Japanese

Kochi University Thailand Liaison Office

　The Kochi University Thailand Liaison Office was established by Kochi University at a partner university, Kasetsart University in Thailand, as the fourth Kochi University overseas base. In order to promote international exchange and disseminate information on Kochi University, the Office engages in international joint research, acceptance and dispatch of international students, and services including overseas public relations.

　The opening ceremony of the Kochi University Thailand Liaison Office was held on November 20, 2014. During the opening ceremony, following the welcome speech given by Acting Vice President of Kasetsart University, Dr. Damrong Sripraram, Vice President Rumiko Kikuchi, Centre for International Collaboration, gave a speech. Congratulatory addresses were given by Mr. Koji Tawara, First Secretary of the Japanese Embassy in Thailand, and Mr. Shuichi Ikeda, Chief Representative of JICA Thailand Office. Afterwards, commemorative photos were taken, a ribbon cutting ceremony using real flowers was performed in front of the office, and guests were invited to see the facility. During the reception with a lunch break, congratulatory addresses were given by Mamoru Shibayama, Director of the Kyoto University ASEAN Center Bangkok Liaison Office, and Kuniaki Yamashita, Director of Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Bangkok Office. There were a total of 40 participants that included those associated with Kasetsart University and a partner university located in Thailand, alumni of the university, and personnel of the Japanese Embassy in Thailand.

　The 1st general meeting of the Kochi University International Student Network (Thailand) Alumni Association (KUTAA) was held on the same day. Dr. Lattirasuvan Thanakorn was elected as chairman, Dr. Maliwan Tanasombat and Dr. Naruemol Kaewjampa were elected as vice-chairmen. Also, Dr. Chongrak Wachrinrat, Executive Officer Katsutoshi Sakurai, and Specially Appointed Professor Hiroshi Niino were elected as board members. During the reunion, there was a video message from Mr. Katsutoshi Sakurai, director of general administration and international exchanges, who has long been engaged in research and education exchange activities with Thailand. Following the video message, Sota Tanaka, Professor of the Department of Agriculture, introduced a history of exchange with students from Thailand by sharing photographs, which became an opportunity to recognize the bond between Kochi University and international students from Thailand. In addition, during the reunion, participants enthusiastically exchanged views regarding alumni activities and made a proposal concerning the specific future approach.

　In the days ahead, the Thailand Liaison Office will engage in activities to bring in particularly exceptional international students while cooperating with KUTAA, and will be utilized by Kochi University’s faculty members as a base for exchange among students. Also, the Office is planning to carry out activities that leverage its strength of being located in Thailand, such as information sharing with institutions including JASSO and JSPS, and nearly 35 Japanese university academic institutions in Thailand.