Pinchaem School held its Merry Christmas event on December 23, 2011, with the English language games being the highlight of the afternoon.
Freek Olaf de Groot, Head of the M.Ed. TESOL programme, and his Master students Ahmed Falih Rabeea (Iraq), Alex Stevenson (U.S.A.) and Thimaporn Kaenwicha (Thailand) conducted tricky games in English with the about 400 grade 7 to 12 students of the Thai-programme school.
The English teachers at Pinchaem School did a very good job – most students had little problems to solve the riddles and perform the tasks communicated to them in English language.
The M.Ed. group, Ajarn Charurat Tantraporn (Dean, Faculty of Liberal Arts) and Ulrich Werner (Director of International Development) enjoyed the afternoon very much, especially since stage shows were presented in English.
Collaboration with Southwestfalia University in Germany
Prof. Dr. Monika Reimpell, who holds the Chair in Business Informatics and Business Mathematics at Southwestfalia University of Applied Sciences (UAS) in Meschede, Germany, and her almost 4-year-old son Thomas visited Asian U from December 11 to 16, 2011.
Thomas was the Superstar whereever he went. Blond, with big eyes and good manners, he mastered the sometimes quite long meetings with his mother perfectly. It needed a while until he got used to the fact that everybody in Thailand wants to touch him (that is very unusual in Germany where he comes from), but finally he began to enjoy it and graciously provided anybody with a great smile. "Becoming a Thai in 6 days", we thought.
Prof. Monika met with the Faculties of Engineering, Liberal Arts and Business to explore opportunities for collaboration since students at her university go to Thailand in increasing numbers already. In Germany, many students opt for a semester abroad, but some universities cannot deliver the quality expected at German universities.
Prof. Monika worked out the Memorandum of Agreement, wich serves as an umbrella agreement, and the more detailed Academic Agreements on the appointment of coordinators at each university, mutual student exchange, and the exchange of lecturers between both institutions with Ulrich Werner, Director of International Development at Asian University. The collaboration is likely to take off with the next academic year at Asian University beginning in August 2012.
On her last day, she met with Dr. Vip, Asian U President, in Bangkok for a business lunch. Dr. Vip just returned from Germany where he intensified the still young relationships to Environment-Campus Birkenfeld, Karlshochschule International University, University of Cooperative Education in Mannheim, and Aachen UAS.
F.l.t.r.: Ulrich Werner (Director of International Development), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Danai Torrungrueng (Head Graduate School of Engineering), Prof. Dr. Monika Reimpell (Southwestfalia University of Applied Sciences), Dr. Colin Black (Head Mechanical Engineering), Dr. Apichat Tungthangthum (Dean, Faculty of Engineering), and Martin Locker (Assoc. Dean, Faculty of Liberal Arts)
Asian U intensifies collaboration with Aachen UAS, Germany
In September, Prof. Dr. Hans Mackenstein, Coordinator of international programmes at the Faculty of Business, Aachen UAS (University of Applied Sciences), visited Asian U. Last week, he welcomed Asian U President Dr. Viphandh Roengpithya together with Aachen UAS Rector Prof. Dr. Marcus Baumann, Prof. Dr. Norbert Janz (Dean, Faculty of Business), and Oliver Fuchs (Head, International Office). For two days, Dr. Vip learned to know Aachen UAS.
“This visit was to intensify the relations between both universities,” said Prof. Dr. Mackenstein. The collaboration will be extended in three steps. As a first step, both universities will exchange students for a semester abroad from 2012. The second stage is a double-degree between the Bachelor of Business Administration at Asian U and the Bachelor of Arts in Business Studies at Aachen UAS. The third step will be the extension of the mutual collaboration to the areas of Design, Mechanical Engineering, and Communication and Multimedia Design.
The mutual intention for closer collaboration was fixed in writing. (Photo: Aachen UAS/Pia Wilbrand)
Visit from Hogeschool Utrecht, The Netherlands
Last week, Professor Gilbert Silvius from Utrecht University of Applied Sciences visited Asian U for two days. He met with Freek Olaf de Groot, Head of the M.Ed. in TESOL programme, and Ulrich Werner, Director of International Development. In a meeting with the Deans of the Faculties of Engineering and Liberal Arts, Professor Gilbert presented his university and discussed the opportunities of collaboration. 2+2 programmes (students study 2 years at Asian U to get fit for studying with Dutch students, then 2 years in Utrecht until graduation) and exchange semesters and short-term courses offered by Hogeschool Utrecht, of which several courses ideally would complement our degree programmes.
We are looking forward to develop a sustainable collaboration that offers our students a high-level study abroad opportunity and, while studying at Asian U, the experience of having students from Utrecht in their classes.
(Sorry, there's no photograph available. The meetings were so thrilling that we actually forgot to take one.)
Asian U student researches Education in Iraq
With more international students studying at Asian University, contributions to the local community have now reached an international level. In addition to contributing to the development of the local community around Asian University, international students are applying their international learning experience at Asian University to actively contribute to development of education in their home countries.
One of these students is Ahmed Falih Rabeea, an Iraqi secondary school English teacher from Basra in southern Iraq. Ahmed joined the Master of Education programme in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) last year with the goal of applying his learning experience to contribute to the educational system in his hometown. As part of his thesis he has started a project to introduce the use of E-learning at local schools in the south of Iraq.
During his studies on the M.Ed. TESOL programme Ahmed was introduced to the principles of E-learning in English language education and decided to explore the opportunities for a pilot project in Iraq. This proved to be easier said than done in a country in which education suffered from two decades of war. Innovations in education such as E-learning are a rarity in Iraq. However, with limited internet access and only a couple of hours of electricity a day, Ahmed decided to take up the challenge. In order to run the experiment successfully he rented 20 computers and two generators to power the computers during the practicum.
His experiment aims at investigating the effect of interactive learning materials on students’ English language proficiency levels. One group of students is now receiving 2 hours of interactive computer-based instruction per week and 2 hours of normal textbook-based instruction. Another group is following the standard programme of four hours of textbook-based classes a week without the interactive learning materials.
The first results are hopeful and showed zero absentees during the first 8 weeks of instruction, a much more positive attitude toward learning English and more motivated students. Ahmed: “Some shy students told me that they learn English with much more confidence and excitement than before. As to the school teachers, they expressed their admiration to see that the Basra Education Directorate and the school administration have paid much more attention to this development and lend support to this project. They would like to adopt such a method in their way of teaching”.
The final results will be expected in late December when he finishes his experiment.
Crathco and Asian U engage in collaboration
On Wednesday, 30.11.2011, a delegation from Asian U, headed by Dr. Apichat Tungthangthum (Dean, Faculty of Engineering) visited Crathco Ltd. in Banchang, Rayong. Crathco produces beverage dispensers for the global market. You may know the cold beverage dispensers in the 7-Eleven shops – they are all made by Crathco which is a subsidiary of U.S. based Grindmaster-Cecilware.
For its industrial design department, Crathco suggested collaboration in applied research with the Faculty of Engineering, especially in the fields of mechanical engineering and material science, to maintain its top position in terms of quality on the global market.
In addition, Crathco offered internships to support Asian U’s initiative on Dual Higher Education. Ulrich Werner, Director of International Development at Asian U, invited Mr. Barry Soanes, General Manager at Crathco, to present his extensive experiences as a British manager in Thailand to the participants of the 8th Summer University at Asian U in July and August 2012.
On the photo, sitting f.l.t.r.: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Danai Torrungrueng (Assoc. Dean, Faculty of Engineering), Ulrich Werner (Director of International Development), Barry J. Soanes (General Manager Crathco), Dr. Apichat Tungthangthum (Dean, Faculty of Engineering). Standing f.l.t.r.: Siwakorn Chomchuen (Financial Controller and HR Manager, Crathco), Dr. Colin Black (Head of Mechanical Engineering), Dr. Jhirat Mearnchu (Faculty of Engineering), Somchat Tipnoysanga (Engineering Manager, Crathco).
Grade 5 students camp on Asian U Campus
Asian University had a very welcome visit by Anuban Chonburi School from the 27th to the 29th of November for their mini-English Camp.
Ninety-five students along with their Thai and Filipino teachers had two wonderful nights out, camping under the stars in tents, with lots of activities and sports supplied by Asian University's lecturers who enjoyed as much as the kids did what was for some of the lecturers an unsual activity since they normally only teach adults.
The Asian U team called it a great experience and hoped that the kids liked it. Then, the next day, one of the camp students posted on Asian U's Facebook page: " english camp is very fun I want to go asian university again". We are looking forward to doing it again!
A fantastic day of football we had at the ‘Football Charity Event’ that was held at Planet Football on Siam Country Club road, Pattaya, on the 26th November with the organizers Asian University and Planet Football coming together to raise money for Asian University’s Community Service Committee.
Twelve teams took part and raised twenty thousand Baht for the University Committee that will use the money to help the needy and less privileged in and around Pattaya as part of Asian University’s continuing support to the community. The event was organized by Valentino Patorno, Head of the Student Union's Community Service Committee at Asian University.
Lopburi Teacher Supervisors upgrade English skills
On 24 and 25 November 2011, eight Teacher Supervisors from Lopburi Province stayed at Asian U to update their English language skills. Aj. James Cooke, Aj. Mark Starrs, and Aj. Kevin Higgins led the English language seminars. The participants were welcomed and seen off in style by Dr. Viphandh Roengpithya, President of Asian U; Aj. Panit Nilubol, Vice-President Administration; Aj. Charurat Tantraporn, Dean of the Faculty of Liberal Arts; and Kh. Ladda Thiraporn, Assistant Vice-President.
Please find more photos in the album on Facebook.
Asian U Sports Day: Mini Marathon and (much) more
On 23.11.2011, students, staff and faculty moved and shaked their bodies (at least, most of them). It was Sports Day in perfect weather conditions and in a perfect mood. Warmed up by several fun sports, the 4,000-meter Mini Marathon was the highlight.
The day was indeed so great that the President of Asian U, Dr. Viphandh Roengpithya, suggested to invite the students of the College@AsianU's sister school, Satit Kasetsart in Bangkok, for the next year's event. Satit Kasetsart students don't have the chance often to spend a day in the greens in Bangkok, and they will be more than welcome to team up with our college and university students for a big sports party next year!
The choir of Thai economy is well known: Too many Bachelor graduates from Thai universities are unemployable, and about half of all graduates remain without a job in their field after graduation. A freshly graduated engineer will need more than 3 years until becoming fully productive. Asian University developed its Dual Higher Education Model that is going to cut down the learning curve on the job to zero – students learn from their real job environment while they study.
On Wednesday, 16 November 2011, an Asian U delegation led by President Dr. Viphandh Roengpithya visited Celestica in Laem Chabang to get first-hand impressions of the high-level standards. Celestica Inc. is a multinational electronics manufacturing services (EMS) company headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Celestica’s global manufacturing network comprises more than 40 locations in 11 countries in the Americas, Europe and Asia, supplying a wide variety of leading OEMs (original equipment manufacturers). In addition to manufacturing, the company's global services include design and engineering, systems assembly, fulfillment and after-market services.
With Khun Pichai Duangtaweesub, Senior Vice President Asia Operation, and his team, Asian U discussed approaches to demand-oriented education, in which students learn on the job in parallel to studying at the university. The Dual Higher Edcuation Model of Asian University is expected to cut down the training time after graduation to zero, while students by then are familiar with the corporate culture and work environment and have their personal network across all levels established.
Both organizations decided to do the next step and to work out the details. Due to its architecture and possibly applying a Hybrid-modular Course Scheduling System, the Asian U Model is flexible to the requirements of different corporations and industries. The first Celestica students are expected to start in August 2012 with the next coming Academic Year at Asian University.
From left to right: Meeting at Celestica are Ulrich Werner (Director of International Development at Asian U), Dr. Viphandh Roenpithya (Asian U President), Ekasin Boonman (Executive Assistant to Senior VP of Asia Operation), Pichai Duangtaweesub (Senior Vice-President of Asia Operation), Dr. Apichat Tungthangthum (Dean Faculty of Engineering & Technology at Asian U), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Danai Torrungrueng (Assoc. Dean Faculty of Engineering & Technology at Asian U). Not in the photo are Panit Nilubol (Vice-President Asian U), Chinnawut Panyapatchoto (Senior Test Engineer), and Teerad Sengphairogh (Celestica HR).
Invitation: Join us for Charity Soccer!
International teachers upgrade skills at Asian U
Last weekend, Asian University welcomed a group of 19 Philippine, one Irish and 16 U.S. teachers and 5 Thai observers from the Anuban Chonburi School for a teacher-training weekend. The teachers arrived Saturday morning early and left Sunday late afternoon after a successful and intense weekend with a variety of different lectures, workshops, and seminars focusing on the ‘how’ of education, rather than the ‘what’.
At Anuban Chonburi School, 176 Thai and 36 foreign teachers take care of 3,311 kindergarten and primary school students. Three of the foreign teachers teach in Chinese language, the others in English.
The teachers started into the weekend with a review of their dialectic skills, thus providing them with an individual starting point for the workshops, lectures and seminars to follow.
On Sunday morning, David Goldsack, the Principal of Rayong English Programme School (REPS) provided a guest lecture on the current state of Thai education, followed by a workshop on Sunday afternoon by a visiting delegation from Fontys University of Applied Science, The Netherlands. John van Lare and John Scholtes facilitated a dynamic workshop assisted by four teacher trainees, Annique, Lisanne, Dennis and Roy from the Fontys Teacher Training Academy.
In this workshop, the participants evaluated a gallery of instructional techniques and put them into a hierarchy after their retention rate, i.e. how students remember what they learned in class. Research has shown that instructional techniques should change in the classroom every 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the age of the students in order to keep their attention and concentration on a high level.
This high-end education seminar was developed and led by Freek Olaf de Groot, Programme Leader Master of Education programme in TESOL, Faculty of Liberal Arts, Asian University, and observed by several senior faculty of Asian University and by five Thai observers from Anuban Chonburi School who all agreed with the participants on the high quality of the seminar.
Back to school was the motto for 21 English Programme teachers from Assumption College Bangrak to upgrade their own English skills. Teaching sciences, applied physics, math in physics and the language of symbols in English needs special skills that were in the focus of the 10-day seminar at Asian University.
Science teachers made one group, mathematics teachers the other one, both getting in-depth training in their particular fields. Together, both groups discussed and evaluated teaching practices and classroom management in an English-speaking environment.
Besides individual teaching and language reviews, the seminar participants joined special guest lectures and an introduction to Vedic Math by the President of Asian U, Dr. Viphandh Roengphithya, and enjoyed some relaxation classes, such as yoga and meditation, fun with English, or line dancing.
The seminar was originally scheduled for 13 days. Unfortunately, the participants could not enjoy the planned excursion nor the demonstration classes at The College@AsianU against the end of the seminar since the suddenly rising waters in Bangkok forced them to return home.
Upcoming events in November 2011
Loy Kratong - Wednesday the 9th November from 18:30 at the fish pond
This event will take place at the fish pond from around 18:30 and will consist of student’s stalls for the hungry, and you will also be able to purchase your Kratong to float in the pond. There will also be the extravagant Mr and Mrs Nopparat beauty competition.
Mini Marathon – Wednesday the 23rd November from 16:00 at the football field
This event is again designed to bring everyone together, starting at 16:00 in the afternoon at the football field, kicking off with some ‘silly(read -fun) races’ followed by the team relay and the individual race.
Charity Football – Saturday the 26th November from 10:00 at Siam Country Club-Pattaya
This is a first ever event, where we will be hosting twenty teams at a new stadium in Soi Country Club, off central Pattaya. It will include teams from well known companies (including ‘Red Bull’), hotels and media. It is basically a knockout competition where we, will have a wonderful opportunity to promote the university and The College.
We look forward to your support and participation at any or all events!
Helping others is a great experience
After leaving Asian University almost in the middle of the night, students and staff were quite groggy when meeting with Channel 3’s host Siripoon Nattapan and her team at 6am in Bangkok to prepare for helping the flood victims on Thammasat University’s Rangsit Campus, and with Kong Roi Num Wan, a group of women police officers, who organized the transport.
“I was like very lifeless until I arrived at Thammasat Rangsit and saw all the refugees who suffered from flood. I felt vigorous and wanted to help those people,” said Asama Kittimanont, a second year Multimedia Design student. “Each volunteer had different duties. I was responsible for take care of kids. My main work was telling them some stories.”
“We started with dividing into 4 groups: taking care the children, helping to carry stuffs, to give out the medicines, and to do Thai massage. We spent our time with those people and helped them; it was very nice to see Thai people helping each other. We did everything that we could do. We saw the value of life on this day and were very proud to be Thai” reported Chakrit Jedsadavisuit , President of the First Year Students at Asian U.
San Wannasri, the President of Asian U’s Student Union, summarized the experience of all students and staff when he said “Well, I have understood the real feeling of those flooded victims, I have realized that how much they suffered. I agree that my friends and I were really tired at the end of the day but, again, thinking of those people, they are having a much harder time than us. For me, I have learnt to be a giver.”
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the president of Asian university, Dr. Viphandh Roengpithya as well as staffs here for supporting us. Last but not least, a real big thanks to the Thai people that they are always there for each other, no matter how severe the situation is,” San Wannasri added. Asama Kittimanont agreed: “I have obviously seen the spirits of Thai people who are always stay beside each other.”
Thai Research Fund Scholarship
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Danai Torrungrueng has received a fund from the Thailand Research Fund (TRF) through the Royal Golden Jubilee (RGJ) Ph.D. Program (http://rgj.trf.or.th/). Dr. Danai’s research interests are in the areas of modern antenna design, fast computational electromagnetics, rough surface scattering, propagation modeling, electromagnetic wave theory, electromagnetic sensors, and microwave techniques. More details can be found at http://www.asianust.ac.th/people-at-asian-university/faculty/danai.html.
Qualified Thai students, who are interested in applying for this RGJ scholarship, can contact Dr. Danai directly via his email: dtg@asianust.ac.th.
Helping Hands for Flood Victims
Their day began early on Thursday, 13 October 2011: At 4.30am, the busses left Asian University and carried 20 students and several female staff from Asian U Registry, Admissions, Accounting, and Library to join with TV Channel 3 helping those who left their homes due to the current flooding in Thailand. They went to the Thammasat Campus in Rangsit where over 2,000 flood victims found temporary shelter.
The members of Asian U staff looked after the displaced families’ children for a day, while the students helped packaging donated goods and clothes for distribution to the needy ones.
Late at night, they all returned exhausted but happy, and they all agreed they would do it again as soon as possible. “There’s nothing better than doing good,” one student said on her way to shower and bed.
Asian U students at Channel 3 Studios, in good mood and ready for departure to the Thammasat Campus in Rangsit.
Tablets in Prathom 1: Is it the right time?
Freek Olaf de Groot, Programme Leader Master of Education programme in TESOL, Faculty of Liberal Arts, Asian University, discusses this question in his article in the Bankok Post.
88 Kids join 1st English Weekend Camp
On Saturday, October 08, 2011, 88 students grade M1 to M3 from the international programme at Satri Suriyothai School in Bangkok travelled to Asian University for an intensive English weekend, accompanied by four of their teachers. Eight English lecturers from Asian U and 20 teacher assistants offer a weekend programme full of fun where learning English happens just automatically. The team is headed by James Saville, the Head of Asian U’s successful Summer Camps that run every year in April and May. Ajarn Panit Nilubon, Vice President of Asian U, welcomed the guests and invited them to come back later for their degree studies if they think a weekend might be not enough.
The English Weekend Camp was initiated by Dr. Viphandh Roengphitya, President of Asian U, as an intensive short version of the Summer Camps that attract several hundred Thai students every year. The kids are looked after around the clock. When classes finish, the assistant teachers take over and conduct a framing programme full of sports, fun, and science games. After a barbeque on Saturday night, the students spend the night in the Asian U Dormitory on Campus.
English Weekend Camps will now become a permanent opportunity for schools to send their students into a weekend-long intensive English course. This first Camp was organized together with AFS Thailand, the international student exchange organization. Some AFS volunteers joined the Asian U students as teaching assistants over the weekend.
Summer University 2011 - "An Asian Experience"
Maria Carolina Duarte, a student from Lisbon University in Portugal, send us this video that she made for her fellow students. Take a look - it's worth it!
Many thanks, Maria!
Student Union 2011/2012 starts working
The Student Union Commitees are complete: Please see their members at Student Union!
Asian U starts partnership with De Montfort University, Leicester, UK
On Monday, 26.09.2011, Dr. Eric Chowanietz, International Coordinator at the Faculty of Technology, De Montfort University (DMU), visited Asian U for talks about cooperation projects with Ulrich Werner, Director of International Development at Asian U.
With Aj. Charurat Tantraporn, Dean Faculty of Liberal Arts, and Martin Locker, Head of Multimedia, he agreed mutual Summer Schools which open Asian U Multimedia students access to the BBC Academy in UK, and allow technical Multimedia students from DMU to attend courses of the B.A. Multimedia programme at Asian U. Furthermore, a Multimedia double-degree programme is planned (B.A. from Asian U and B.Sc. from DMU), for which the details will be worked out in the coming weeks.
Dr. Eric Chowanietz then introduced Dr. Salam Hoshang, Dean Faculty of Business, to the process of building close working relationships with the Faculty of Business and Law at De Montfort University.
In a meeting with the Faculty of Engineering & Technology, represented by Dr. Apichat Tungthangthum (Dean), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Danai Rorrungrueng (Associate Dean and Head Electrical & Electronic Engineering), and Dr. Boangoat Jarupan (Head Information Systems Engineering), the target of double-degree programmes in Mechanical and in Electrical & Electronic Engineering (B.Eng. from Asian U and B.Eng. from DMU) were agreed, for which the details will be worked out in the next few weeks.
All double-degree programmes will start with 2 years at Asian U and further with 2 years at DMU.
The Memorandum of Understanding between both universities was signed last Thursday by Dr. Viphandh Roengphithya, Founder and President of Asian University, in Bangkok.
From left: Dr. Apichat Tungthangthum, Martin Locker, Dr. Eric Chowanietz, Ulrich Werner, Dr. Boangoat Jarupan, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Danai Rorrungrueng
Dr. Eric Chowanietz, De Montfort University, and Dr. Viphandh Roengpithya, President of Asian University, during the Signing Ceremony of the agreement between both universities in Bangkok
The greatest day in a student's life: Graduation Day 2011
On 21 September 2011, it was their (and their parents’) great day: 35 graduates formally graduated in a dignified ceremony at Asian University. Dr. Viphandh Roengpithya, Founder and President of Asian University, welcomed the guests and handed over to Prof. Dr. Surin Setamanit, Chairman of the University Council, who conferred the degree certificates to the graduates presented by the Deans of the Faculties of Business, Engineering and Technology, and Liberal Arts. The students of the College@AsianU sang the ‘Gaudeamus Igitur’ (Latin, "So Let Us Rejoice") which is a popular academic commercium song in many European countries, mainly sung or performed at university graduation ceremonies. Despite its use as a formal graduation hymn, it is a jocular, light-hearted composition that pokes fun at university life. The song dates to the early 18th century, based on a Latin manuscript from 1287.
Please find more photos submitted by the Asian U Audio-Visual Department in our Gallery.
Student Union: The next generation takes over
On Friday, 16.09.2011, for Jarupa Chuengyingruangrung and her team a busy year ended: the outgoing President of Asian University’s Student Union handed over tasks, responsibilities and assets to the next generation in a ceremony led by James Saville, acting Student Affairs Manager at Asian U. Traditionally, students give up their duties in the Student Union when entering their last year of study to focus on their degree. The new Student Union, headed by its President San Wannasri and his Vice-President Patcharaphon Suphason, will continue the many activities, especially in Community Service, Social Activity and Sport areas. From teaching English at local schools, supporting renovation works at kindergartens and rural schools, to baseball and soccer matches against U.S. Navy soldiers – there are plenty of things to organize. This way, campus life at Asian U is how it should be: alive, interesting, diversified, and colourful!
From right to left: Jarupa Chuengyingruangrung (previous President), San Wannasri (President), Patcharaphon Suphason (Vize-President), Thipsukon Kraidechthanasin (Social Activities), Pattaraporn Sae-Kuai (Treasurer), Kultida Leerpraphantkul (Clubs), Valentino Pannan (Sports), and Kasakorn Na Pathalong (Community Service). In the back: Acting Student Affairs Manager James Saville.
Asian U starts partnership with Aachen UAS, Germany
On the occasion of the official visit of Prof. Dr. Hans Mackenstein at Asian University on 12 September 2011, the President of Asian University, Dr. Viphandh Roengpithya, signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Aachen University of Applied Sciences in Germany. The MoA is the umbrella agreement under which detailled agreements will follow on German students joining Asian U's International Thailand Semester, Asian U students studying a 2+2 double degree programme (2 years at Asian U and 2 years at Aachen UAS), and lecturer exchange that gives Asian U access to highly qualified professors at Aachen UAS.
Prof. Dr. Hans Mackenstein is Professor of International Business and Director of the International Faculty Office at the Faculty of Business Studies, Aachen University of Applied Sciences. Prof. Dr. Mackenstein met several faculty members, discussed interdisciplinary education approaches and quality assurance models in higher education with Martin Locker, Programme Leader Multimedia, and enjoyed a tasty meal in the university canteen with Ulrich Werner, Director International Business, who also introduced him to the region and its tourist attractions. The day before, the President of Asian U showed him around the campus and the Sports Center while taking a break from the very productive and creative talks about cooperation opportunities that serve best both institutions' students.
Signing the agreement (from right to left): Professor Dr. Hans Mackenstein, Aachen University of Applied Sciences; Dr. Viphandh Roengpithya, President of Asian University; and Panit Nilubol, Vice-President Administration at Asian University
Asian U starts partnership with Environment Campus Birkenfeld, Germany
With the signatures under the Memorandum of Agreement, Asian University and Environment Campus Birkenfeld, Trier University of Applied Sciences, Germany, started their partnership on 7 September 2011. Prof. Dr. Dirk Löhr, Professor of Taxation and Environmental Economics, and Dr. Viphandh Roengpithya, President and Founder of Asian University, agreed that both universities are a perfect match. Aktive cooperation is planned in the fields of undergraduate student exchange, project work and thesis writing of German students at Asian University, lecturer exchange, semester-long sabbaticals of German lecturers at Asian U, and in the education and supervision of Ph.D. candidates in Asian U's Ph.D. in Technology research programme.
The cooperation involves all faculties at Asian U: Business, Engineering & Technology, and Liberal Arts.
From left to right: Dr. Viphandh Roengpithya, President and Founder of Asian University, and Prof. Dr. Dirk Löhr, Environment Campus Birkenfeld, Trier University of Applied Sciences, Germany, handing over the signed Memorandum of Agreement.
Asian U appoints JACC in Osaka as its representative in Japan
On Wednesday, 7 September 2011, Mr. Hiroki Ohta, President and CEO of Japan Asia Cultural Center Co., Ltd. (JACC), and his colleague Ms. Kaho Mizokami visited Asian U to get first-hand impressions of programmes, teaching techniques, facilities and dormitory.
Besides the degree programmes, especially both regular and custom-tailored courses of Asian U's successful English Language Department are interesting for the Japanese corporate and private market.
Accompanied by Ulrich Werner, Director International Development, they met with Dr. Salam A. Hoshang, Dean of the Faculty of Business, and Martin Locker, Head of the Multimedia Department, before they signed the contract with Dr. Viphandh Roengpithya, President of Asian University. JACC has its headquarters in Osaka, Japan, and has 17 years of experience in advising corporate and private Japanese customers in all aspects of education planning.
From right to left: Ms. Kaho Mizokami (JACC), Dr. Viphandh Roengpithya (President and Founder, Asian University), Mr. Hiroki Ohta (President and CEO, Japan Asia Culture Center Co., Ltd.), and Ulrich Werner (Director International Development, Asian University).
Commencement Day 2011
This year's official Graduation Day at Asian University is on 21 September 2011 and begins at 09.30 hrs.
Clavis Portae
Clavis Portae (Latin language, literally meaning 'Key to the Gate') is a Freshmen's welcome ceremony that starts with activities from this Wednesday, 7 September 2011, and will end with a traditional "Bai Sri"
(pronounced simply By Sea) ceremony on Sunday, 11 September 2011, from 19.00 hrs at the Sports Centre quadrangle on Campus.
Again by tradition, all available staff and students, including those of The College, are encouraged to attend to give a warm welcome to the freshmen, actually using lots of candles too.
Asian U represents Thai Education in Nepal
On invitation from the Department of Export Promotion (DEP), Ministry of Commerce, Asian University joined the Thailand Education Mission 2011 in Nepal from 25 to 29 August 2011 as one of the best universities in Thailand. Asian U’s Director of International Development, Ulrich Werner, introduced Asian University and its unique educational concept, which results in internationally competitive graduates, to the Honorable Upendra Yadav, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs in Nepal, and His Excellency Maris Sangiampongsa, Royal Thai Ambassador to Nepal.
H.E. Maris served as Charge d’Affairs in the Thai Embassy in Germany where he became a strong supporter of the German Dual Education System and the Universities of Applied Sciences that he both promotes as an ideal solution for Thailand.
Since Asian U currently develops a Dual Undergraduate Education Programme, there was plenty to talk about. While visiting the Asian U booth, H.E. Maris introduced the Nepalese Deputy Prime Minister to this model in which companies employ school leavers and send them into a 4 year education programme jointly developed for each individual student with the faculty of Asian U. Participants will spend 30 weeks a year on campus and the rest in coordinated traineeship in the corporation. This is the most promising way to provide companies with graduates perfectly educated and trained for the requirements of their employers.
While in Nepal educational diversity is limited – you get on every campus exactly the same as on any other campus – it was very interesting for Nepalese students to learn about the huge variety of educational opportunities offered in Thailand. The Nepalese school system ends with grade 10. Subsequently, students attend a 2-year furthering programme to gain university access. Studying grades 11 and 12 at the College@AsianU therefore is an interesting alternative for many parents who want to send their kids into a safe environment for an international education.
In cooperation with AFS (Thailand), the global student exchange organization, Asian University started the 'Who am I' weekend seminar on 20 August 2011.
83 students (grade 8 to 12) from all over Thailand met at Asian University for this weekend to find out what they want. AFS alumni and students from the College @ Asian University take care of the groups that are build according to interest and aptitude, and the Faculties of Business, Engineering & Technology and Liberal Arts organized an interesting 'taster' programme - a refinement process through study paths - to help the participants finding out what interests them most. These insights will help them in choosing the right direction and school or university for their next step in formal education. In the late afternoon and evening, some sports and other activities will support making friends among the participants. Students stay for one night on campus to gain a dormitory experience. After a second session in the morning, the 'Who am I' camp closes with the lunch on Sunday.
Keith Cheeseborough retires from Asian U
On Friday, 19 August 2011, the Faculty of Liberal Arts gave a farewell-party for Keith Cheeseborough who joint Asian U over the past 10 years as a gifted English teacher, the mastermind behind our successful Summer University ‘An Asian Experience’, and as our Director of Student Affairs.
Before joining Asian University, Keith had a long and successful business career in the UK where he held various directorships in companies specialising in frozen good logistics, warehousing, sales and distribution. He has had significant experience in sales and industrial training and was regional chairman of the DITB training board for a number of years.
Already over 50 years of age, he went back to the university to become an English teacher for his next career that brought him to Asian University. In 2000, Keith completed his Cert TEFL at the University of Wales, Swansea, UK.
Robert Berkelman, who held the farewell speech, made the point about Keith: “Assign him a job, and the job gets done.”
We will miss his advice, his organizational talent, his ability to separate important from less important things, his friendship, and his Welsh accent that added a lot to the English used at Asian University.
Although Keith retires from Asian University at the age of 65 now (“time to make room for younger people”, he says), he won’t become a retiree – he’s just preparing for the next career. Those who know him can’t imagine anyway that he will sit at home and watch the sky all day long. All the best from us, Keith!
On 15 August 2011, Wakayama University, Japan, and EDF Education for Development Foundation, Thailand, met with Dr. Salam A. Hoshang, Dean of the Faculty of Business, and Ulrich Werner, Director International Development, at Asian University. Major topic was a future close cooperation in student exchange and support for the development of an international programme at Wakayama University. The discussion was interesting and productive and laid the foundation for a close cooperation between both universities in the future. With EDF, further talks about internships for Austrian, German and Swiss teacher students are planned following requests from European pedagogical universities to Asian University.
L.t.R.: Dr. Salam A. Hoshang (Dean, Faculty of Business), Khanitta Matsuo (Advisor to Wakayama University), Kumiko Obino (Vize President, Wakayama University), Ulrich Werner (Director International Development, Asian University), Charuwat Boossamalee (EDF Project Development Director), Ichiro Fujiyama (Assoc. Prof., Center for International Education and Research, Wakayama University), and Anamika Tangsakulnurak (EDF Project Development Officer)
Asian U on the Thailand National Science and Technology Fair 2011
On 10 August 2011, Asian University joined the Thailand National Science and Technology Fair 2011, organized by the National Science Museum and the Ministry of Science and Technology. Students of all levels and from all over the country come to BITEC in Bangkok Bang-Na to learn about new offers, new teaching and learning techniques, games, technology - just all what science in Thailand has to offer. All of that is presented in a way that is accessible to pupils. We think, this is the right way to get kids interested in sciences and technology. However, as the images below show, a major attraction is the opportunity to get photographed with an Asian University lecturer. The National Science and Technology Fair 2011 goes on until 21 August 2011.
English Immersion Programme students invite for lunch at the beach
On 4 August 2011, EIP students invited their friends to a lunch at the beach. Tasty central and northeastern Thai food was served at Nang Ram Beach near Rayong, about 25 km from Asian U. Students, lecturers and staff related to the English Immersion Programme joint the event. A guitar, some good singers of Thai pop music, football equipment, and beverages made it a great afternoon for all the nationalities involved.
With this new academic year, we archived our previous news to keep the loading time on an acceptable level. For all news before 1 August 2011, please take a look into our Archive March to July 2011.
