohta, Executive Vice-President
Prof. Yoshida, Adviser to the President
Prof. Matsumoto, Director of Thai Office
Prof. Kiyokawa, NAIST Alumni President
Prof. Hirota, Dean
Prof. Okada, General Manager
Mr. Imura, General Manager
Ms. Hatoyama, Staff of the International Affairs Division
Ms. Goto, Staff of the International Affairs Division
Mr. Yabe, Staff of the International Affairs Division
on the occasion of visiting KU to sign the Double Degree MOA in Material Engineering and Computer Engineering degrees.

Before the presidents of both universities signed the MOA, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Weeraphart Khunrattanasiri explained the various dual degree programs (Dual/Double/Joint Degree) overseen by the Graduate School. He noted that the Graduate School initiated dual degree programs in 2014 and now collaborates with universities worldwide. Following this, Prof. Dr. Wanchai Yodsudjai explained that the collaboration between the Faculty of Engineering at KU and NAIST began in 2010, and by 2012, the faculty started sending KU students to NAIST for exchange programs.

Additionally, Prof. Okada provided a brief overview of the history of NAIST. It was established in 1991 as a national university in Ikoma, located in the northwest of Nara, Japan, and offers graduate programs in 3 fields: Biological Sciences, Information Sciences, and Material Sciences. The university admitted its first master’s students in 1993 and its first doctoral students in 1996. Currently, there are nearly 800 master’s students and almost 400 doctoral students from 44 countries worldwide. KU and NAIST share a strong and close relationship. After the signing ceremony, Dr. Chongrak Wachrinrat presented a souvenir to Dr. Shiozaki, and all participants took a group photo together.