The Faculty of Engineering’s International Undergraduate Program (IUP) was honoured to host a
delegation of students from the National Institute of Technology, Tomakomai College, Hokkaido, Japan.
They were here as part of a short-term cultural exchange program between IUP students and Japanese
students, from 19 until 23 August 2024. The visiting delegation was led by Dr. Saori Tokita, an associate
professor in Humanities and Social Sciences (Classical Japanese); and Dr. Shuhey Suzuki, an associate
professor at the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences. They were warmly received by Prof.
Wanchai Yodsudjai, Dean of Kasetsart University’s Faculty of Engineering; and Assoc. Prof. Chawalit
Kittichaikarn, Director of the IUP.
Upon arrival at the Faculty of Engineering, our Japanese visitors were introduced to our faculty’s
buildings and research facilities. They were subsequently taken on a tour of Kasetsart University’s
History Museum and our university’s Main Library.
During the following days, they attended IUP classes in General Physics and Engineering
Mathematics 1 with our IUP students. Asst. Prof. Patamaporn Sripadungtham, Vice Dean for
International Affairs, gave a detailed lecture on Thai culture and its various aspects. To further their
understanding of Thailand, our guests participated in a class in Thai Language for Communication.
On their penultimate day, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wichai Siwakosit accompanied them on an educational visit to
the headquarters of the Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS). They were taught about the BTS’s trains,
railway network, safety engineering and control systems.
On their final day, after the previous evening’s farewell party organized by the IUP staff, the delegation
visited our High-Performance Computing and Networking Center (HPCNC) and the SKUBA robotics
laboratory. Their education in Thai culture concluded with a Thai cooking class, followed by a practise
session in the basics of Muay Thai (Thai boxing).
Our Japanese guests were grateful for the hospitality they received during their visit and greatly enjoyed
the opportunity of experiencing the IUP’s educational environment as well as being taught a broad
palette of Thai culture.