The Gazette of Chulalongkorn University # Vol 2 Issue1

Vol. 2 Issue 1 July - September 2010

The Gazette of Chulalongkorn University

P. 3 // Pillar

of the Kingdom

P. 4 // CU Delegation

Visits Russia

and Germany

P. 7// First Thai Female Scientist Reaches

South Pole

The Gazette of Chulalongkorn University Volume 2 Issue 1 July - September 2010

Vol. 2 Issue 1 July - September 2010

Chulalongkorn University Auditorium

//Advisory Board// President Prof. Pirom Kamolratanakul, M.D. Vice President Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sittichai Tudsri, D.D.S., M.D. Assist. Prof. Dr. M.R. Kalaya Tingsabadh Assistant to the President Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anongnat Thakoengwit Assist. Prof. Dr. Rattachat Mongkolnavin

//Editorial Board// EDITOR - IN - CHIEF Assist. Prof. Dr. Worawan Ongkrutraksa News Editors Jutapan Siripan Jim Edward Algie News Writers Achareeya Robkit Ployphun Lawjindakul The Gazette of Chulalongkorn University

is produced by Chula International

Communication Center (CICC). Please

send comments and ideas to improve

the publication to: Chula International Communication Center (CICC) Chulalongkorn University 254 Phayathai Rd., Pathumwan, Bangkok, Thailand 10330 Tel: (66) 2218 3280 Fax: (66) 2218 3281 Email: cicc@chula.ac.th Website: www.chula.ac.th www.cicc.chula.ac.th For international relations enquiries, please contact: Office of International Affairs Tel: (66) 2218 3331 - 5 Fax: (66) 2216 1299 Email: int.off@chula.ac.th Website: www.inter.chula.ac.th The Gazette of Chulalongkorn University

can be read online at www.chula.ac.th/cuen/cic/gazette/ Copyright 2010 Chula International Communication Center (CICC) Cover: Chulalongkorn University is

located in the heart of Bangkok in a

setting of green lawns and shady rain

trees.

Printed on recycled paper

Welcome to CU

Chulalongkorn University is one of Thailand’s oldest and most prestigious universities. It was

officially established on 26 March, 1917 by King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) and it was named after his father

King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) who had initiated a policy to promote education. The university campus

covers 456 acres of land, and it’s located in the heart of downtown Bangkok, the capital city of

Thailand.

At the moment, around 40,000 students are enrolled in the university. Approximately 26,000 are in

bachelor’s programmes while around half that are studying at the master’s and doctoral levels. The staff

is made up of more than 2,600 faculty members and 5,000 other employees.

Affectionately known as “Chula” in Thailand, the university has been acclaimed as one of the

leading universities in Asia and the world. It is a comprehensive university encompassing 19 faculties

and 3 colleges, offering more than 540 programmes of study, including 84 international programmes.

Greetings from the Editor After a long wait it’s a great pleasure to bring you The Gazette of

Chulalongkorn University Volume 2 Issue 1.

For this brand new issue, we hope that it will serve as a bridge

linking people from all over the world to Chulalongkorn University. We have

chosen the best and most relevant news for you to peruse in order to give

old companions and new friends the big picture on the university.

As the Kingdom’s first university and an ambassador of higher

education in Thailand and abroad, the newsletter is dedicated to informing

both academics and the general public of the latest updates from the

university in a wide variety of fields, such as science, technology, society

and culture. The goal is to encourage interaction and facilitate the exchange

of information between the university and the public at large.

We sincerely hope that The Gazette of Chulalongkorn University will

continue to fulfill these functions for a long time to come.

Assist. Prof. Dr. Worawan Ongkrutraksa Editor - in - Chief

The Gazette of Chulalongkorn University

03

// SPECIAL FEATURES

Standing Strong

for Society Professor Pirom and

the Pillar of the Kingdom

Professor Pirom Kamolratanakul, M.D. Educational Background

• Bachelor of Science and

Bachelor of Medicine from

Chulalongkorn University

• Master of Science in Clinical

Epidemiology from McMaster

University, Canada and the

University of Pennsylvania, USA

Working Experience 2007 - Present

President of Chulalongkorn

University

1999 - 2007 Dean of the Faculty of Medicine,

Chulalongkorn University and the

Director of the King Chulalongkorn

Memorial Hospital

1997 - 1999 Associate Dean for Research

Affairs, the Faculty of Medicine,

Chulalongkorn University

Since its establishment in 1917, Chulalongkorn University has rigorously adhered to the philosophy of its royal founder, King Rama VI, “to serve as the Pillar of the Kingdom”.

Under the leadership of Professor Pirom Kamolratanakul, M.D., the university’s mandate is to achieve even greater academic success and be of even more benefit to the community in line with the 100th anniversary celebrations in 2017. “We need to achieve four goals by the time we celebrate Chula’s 100th anniversary: to become a world - class university, to serve as the Kingdom’s source of knowledge, to establish a quick, close - knit and efficient management system, and lastly, to be a welcoming home for the ethical and highly competent,” said Professor Pirom.

“Though we want to gain international recognition as a world - class university as Thailand’s first such institution of higher learning, we have to put Thais first,” he added.

He pointed out that, “Chula has done extensive research to provide solutions for Thai society. They are categorized into several clusters or groups, such as Food and Water, Energy, Human Security, and Aging Society.

We have invested tremendous amounts of money to support research projects that provide direct benefits to help society. We must always bear in mind that these research projects have to be practical and beneficial to the country”.

Professor Pirom was appointed the 16th president of

Chulalongkorn University in 2008. Previously, he served

as the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and the Director

of the King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital.

Vol. 2 Issue 1 July - September 2010

04

// SPECIAL FEATURES

Professor Pirom Kamolratanakul, M.D., the President of Chulalongkorn University, along with a high - level delegation, visited the Russian BELOW Federation and the Federal Republic of Germany Kremlin Palace in Moscow, Russia from 7 - 11 June to strengthen those relationships and seek further collaborations between the university and academic institutions in those countries.

These visits were important milestones that will

lead to greater transfers of knowledge, in a variety

of disciplines, thereby raising Chula’s international

profile and prestige.

In the Russian Federation, Chulalongkorn University signed three agreements to cooperate with leading universities: the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (University) of MFA of Russia; the Moscow State University; and the Saint - Petersburg State University. At the latter institute, the president met a group of Thais studying there. The visit attracted the attention of the local press. The president also had the chance to discuss future exchange programmes between the two institutions.

As Chulalongkorn University will establish the Russian Information Center at the Center of Academic Resources, the president met Mr. Nikolay Konstantinovich Sergeychev, the head of the Russian Center’s Logistic and Maintenance Department of Russkiy Mir Foundation to discuss and finalize the agreement to receive support from the foundation.

The CU delegation also paid a visit to the Royal Thai Embassy at Moscow, meeting Mr. Sompong Sanguanbun, the Chargé d’ affaires and the First Secretary Ms. Najjsiri Nimyizhune to discuss these collaborative efforts. For the occasion, Mr. Sanguanbun hosted a dinner reception for the group.

In the Federal Republic of Germany, Chulalongkorn University signed the “Academic and Student Exchange Agreement between Chulalongkorn University and the Ludwig Maximilians Universität München (LMU)”, which is a joint cooperation on academic research, an exchange programme for students and lecturers, as well as scholarships.

These visits were important milestones that

will lead to greater transfers of knowledge, in

a variety of disciplines, thereby raising Chula’s

international profile and prestige. The delegation

also hopes that these fruitful endeavors will

strengthen the bonds between Thailand, Germany and Russia.

ABOVE

The President of CU (3rd from left) and a high - level delegation from CU

CU Delegation Visits Russia and Germany

The Gazette of Chulalongkorn University

05

// CU HIGHLIGHTS

Eight Students

Make Their Mark Eight students with the highest scores in this year’s university admission examination chose to enroll at Chulalongkorn

University. Among the top three are Ms. Paramee Keeratiwitthayanan,

who earned 88.83% (Faculty of Law), Ms. Karantarath Krongsitiwat, who earned 86.73% (Faculty of Economics) and Ms. Pimnipa Kungsanund, who earned 85.88% (Faculty of Communication Arts).

In addition, the faculty with the highest number of applicants this year was the Faculty of Education. All told, 3,530 applicants competed for only 360 spots.

Sea level rising crisis at Ban Khun Samut Chin, Samut Prakan Province in Thailand

Rivers Rising The coastlines of Thailand, especially along the Gulf

of Thailand, are under threat from rising sea levels,

leading to floods, erosion and the loss of valuable habitat

and crucial elements of the marine ecosystem. The

country has already lost about 28.8 square kilometers

(more than 7,000 acres) of coastline. Because Bangkok

has many low-lying areas, the capital has been particularly

affected. To address these worrying issues, the Geology

Department in the Faculty of Sciences recently hosted the

forum called “Thailand on Watch: Sea level rising crisis”,

featuring scholars and representatives from affected

communities.

During the seminar, Associate Professor Dr. Thanawat Jarupongsakul stressed that, “The abnormal rise of sea levels has had a disastrous impact on the rapid loss of land, and academics predict that in 10 to 20 years, it will cause pandemonium among the general public. This is a serious issue for all units and departments to consider and should not be overlooked by anyone. Tackling the problem in its early stage will allow all of us to prepare and take adequate measures to ensure that there are no catastrophes”.

Vol. 2 Issue 1 July - September 2010

06

// CU HIGHLIGHTS The first book in Thailand which carries a carbon footprint label

Carbon footprint label

CU Printing House

New Leaf

for Printing House

Chulalongkorn University Printing House’s response to global warming is a breath of fresh air. It is launching the country’s first books that come with a carbon footprint label.

This initiative is part of a campaign on cutting greenhouse gas emissions in the printing industry. For responsible consumers, the labels explain how much carbon dioxide is emitted during the book printing process.

To launch the publishing line is the title, The Beginning of Siam Architecture Arts, penned by ML Prateep Malakul, noted Associated Professor Dr. Aran Hansuebsai, chief of the Printing Industry Research Centre in the Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University.

As he pointed out, a study by the centre and the Japanese printing company Shimizu Printing found that production of just a single book requires about 1.3 kg of CO2 emissions.

In terms of carbon footprint labeling, the

Japanese are at the forefront of this innovation. He also explained that the totals for carbon emissions must be sent to the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization for labeling.

By the end of this year, all the books they print are expected to come with labels indicating the amount of greenhouse gas emissions or carbon footprints. For Thai universities it’s a pioneering step in the right direction. Students don’t need to worry as the innovation will not affect the cost of publishing or the price of books. Most of all, the CU Printing House expects the development will attract more clients as well as inspire readers to think green. What’s more, the CU research team is working on finding even more effective and environmentally friendly models for the printing business in Thailand.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aran Hansuebsai (right) and Ms. Sarinthip Nimitmongkol, Manager of CU Printing House (left)

The Gazette of Chulalongkorn University

07

HIGHLIGHTS // AWARDS // CAMPUS & COMMUNITIES // EVENTS

Examining

Med

Students High school students are invited to join

“The 20th Want to Be a Doctor Camp” hosted

by CU medical students from 14 - 18 October.

For the past two decades the Faculty of

Medicine, with the gracious assistance of both

professors and med students, has given high

school students with medical aspirations the

opportunity to examine the profession.

Every summer and winter break, would be med students participate in a host of activities that will test their guts, endurance and problem - solving skills to the maximum.

Adhering to the belief that a white gown, stethoscope, and the title “M.D.” do not make a true doctor, the trainers and activities show them that a great mind, a big heart and huge amounts of dedication are of the utmost importance in the science of healing. The hopefuls follow the med students on their rounds, experience life under pressure and even observe a shocking forensic examination from up close.

// AWARDS & HONORS

Giving Back to Communities Team Chulalongkorn University won the 2010 SIFE Thailand National Exposition, the 6 th Annual Community Outreach Project Competition under the Students in Free Enterprise Project (SIFE). This international organization funds student projects on community development through implementing effective business models and ethical entrepreneurship.

// CAMPUS & COMMUNITIES

Miss Supakanya Tansriratanawong: The President of “The 20th Want to Be a Doctor Camp”

// NEWS & EVENTS

Get Set and Go to the Games Chulalongkorn University will host the country’s premier

sporting event for students, the 38th Thailand University

Games, or “Chamchuri Games”. Slated for 15 - 22 January

2011, the games will star thousands of young hopefuls from

124 academic institutions vying for medals in 25 different

sporting categories. For more information, please visit

www.chamchurigames38.chula.ac.th The university together with the Sport Science Society of Thailand will also host an academic conference called “University for Health Promotion” from 14 - 15 January 2011 at Chulalongkorn University Auditorium and at Maha Chulalongkorn Building. Interested individuals wishing to participate in the event should contact the Office of Academic Affairs at (66) 2218 0209 - 10.

First Thai Female Scientist Reaches

South Pole

Associate Professor Dr. Suchana Chaowanich, from

the Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science,

Chulalongkorn University, became the first female from

Thailand to have been selected by the National Institute of

Polar Research, Japan to be part of the JARE - 51: 51st

Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition. Suchana, and the

team of researchers, traveled to Syowa Station on the coast

of the Antarctic to investigate climate change. The expedition

was a great collaborative effort between Thai and Japanese

scientists with vital support from other scientific bodies.

Logo of the 38th Thailand University Games, “Chamchuri Games”

Squirrel is the mascot for the games.

// CU HIGHLIGHTS

08

Vol. 2 Issue 1 July - September 2010

// CALENDAR OF EVENTS

1

Muslims in Thailand: Contributions of Muslims in Thai Society DATE: 29 September - 2 October 2010 HOST: Muslim Studies Center, Institute of Asian Studies TEL: (66) 2218 7463 - 4 EMAIL: charunee.l@chula.ac.th

The 2nd Asian Conference on Innovative Energy and Environmental Chemicals DATE: 12 - 14 October 2010 HOST: Department of Chemical Technology, Faculty of Science TEL: (66) 2218 7528, (66) 2218 8752 - 25 EMAIL: secretary@ascon2010.org

Southeast Asian Studies: the Current Situation, Emerging Issues and Prospects DATE: 4 - 5 November 2010 HOST: Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, Institute of Asian Studies TEL: (66) 2218 7463 - 4 EMAIL: charunee.l@chula.ac.th

2

3

4

The 2010 Chulalongkorn Accounting and Finance Symposium (CAFS) DATE: 4 - 5 November 2010 HOST: Department of Accounting and Department of Banking and Finance, Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy EMAIL: sompong@acc.chula.ac.th

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