MF-You(th) MAGAZINE
20 Years of Memories Issue 11-2019
FROM THE EDITOR MF-You(th) is a magazine created entirely by MFU students, for MFU students.
My Experience as a President 3 ──── AIMS Programme 4 ──── Exchange, Explore &
Our biannual issues feature various categories of content: short stories, experience sharing, poems, culture, etc. Within these categories, we publish articles about modern events that are interesting and exciting, because we focus on the issue that youths today care about. Our generation serves as a catalyst of change, and MF-You(th) strives to support young artists and designers who spark the flame. Our contributors are college writers because who better to inspire the new generation than those who are part of it? Each MF-You(th) issue will have a unique theme to give our edition coherency – it is something to tie our articles, reviews, and photos together. This issue is very special to us because it is created as a part of Mae Fah Luang University’s 20th year anniversary. Therefore, with our special theme of “20 years of memories”, our readers will enjoy and appreciate memorable impression and experiences of MFU students. In our issues to come, the MF-You(th) staff will continue to work hard to curate and create interesting content for its readers. We hope our readers enjoy this magazine as much as we enjoyed making it.
Sincere regards, MF-You(th) Team, International Affairs Division, Mae Fah Luang University
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Experience 7 ──── Exchange Life 9 ──── Experience of Studying at Mae Fah Luang University 12 ──── My Unforgettable Memory from MFU Young Ambassador 14
WRITERS Arini Sukmaning Ayu Sugianto Kim Mun Kit Kuenzang Dema Prachayut Ritthitham Puteri Nur Sabrina binti Ruslan Tshering Dorji
“My Experience as a President” know what your team members expect from
you. I have been a part of many international activities that MFU held. It gave me
Firstly, I would like to thank the University for
the opportunity to accept that sometimes things don’t always go as planned and we have
giving me this opportunity to serve as
to be patient and calm enough. I have met
the president for two years. It was my great
many new and interesting people during
pleasure. The experience that I have got by
the course and each of them has helped me to
taking this responsibility has been a great
become a better person each day. Collage life,
takeaway from my four years of college life.
everyone lives in their own world and you
At first, I had no idea what to do as a president
rarely get to know other people. But,
of international student club. But, there have
this platform has given me the opportunity to
been few people who saw my abilities and
meet not only new person but also people
encouraged me to join as a candidate. Winning
from many different nations who have
the election not only surprised me as
gathered in this university.
I never believed I could make it, but also made
Life is uncertain and we never know what is
me realise that people have seen my ability. So, I had to come up to their expectations and proved that the choice they have made is not a
going to happen next. But one thing is for sure: there are certain things lie in store for us. We don’t know it will be good or a bad thing;
mistake.
it depends on how you see it. If you open every
Now, I have completed my term, so I am here
box of gift that life offers in a positive way,
to share few words and the knowledge I have
who knows, the things you get from that box
gained. I personally feel that there is nothing
might be the things you always wanted.
you can’t do; you just have to believe you can
Thank you to everyone who has always
do it. I have learned that as a leader you have to
believed in me. Article by: Tshering Dorji
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AIMS PROGRAMME MAE FAH LUANG UNIVERSITY, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND
It is well known for its high-quality
teaching, research, and service to the people in
Thailand and provides high-quality education services. The campus is located in a spectacular
setting of mountains and trees, an environment conducive to teaching and learning in a clean,
inviting setting. The unique about MFU is the concept of the university in the park. This is
to follow the inspiration of the Princess Mother
- cultivate forest, cultivate people. Every square inch of the university is dedicated to becoming a botanical garden so that the students will learn from nature.
The AIMS programme is a regional
collaborative From left to right; (1st row: Jay, Edwin) 2nd row: Mei Yi, Sabrina, Kim, Claudia & Fatin)
Four students from Environmental
Science Programme (HS11) and three students
from Conservation Biology Programme (HS03) from Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia were given a huge opportunity to participate as exchange
students
under
the
ASEAN
International Mobility for Students (AIMS)
Programme in Mae Fah Luang University (MFU) at Chiang Rai, Thailand. Mae Fah Luang
programme
providing
a
multilateral platform to promote and enhance student mobility. The programme intends to develop qualified globalized human resources as
well as promotes the regional collaboration and
integration, particularly to becoming ASEAN community. The AIMS programme held in the first semester of the academic year from 27th August until 29th December 2018. Our major in Mae Fah Luang University is Biosciences Programme under School of Science.
University is established on 25 September 1998 which recently just celebrated the 20th
anniversary. Mae Fah Luang University, situated in the province of Chiang Rai Province in
northern Thailand. This university was built in commemoration of late Princess Mother,
Somdet Phra Strinagrindra after her passing away in 1995.
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One of the landmarks in MFU.
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From this AIMS programme, we get to
of the 20th Anniversary of MFU. Representative
This programme also helps us to step out from
Bhutan, Vietnam, and Japan have to cook their
of personal growth in terms of work-ethic skills,
and the students of MFU can taste it for free. The
of personality traits and communication skills.
Lemak with Sambal Ikan Bilis, Cucur Pisang and
experience to study abroad and to see the world.
students from Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines,
our comfort zone and increase the development
own signature dishes from their own country
social skills, communication skills, the character
signature dishes that we had cooked are Nasi
Furthermore, we get to meet new friends from
Hinava.
different backgrounds and create lasting friendships
with
the other international
students and also students in MFU.
Wearing traditional costumes for welcoming dinner performance.
Another unforgettable moment, we had
participated in the 3rd International Conference With international students from China, Indonesia, Japan, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam
for
Agriculture
welcoming
and
dinner,
Agro-Industry.
we
had
For
performed
a performance which is called Tarian Magunatip,
memorable
one of the traditional dance from Sabah. The
programme in Mae Fah Luang University. We
with our own traditional costumes of different
for us as international students by the
Mini-Symposium on Biodiversity, Food Science
activities is the Chiang Rai City Tour where we
that involved in this symposium which are
to know Chiang Rai with other international
Vietnam and Japan.
There
are
so
many
exchange
unique part of our performance is that we dance
had participated in activities that were offered
ethnics. We also had been involved with AIMS
International Affair Division in MFU. One of the
and Technology Fields. There are six countries
got a chance to visit the attraction places and get
Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand,
experiences
during
the
AIMS
students. We also had been participated in
International Food Festival for the Celebration
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5 This university is so much more than a campus, it is a community that we truly feel a part of. Everywhere we go here, we feel loved and accepted, and we are constantly in awe of how genuine the people we surrounded by are. We are truly honored to be chosen as an exchange student at Mae Fah Luang University. We would like to thank you to Mae Fah Luang University for being a part of making one of our dreams come true.
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With our advisor, Dr. Fiffy Hanisdah Saikim and AIMS Alumni in Universiti Malaysia Sabah from Mae Fah Luang University
Article by: Puteri Nur Sabrina binti Ruslan
EXCHANGE, EXPLORE & EXPERIENCE
access to google classroom to get latest
information and study notes without much
obstacles in studies and also the medium of
teaching is English so it makes me feel ease when I studied here.
“Have you ever thought about studying abroad?“ ---Yes, I do. Studying abroad is actually one of my life bucket list to achieve. Thanks to AIMS programme, I have a chance to become an exchange student
in Mae Fah Luang University (MFU), Chiang
Rai, Thailand. But why? Why Thailand? Why MFU? Many of you may have some of these
doubts in your mind about my exchange university.
MFU is definitely one of the most beautiful
universities that I have known so far and it is called ‘University in the Park’ as you can see flowers and trees are all around you in
university areas. Every square inch of it is so dedicated to being a botanical garden in which
it follows the inspiration of Princess Mother Cultivates forest, cultivates people. MFU has a
new environment, different courses offered and a better education system in which I feel extremely
convenient
and
comfortable
studying at this university. In terms of academic, lecturers and students can easily
Back to my topic, ‘Exchange’. What I meant about the exchange is 'cultural exchange'. This is basically one of my expectations to join an exchange programme as I want to make new
friends and enhance my life experience in which I met a lot of international students who came
from different countries to study at MFU.
Due to my outgoing personality, I have met and interacted with people from almost all of ASEAN countries, Japan, Hungary, USA, Czech Republic, South Africa and many more.
Through dialogue and communication, we are
able to know each other’s background, languages, cultures in a different part of the world which it does widen my perspective of the world.
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To be frank, there are also a lot of culture shock
thus I have to develop my communication skill
from Malaysians and it may enlighten me
in a team.
moments in which Thais’ lifestyle is so different
another way of living after this exchange
and understanding in order to work with them
programme. Thailand is undeniably the land of
Fortunately, we managed to understand each
than you think they are. They are always living
of the time but we kept trying new ways to
smiles because Thais really do smile a lot, more in chill and happy emotions while facing all the
challenges which gave me a lot of motivation
and positive influences. I also noticed that there is not much gap between lecturers and students as they can interact with each other like friends
in a respectful way. Besides that, most of the
other although having a language barrier most convey our message. They treated me like a
brother which they brought me to explore places around Chiang Rai and crave for some local northern Thai food such as ‘Khao Soi Noi’
and many more. Other than that, the
International Affairs Division of MFU did
Thais are very shy to talk to foreigners but they
organise a lot of bonding activities for us such as
the one who approached Thais to communicate
explored some traditions and attractions in
are very nice and helpful. Therefore, I used to be with them.
festival celebration and one-day trip in which I Chiang Rai which are Singha Park, White
Temple, Choui Fong Tea Plantation and their festivals like ‘Loy Krathong’ and ‘Yi Peng’.
From the perspective of ‘Experience’, I have a lot of first-time experiences throughout this
AIMS programme. During AIMS welcoming dinner, it was my first time to dance a Malaysia traditional dance with all my Malaysian friends.
On the AIMS mini-symposium event, I was one In terms of ‘Explore’, this is actually my first time going overseas so basically I’m exploring
new places and skills during the whole semester.
Since my classmates are mostly Thais,
of the formal emcees with another Thai student
and it was an amazing experience since I have never tried to be an emcee before. In addition,
I have experienced traveling to Phu Chi Fa by myself in which I made new friends from
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Bangkok and Germany along the trip. Although
it was a little bit adventurous at first, then it turned out to be fantastic and wonderful
memory as I have a chance to witness the stunning sunset and sunrise. After I finished my
final exam, I traveled to Bangkok with my friends where we went to a lot of attractions such as Ayutthaya floating market, Grand Palace and Wat Arun. We also joined the
amazing countdown activity at ICONSIAM
mall which we were astonished by the spectacular fireworks.
In a nutshell, I appreciated indeed for this
priceless exchange experience as I have created countless memories with all the people I met in Thailand in which I promised myself to bring all the positive spirit and influence to my home country. Thank you and see you soon MFU.
Article by: Kim Mun Kit
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EXCHANGE LIFE Exchange program is something that
always grabs my attention in my early
university life. The year 2018 finally gives me
the opportunity to be one of the participants in AIMS Program to Mae Fah Luang
University, Chiang Rai, Thailand. When
I first heard I made it, I was super excited yet
scared at the same time. I was a last-year student in the middle of time-demanding research. Joining an exchange program
means I have to postpone my graduation at
least for six more months. But now I don’t
regret my decision to join an exchange program even for one second. Exchange program has taught me so many things.
People said one of the hardest
obstacle of living abroad is the language. I don’t disagree but I was lucky enough to
learn it firsthand from native speaker, which eventually
become
something
really
enjoyable and fun. Second obstacle is the food. People said it’s hard to find food
suitable to your taste in foreign country, but for me Thai food is like a second home. Spicy,
sour, and savory are three core flavors that
I always encounter while I’m living in Thailand.
Out of gazillion dishes, my favorite
dish is definitely Khao Soi Kai or chicken curry with coconut soup. It’s so good that I’m 100% sure I will go back to Northern Thailand because I miss eating Khao Soi Kai. Another thing that might be an obstacle for
living abroad is every physical thing you
know and everyone you know is far away!
Back home you know where is everything
like it’s written in the back of your hand, but
finding places while being new in foreign land is not easy. One day out of nowhere my allergies kicks in and the only medicine
I know is in my home country and I’m forgetful enough to not bringing them with
me, thankfully my Thai friend’s kind enough to accompany me to pharmacy, helping me
all the way and for that I will forever be thankful. Without them I might have to
going around and living life with face as red as cooked prawns.
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Last but not least, making new
friends. I can’t deny that one of my reasons to
join exchange program is to meet new people and befriends with them. Fact is it’s
not easy! Different point of view, different
way of thinking, and different cultural
custom might be a barrier in terms of making
new friends. That’s why I’m super thankful
to my Thai friends, without you guys I will never know how to enjoy life in Chiang Rai properly, thank you for always helping me,
th
“My exchange life begins on August
20 2018 and ends on 29th December 2018. For
for always caring and for keeping up with
four months I’ve experienced a roller-coaster
for other friends from other country that
and bad. Exchange life has changed me in
I’m so thankful that thanks to AIMS program
a better version of myself. It opened my eyes
Japan, Philippines, and Vietnam. Dear my
I will never forget this experience and its
my cluelessness. I also want to say thank you
kind of life. A life full of surprises, both good
also having this exchange journey with me.
a way I never expected. It shaped me to be
I get to meet brilliant people form Malaysia,
about other way of life that I don’t know exist.
foreign students family, thank you for having
effects on me.”
this exchange journey with me, I will always
remember that we almost never skip a night eating dinner together.
Article by: Arini Sukmaning Ayu Sugianto
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Experience of Studying at Mae Fah Luang University “A Home Away from Home” Bhutan
is a small Himalayan
and of all her small home ‘Bhutan’. Her
Autonomous Region of China in the
her but her education and her learning
South, the Chumbi valley of Tibet in the
determination
India in the East.
Mae Fah Luang University, Thailand.
country in South Asia, bordered by Tibet
imagination of leaving her home stressed
North, the Sikkim state of India in the
motivated her. She intensified her
West, and the Arunachal Pradesh state of
prepared for her new journey to
a little over 700,000 people, is blessed
With immense anxiety and teary
Bhutan, home to
with pristine nature in its beauty and
heady mountains. This country where
Buddhism is a way of life, is referred to as
heaven or paradise but mostly as the land of the thunder dragon under the visionary monarch.
and
self-esteem
and
eyes, Dema waved her good byes to her
family and home on 20th August, 2018. She assured herself by reckoning the
positives of her future on her flight to
Bangkok. Dema and her friends landed
safely in Suvarnabhumi airport in
Dema, a girl from Bhutan has been
Bangkok and she was boast with
Mae Fah Luang University as a reward to
to her surprise, Dema couldn’t breathe
overwhelmed in excitement for this new
warm climate. She was tranced with the
the collage life experience. Though
Dema saw no mountains around,
bestowed with a scholarship to study at
excitement to view the new world. Much
her endeavoring hard work. She was
well and felt suffocated because of the
transition
new kind of climate she experienced.
forwarding
in
her
life,
overjoyed with the privilege, she was anxious as well. With a fact of having
never been away from her home, the
opportunity to study abroad was like a stone to her heart. The fear of losing
everywhere is nucleated settlements, no
sight of nature unlike her home. They then took a night bus and headed towards the destination from Bangkok.
attachment with parents, family, friends
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Every new sunrise is a new start.
The next morning, to Dema’s amazement
she saw mountains surrounding them, pristine nature and greenery. At Mae Fah
Luang University, a university in a park,
she felt like going back home. With the
beginning of her new journey in collage
life, Dema gradually didn’t recognize
how time flied because she felt herself
home. She was fascinated by the beauty
of the campus. Collage friends were
friendly. Lectures were understandable
and supportive. Facilities were accessible
and beneficial to enhance skills. Programs were very energetic, informative and
filled with creativities. Though it was
difficult, Dema likes and enjoys the Thai language. There is zeal for knowing
enables us to hopefully become more successful in life when we finally graduate and get our degree.
Thai people which Dema has
encountered are polite by nature, with
willingness to lend help. They have never been seen with a face without a smile
[land of smiling people]. Henceforth, Dema enthusiastically looks forward to
learn and explore the beauty of the place
as it possesses a spirit of hope and motivation
enjoyment.
to
work
harder
with
Dema is thankful for making her a
part of MFU family and the initial experience is truly irreplaceable and she won’t trade this experience for anything.
unlearned things.
Dema felt that she found home
away from home, she rarely missed home because MFU became her second home,
magnificently established under the great
soul the Princess Mother [Somdet Yah]. By offering its high-quality teaching, research and services to the people,
I
know
Dema’s
experience
enhancing skills and valuable knowledge
because I know myself better, because
general
Thank you!
about diverse world and people as well as concepts,
MFU
eventually
I am “Dema”, girl from Bhutan.
Article by: Kuenzang Dema
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to exchange the new ideas, and the new perspectives from each other. Furthermore, in practical session, we gained a lot of new In May 2018, I saw the advertisement about one of interesting programmes that trained students on everything about MFU, Internationalisation, overview of Chiang Rai province and its attractions, as well as English for diplomacy and international communications. Moreover, this programme trained us on diplomatic protocol, etiquette and offered scenarios we need to follow for us to practice. This
programme
trained
us
to
be
experience together with new knowledge from the speaker on how to deal with a physical and mental situation that disturbs us. We learned how to be more service- minded and how to talk and address different people; for instance, when we talk to elder person and honourable guest. Furthermore, we learned how to take care of the guest and table manners. All of those experiences are valuable for me as it has changed me for the better.
the representatives of the university who look after the guests on very special occasions. At that time, my friends and I decided to join this programme. It was a big change in my life at the university that I had never thought of that. After training, there are a lot of activities that MFU Young Ambassador have joined to practice for receiving guests on special occasions like working with international student club to take care of international students. We welcomed international This programme trained us by using a fourday intensive training, in those four days, I met a lot of new people. We had a chance
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students of MFU at the airport, took them to store to buy their belongings, oriented them on university and took a city tour.
We were also entrusted with helping the International Affairs Division staff to share our knowledge with international students in an intensive Thai language and culture class “All about Thai.� Apart from that, we had a chance to practice in the real situations which challenged us. For example, we had to use knowledge that we gained in
It is my proud privilege and great honour
a training as we were assigned to be
to join this special programme. It gives me
an English campus tour guide for the guest and the liaison officers. On special occasion of MFU’s 20th anniversary celebration, we were assigned to be a liaison officer with lecturers from many schools to take care of honoured guests which most of them are the Ambassador from various countries.
many opportunities to observe myself and know what I really want to do. This programme also provides me a chance to do the thing that I love. Moreover, this programme helps me to set my goal, makes my ambition shine bright and helps me to get more energy to make it come true. I think I would regret it, if I did not join the programme at that time. I love every moment I worked and did activities with the guests and international students. It is one of a great time of my life. I would like to use this space to say thank you to the International Affairs Division, staff and all MFU Young Ambassadors for the wonderful thing we made together; moreover, thank you Mae Fah Luang University for having this kind of good programme for students. Article by: Prachayut Ritthitham
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Mae Fah Luang University Chiang Rai, Thailand