SIIT News, Vol. 18, No. 1

Vol. 18 No. 1 March 2013

On March 18, 2013, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn graciously granted anaudience to SIIT, led by Professor Dr. Somkit Lertpaithoon (Chairman of the SIIT Board of Trustees andRector of Thammasat University), and The Bangchak Petroleum Public Company Limited, led by Mr. VichienUsanachote (President), to report on the development of SIIT with the supportive cooperation of ThammasatUniversity, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), and Nippon Keidanren (The Japanese Business Federation).On this occasion, the Princess was presented with donations for Her Royal Highness’s foundations.

Initiation of MoUs between SIIT and Two Leading Myanmar UniversitiesThe ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) which is to be fully implemented by 2015 will definitely affect the higher educationsystems in Southeast Asia. One of the goals of AEC is to further harmonize the higher education systems in the region. Thispolicy is likely to have implications for student and staff mobility, and the number of institutional cooperation agreements. Itis a great opportunity for Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (SIIT) to form a strong collaboration with twoleading universities, Yangon Technological University (YTU) and University of Computer Studies, Yangon (UCSY), in Myanmar.

During February 7 – 8, 2013, a delegation of 11 SIIT faculty members led by Prof. Dr. Somnuk Tangtermsirikul (Director ofSIIT) visited two leading universities in Yangon, Myanmar, accompanied by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweep Chaisomphob (Vice Rectorfor Academic Affairs, Thammasat University (TU)), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Waree Kongprawechnon (Assistant Director for InternationalAffairs and Corporate Relations), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanaruk Theeramunkong (Head of the School of Information, Computer,and Communication Technology (ICT) and Coordinator of Information Technology (IT) Curriculum), Prof. Dr. ThananchaiLeephakpreeda (Head of the School of Manufacturing Systems and Mechanical Engineering (MSME) and Coordinator ofMechanical Engineering (ME) Curriulum), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alice Sharp (Head of the Department of Common and GraduateStudies (CGS)), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jirachai Buddhakulsomsiri (Coordinator of Industrial Engineering (IE) Curriculum), Asst. Prof.Dr. Gun Srijuntongsiri (Coordinator of Computer Science (CS) Curriculum), Dr. Itthisek Nilkhamhang (Coordinator of Electronicsand Communication Engineering (EC) Curriculum), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Luckhana Lawtrakul (a faculty member of the School ofBio-Chemical Engineering and Technology (BCET)), and Asst. Prof. Dr. Suthathip Suanmali (a faculty member of the Schoolof Management Technology (MT)).

SIIT News, March 20132

Yangon Technological University (YTU), located in Gyogone, Yangon, is the premier engineering university of Myanmar. It isthe country’s oldest and largest engineering university and also a member of the ASEAN University Network, Southeast AsiaEngineering Education Development Network (AUN/SEED-Net), and the Greater Mekong Sub-region Academic and ResearchNetwork (GMSARN). Currently, YTU has 103 postgraduate students (Ph.D.), 527 postgraduate students (M.E.) and 241undergraduate students. At YTU, Prof. Nyi Hla Nge, Advisor to Minister of Science and Technology and Chairman of theSteering Committee of YTU, and Prof. Mya Mya Oo, Rector of YTU, along with faculty members from each engineeringdepartment, warmly received the SIIT delegation.

From left, Prof. Dr. Somnuk Tangtermsirikul(Director of SIIT) and Prof. Nyi Hla Nge

(Advisor to Minister of Science andTechnology and Chairman of the

Steering Committee of YTU)

SIIT delegation, Prof. Nyi Hla Nge (Advisor to Minister of Science and Technologyand Chairman of Steering Committee of YTU), Prof. Mya Mya Oo

(Rector of YTU), and representative faculty members of YTU

The second university is the University ofComputer Studies, Yangon (UCSY), locatedjust outside of Yangon. It is the leading ITand computer science university ofMyanmar. UCSY offers undergraduate andgraduate degree programs in computerscience and technology. At UCSY, the SIITdelegation was welcomed by Prof. Nwe Ni,Assoc. Prof. Dr. Khin Nweni Tun, and facultymembers of the Faculty of ComputerStudies.

SIIT delegation and representativefaculty members of UCSY

The academic collaborations between these universities and SIIT will include student/faculty exchange, full scholarships totop students and qualified candidates from SIIT, academic conferences, etc. The memorandums of understanding (MoUs)between these two universities and SIIT are still in the initiation process.

In addition, the SIIT delegation visited the Royal Thai Embassy in Yangon and met with Mr. Chainarong Keratiyutwong(Minister) for further discussion about the right channel to promote SIIT and the Excellent Foreign Students (EFS) scholarshipprogram in Myanmar. The Royal Thai Embassy will serve as a link between SIIT and Myanmar universities by distributinginformation about SIIT and its EFS scholarship program.

From left, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweep Chaisomphob (Vice Rectorfor Academic Affairs, TU), Mr. Chainarong Keratiyutwong

(Minister of the Royal Thai Embassy in Yangon), andProf. Dr. Somnuk Tangtermsirikul (Director of SIIT)

SIIT News, March 2013 3

Delegates from De La Salle University, Philippines andUniversitas Atma Jaya Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Two professors and 54 students from De La Salle University,Philippines, and two professors and 12 students from the IndustrialEngineering Department, Universitas Atma Jaya Yogyakarta,Indonesia, visited SIIT on January 18 and March 12, 2013,respectively. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pakorn Opaprakasit (Assistant Directorfor Admissions and Public Relations) gave a presentation aboutSIIT and the scholarships opportunity to all delegates. In addition,Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jirachai Buddhakulsomsiri (Coordinator of IndustrialEngineering (IE) Curriculum) gave a laboratory tour for all delegatesto visit the IE Laboratory at SIIT.

Delegates from De La Salle University, Philippines Delegates from Universitas Atma JayaYogyakarta, Indonesia

Delegates from Hochschule Ravensburg-WeingartenUniversity of Applied Sciences (HRW), Germany

Prof. Dr. Thomas Spägele (Rector) and Prof. Dr. Michael Pfeffer (Vice-Rector of Research and International Relations) fromHochschule Ravensburg-Weingarten University of Applied Sciences (HRW), Germany, visited SIIT on February 28, 2013.HRW has been in close collaboration with SIIT since 2001, with an increasing number of exchange students from both sidesevery year. SIIT aims to strengthen collaboration with this partner university on not only student exchange activities, but alsoresearch and academic collaborations.

From left, Ms. Peechalika Sertsirikul (Chief of International Affairs and Corporate Relations Division), Dr. Itthisek Nilkhamhang (Coordinator ofElectronics and Communication Engineering (EC) Curriculum, Prof. Dr. Somnuk Tangtermsirikul (SIIT Director), Prof. Dr. Thomas Spägele

(Rector of HRW), Prof. Dr. Michael Pfeffer (Vice-Rector of Research and International Relations, HRW), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweep Chaisomphob(Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Thammasat University), Prof. Dr. Thananchai Leephakpreeda (Head of the School of Manufacturing

Systems and Mechanical Engineering (MSME)), and Asst. Prof. Dr. Chawalit Jeenanunta(Head of the School of Management Technology (MT))


Visit of Delegates from King Mongkut’s University of TechnologyNorth Bangkok (KMUTNB)

Eleven delegates from the Department of Materials and Production Technology Engineering (MPTE), Faculty of Engineering,King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB), led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Somrerk Chandraambhon, DepartmentHead, visited Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (SIIT) on March 19, 2013 at its Rangsit Campus. This visit wasintended to learn about the development, operation, and administration systems of an international educational institute, andto exchange knowledge and experience on developing international curriculums, as the MPTE of KMUTNB plans to offerinternational programs in the near future. The delegates were welcomed by Prof. Dr. Somnuk Tangtermsirikul (Director ofSIIT), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Supachart Chungpaibulpatana (Assistant Director for Academic Affairs), and Assoc. Prof. Dr. PruetthaNanakorn (Assistant Director for General Administration, Rangsit Campus). It was expected that this visit would enhancefuture collaborations between the two institutes.

Department of Library and Information Science,Srinakharinwirot University Visited the SIIT Library

On January 7, 2013, 41 undergraduate students from the Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Humanities,Srinakharinwirot University, led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Therdsak Maitaothong, visited the SIIT Library and Information ServicesCenter (LIB) at the Rangsit Campus. This study visit was a part of the Information Resource Development Course. The visitorswere welcomed and explained the activities, operation, and management of the LIB by Mr. Siwaraj Rajchabhat (the then -Acting Head of the LIB) and Ms. Phataraporn Younpun, an acquisition librarian.

First Internal Academic Quality Assessment at SIITSirindhorn International Institute of Technology (SIIT) arranged the “First Internal Academic Quality Assessment” of ninecurriculums on January 21-22, 2013. They included Chemical Engineering (ChE), Civil Engineering (CE), Computer Science(CS), Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC), Engineering Management (EM), Industrial Engineering (IE), InformationTechnology (IT), Management Technology (MT), and Mechanical Engineering (ME). Three experts from Thammasat University(TU), Asst. Prof. Dr. Tippabust Eksangsri (Faculty of Engineering), Prof. Dr. Siriluck Rotchanakitumnuai (Faculty of Commerceand Accountancy), and Dr. Nopparat Plucktaveesak (Faculty of Science and Technology), served as the academic qualityassessment committee members.


Faculty Members & Students Visit the Japan Advanced Institute ofScience and Technology (JAIST)

To follow up on several collaborations and projects between JAIST and SIIT, five representatives of the School of Information,Computer and Communication Technology (ICT), Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (SIIT) visited JAIST inIshikawa, Japan, during February 24 - March 5, 2013. They included: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanaruk Theeramunkong (Head of theSchool of ICT and Coordinator of Information Technology (IT) Curriculum), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ekawit Nantajeewarawat (AssistantDirector for General Administration, Bangkadi Campus), Asst. Prof. Dr. Toshiaki Kondo, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Waree Kongprawechnon(Assistant Director for International Affairs and Corporate Relations), and Dr. Boontawee Suntisrivaraporn.

Key activities performed during the visit were: (1) the advising and evaluation of research progress of seven dual-degreedoctoral students who are currently undertaking their PhD research at JAIST, (2) the supervision of seven SIIT short-termvisiting students under the JASSO support, (3) visiting JICA, (4) a meeting of the organizing committee for the upcoming ACIS2013 International Conference, (5) visiting research laboratories at JAIST, and (6) the participation in the Knowledge Co-creation Workshop hosted at the JAIST Tokyo Satellite Campus. Moreover, this visit allowed the Director of the National Metaland Materials Technology Center (MTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), to explore apossibility to extend the dual-degree program to the field of material sciences. This visit has helped to strengthen the tiesbetween the two institutions, as indicated by the commitments to carry on existing projects and to initiate and undertake newprojects.

The Annual 2013 THAIST-JAIST International Workshop

With collaboration between Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST), National Electronics and ComputerTechnology Center (NECTEC), and Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (SIIT), Prof. Dr. Mitsuru Ikeda hosted theannual THAIST-JAIST workshop, during February 28 - March 3, 2013, at JAIST, Japan. The workshop provided an opportunityfor students, young researchers, and academicians to share knowledge and experiences. Five SIIT faculty members (Assoc.Prof. Dr. Thanaruk Theeramunkong (Head of the School of Information, Computer, and Communication Technology (ICT) andCoordinator of Information Technology (IT) Curriculum), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ekawit Nantajeewarawat (Assistant Director forGeneral Administration, Bangkadi Campus), Asst. Prof. Dr. Toshiaki Kondo, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Waree Kongprawechnon (AssistantDirector for International Affairs and Corporate Relations), and Dr. Boontawee Suntisrivaraporn) and students, as well asNECTEC researchers joined this workshop. At this workshop, the graduate students in the dual doctoral degree program alsopresented their research works to the SIIT faculty members.

SIIT Students Receive Student Ethics AwardsThe “Student Ethics Awards” program has been initiated by the Council of Engineering Deans of Thailand. This program isaimed to promote the improvement of ethics among engineering students in Thailand. The awards are classified into twocategories: (1) Individual Awards, and (2) Institutional (Outstanding Voluntary Activity) Awards. The awards presentation isone of several ways to demonstrate good ethics by having engineering students served as role models.


On February 22, 2013, the awards presentation of “2012 Student Ethics Awards” was held at the Faculty of Engineering,Srinakharinwirot University. A total of 31 individual awards and 28 institutionalawards were presented by Associate Professor Dr. Jarrun Bunkarn,Chairperson of the 35th Council of Engineering Deans of Thailand. Mr. SukritChuntaravisuid, a 4th year student of the Mechanical Engineering (ME)Program of SIIT, was given an award in the individual category. Previously,he was the recipient of the “SIIT Good Conduct Student Award” and “TUGood Conduct Student Award” in the academic year 2012. The SIIT VolunteerClub Camp at Glujaetha Village, Tak Province, Thailand (during October 21-31, 2012) was also given an award in this event.

From left, Prof. Dr. Somnuk Tangtermsirikul (SIIT Director), Mr. Sukrit Chuntaravisuid(Award Recipient), and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jarrun Bunkarn (Chairperson of the 35th Council ofEngineering Deans of Thailand)

Faculty Promotion – Assistant ProfessorDr. Prapun Suksompong, Dr. Somsak Kittipiyakul, and Dr. Wanwipa Siriwatwechakul were promoted to the academic rank ofAssistant Professor in February 2013.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Prapun Suksompong is a full-time faculty member of the School of Information,Computer, and Communication Technology (ICT). He received his B.S. (Summa Cum Laude), M.S.,and Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Cornell University, USA. His research areasinclude wireless communications, probability theory, computational neuroscience, energy-efficientcoding, and Poisson convergence.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Prapun received a King’s Scholarship in 1997; Fellowship from Cornell University in2002; Teaching Assistant of the Year, Cornell IEEE student branch in 2006; Best Teaching Award ofSirindhorn International Institute of Technology (SIIT) in 2009; and SIIT Research Award in 2011. Hehas also received research funding from the Office of the Higher Education Commission and theTelecommunications Research and Industrial Development Institute (TRIDI), which are collaborativeprojects with several ICT faculty members.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Somsak Kittipiyakul is a full-time ICT faculty member. He received his S.B. and M.Eng. in ElectricalEngineering and Computer Science from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA, and aPh.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of California at San Diego, USA. Hisresearch areas include wireless communications and networking, resource allocation and scheduling,performance analysis of queuing systems, stochastic optimization, and smart grid.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Somsak received research funding from Thammasat University Young ResearchersFund for his “Scheduling in OFDMA Wireless Networks with Partial Channel Information” project.Furthermore, he has received research funding from the Office of the Higher Education Commissionand the Telecommunications Research and Industrial Development Institute (TRIDI), which arecollaborative projects with several ICT faculty members. He is currently supervising five Master’sstudents on research topics related to his research areas.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Wanwipa Siriwatwechakul is a full-time faculty member of the School of Bio-Chemical Engineering and Technology (BCET). She received her B.S. in Chemical Engineering fromthe Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA, and both M.S. and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineeringfrom Princeton University, USA. Her research areas include polymers and biomaterials.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Wanwipa was awarded a bronze medal in International Chemistry Olympiad in 1992 anda King’s Scholarship in 1993. She has received research funding from the Office of the Higher EducationCommission for her project entitled “Development of Nanomaterials for Use in Biomedical Applications”which is a collaborative project with several BCET faculty members, a faculty member fromChulalongkorn University (CU), and a researcher from the National Metal and Materials TechnologyCenter (MTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA).


IE Pre-Graduation Camp and Senior Projects PresentationThe Industrial Engineering (IE) Program, School of Manufacturing Systems and Mechanical Engineering (MSME), organized apre-graduation camp and senior projects presentation during January 30 – February 1, 2013, at SIDA Resort, Nakhon Nayokprovince. Fifty four IE senior students joined the camp and gave an oral presentation of their senior projects. The objectivesof this camp were to advise students on work ethics, higher education opportunity, and self-adaptation. In addition, a seriesof lectures on future work and the expectation of employers toward new employees conducted by Mr. SomkurnChycilaparungroung, Managing Director, Summit Electronic Components Co., Ltd. (SEC) was included.

“Pre-Graduation Seminar” for CivilEngineering Students

The School of Civil Engineering and Technology (CET) organized the “Pre-Graduation Seminar” event at the Phuview Resortin Nakhon Ratchasima province during March 15 – 16, 2013. All CET faculty members and graduating CET students participatedin this seminar. Students were advised on engineering ethics, discipline, social responsibility, knowledge, and skills which areimportant to their career advancement and further studies. A field trip to the Lamtakong Jolabha Vadhana Hydro Power Plantwas also included as part of the seminar event.

SIIT Participates in TIEE 2013 to Publicize Its High StandardInternational Education Programs

As part of the 20th anniversary celebration, Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (SIIT) participated in an interactiveexhibition at the 10th Thailand International Education Expo (TIEE 2013) to present its internationally-recognized curricula.The expo was one of the most exclusive education fairs in the Southeast Asia which was held during February 22-24, 2013 atthe Royal Paragon Hall, Siam Paragon, Bangkok. TIEE 2013 was organized by the Department of International Trade Promotion(DITP), Ministry of Commerce, in collaboration with international education institutes from the government and private sectors.At the expo, SIIT educational advisors provided counseling and first-hand information about SIIT to high school students andtheir parents.


The 2013 National Children’s Day at NSTDADuring January 10-11, 2013, “The 2013 National Children’s Day at NSTDA” was organized atSirindhorn Science Home by the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA)with cooperation from Thammasat University (TU) and several organizations. Many students fromschools in the vicinity of NSTDA, Pathum Thani province, participated in this activity.

On this occasion, Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (SIIT) and the Faculty of Scienceand Technology were the representatives of TU. “Eng (English) and Science” was the name of theSIIT unit which organized games and activities for children, such as “English Vocabulary Gameswith Pictures,” “Throwing the ball,” and “Game24” (Mathematics Quiz). Foreign master’s degreestudents under the SIIT Graduate Scholarship Program for Excellent Foreign Students (EFS)volunteered to entertain the children as the game coordinators together with a group of other SIITscholarship recipients. The children were happy with the games and enjoyed receiving gamerewards, which were donated by the faculty and staff members of SIIT.

The 7th TU Rice Farming Project: Harvesting RiceAsst. Prof. Dr. Veeris Ammarapala (Assistant Director for Student Affairsand Alumni Relations), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chalie Charoenlarpnopparut(who is also the Assistant to the Rector for Student Affairs, TU), staffmembers, and SIIT students participated in harvesting the rice grownby the Thammasat community in the rice field of Thammasat University(TU), Rangsit Center, on February 20, 2013.

The harvested rice will be milled, cooked, and served to new TU studentsof the academic year 2013, as part of the welcoming activity duringthe TU Orientation Event.

Center, guest of honor: Prof. Dr. Somkit Lertpaithoon(TU Rector)

Mr. Varakorn Autadej (Representative of SIIT Student Committee)and Asst. Prof. Dr. Veeris Ammarapala (Assistant Director for

Student Affairs and Alumni Relations)


2013 SIIT Media Relations ActivitiesThe 5th of March of each year is designated as the “National Day of Mass Communication.” This year, SIIT took this opportunityto organize the 2013 SIIT Media Relations Activities to extend its warmest congratulations to those people who are directlyresponsible for producing educational news in the mass media such as newspaper editors of Thairath, Daily News, Matichon,Krungthepturakij, Post Today, The Nation, etc.

Khun Pradit RuangditHead of Thai Journalists Association

Khun Sahapop SotthipChief Editor - (Social Section) - Channel 3

Khun Katawut WangkanonChief Editor - (Social Section) - Channel 5

Khun Patcharee LuenguthaiAssistant Editor -The Nation

Khun Polpibool PengjamChief Editor (Education Section) -

Daily NewsKhun Titiwan Sawaisaengyakorn

Chief Editor (Educational & Public HealthSection) – Thairath

Khun Pichet ChoorakChief Editor (Education Section) - Post TodayChairperson - Thai Society of Environmental

Journalists

Khun Wanpen KaewsakulHead of Reporters - Krungthepturakij Khun Somporn Kitpornprasert

Chief Editor - (Social Section) -Channel 11

Khun Kamontip Baingun (Representative)Chief Editor - Komchadluek

Khun Jurairat PhongsaphichartChief of Reporters (Education Section) -

MatichonKhun Kanlaya Lohitkup

(Representative) Chief Editor (SocialSection) – MCOT PCL


Thai Boxing Intensive CourseOn January 20, 2013, SIIT internationalstudents had a short study trip to Muay ThaiInstitute in Pathum Thani province to learn thebasics of Muay Thai (also known as Thai Kick-Boxing) with professional Muay Thai masters.This trip provided good opportunities for themto both have fun and experience Thaitraditional fighting, all in one day.

Special Seminar on “Get Ready for the Bright Future”Mr. Tanva Samatiyadekul and Mr. Chanachote Rattanarujikorn, specialists in writing tips for applications to world leadinguniversities and companies, gave a special lecture to SIIT students on January 30, 2013, at Sirindhorn International Instituteof Technology (SIIT), Rangsit Campus, on the topic entitled “Get Ready for the Bright Future.” This event was organized bythe International Affairs and Corporate Relations Division. The purpose of this seminar was to help students who intend topursue a graduate study abroad or have a career at top companies to prepare themselves for writing application letters andresumes to achieve their goals.

2013 SIIT Job FairThe International Affairs and Corporate Relations Division organized the“2013 SIIT Job Fair” to introduce leading companies and job opportunitiesto 4th year students who will graduate in the academic year 2012. The jobfair was held on February 8, 2013, at the Rangsit Campus.

Thirty one companies participated in this job fair. They included: CP ALL,PCL.; Spansion (Thailand), Ltd.; Siam Denso Manufacturing Co., Ltd.;Johnson & Johnson (Thailand), Ltd.; Team Consulting Engineering andManagement Co., Ltd.; Charoen Pokphand Foods, PCL.; Accenture SolutionsCo., Ltd.; ProMinent Fluid Controls (Thailand) Co., Ltd.; Asia Cement, PCL.;Magnolia Quality Development Corporation, Ltd.; Bangkok Glass IndustryCo., Ltd.; The Cool Company, Ltd.; Ek-Chai Distribution System Co., Ltd.;

Thai Obayashi Corporation, Ltd.; Nestle (Thai), Ltd.; Digital Alchemy Co., Ltd.; Netizen Co., Ltd.; Thaicom, PCL.; Thai HondaManufacturing Co., Ltd.; Honda R&D Southeast Asia, Ltd.; PTT Global Chemical, PCL.; Seagate Technology (Thailand), Ltd.;Unilever Thai Trading, Ltd.; Bank of Ayudhya, PCL.; Ajinomoto (Thailand) Co., Ltd.; Torrecid (Thailand) Co., Ltd.; Fabrinet Co.,Ltd.; SSL Manufacturing (Thailand) Co., Ltd.; Somboon Advance Technology, PCL.; Denso (Thailand) Co., Ltd.; AAPICOHitech, PCL.


Thai Language Study Trip to Suphan Buri ProvinceEvery semester, SIIT arranges basic Thai language courses (listening-speaking and reading-writing) for new SIIT internationalstudents in order to help foreign students to learn basic Thai language. At the end of the course, a one-day study trip isorganized.

In the 2nd semester of the academic year 2012, the International Affairs and Corporate Relations Division arranged a studytrip on February 17, 2013 to the Buffalo Village in Suphan Buri province, where foreign students had a chance to get close tobuffalos and learn about the relationship between farmers and buffalos in a Thai traditional lifestyle. In addition, they wentto Sam Chuk Antique Market and practiced the market conversation that they studied in the classroom. Everyone succeededin buying some souvenirs and having Thai traditional desserts.

2012 SIIT Director’s Cup Soccer CompetitionEight teams of SIIT students, the Alumni Team (ASIIT Team), and the Team Farang (exchange students from Germany)participated in the 2012 SIIT Director’s Cup Soccer Competition during February 4-18, 2013. On February 18, 2013, the finalround of the competition took place on the SIIT soccer field at the Rangsit Campus. The winner team was “Jo’s Team”(comprising 2nd year Industrial Engineering (IE) students andstudents from the Department of Common and GraduateStudies (CGS)). The first and second runner-ups were “TeamFarang” and “Solid” (3rd year Civil Engineering (CE) students),respectively. Snacks and drinks were sponsored by theAlumni Association of SIIT (ASIIT).

This soccer competition was intended to enhance students’teamwork and management skills, and to raise funds for aplanned activity. The competition was organized by three4th year Mechanical Engineering (ME) students: Mr.Thanaphum Tangkrachang, Mr. Siriwat Siricharattakool, andMr. Chanwit Ritkriengkrai. The remaining balance of thefunds raised from this soccer competition will be used tosupport the 2014 National Children’s Day at NSTDA.

ASIIT Meets SIIT StudentsOn February 8, 2013, the Alumni Association of Sirindhorn International Institute ofTechnology (ASIIT) participated in the SIIT Job Fair at SIIT Main Building – RangsitCampus. A number of leading companies participated in the event offering severalcareer opportunities. In the morning session, a panel discussion on job applications, jobinterviews, and graduate study aboardwas held for graduating SIIT students.Four SIIT alumni were present as therepresentatives of ASIIT and shared

their graduate study scholarship and work experiences. They were: Dr.Yossapong Laoonual (recipient of the Royal Thai Government Scholarshipfor Postgraduate Studies in UK), Dr. Apiruk Detwarasiti (Director, CEO Office,Big C Supercenter, PCL), Mr. Chavapas Ongmahutmongkol (recipient of theFulbright Scholarship), and Mr. Thongchai Watanasoponwong (SalesDirector, IBM). The discussion was chaired by Asst. Prof. Dr. VeerisAmmarapala, Assistant Director for Student Affairs and Alumni Relations.


SIIT Code Jam by CyberTech ClubThe SIIT CyberTech Club organized an activity named “SIIT Code Jam: a programming competition to celebrate the 20th

Anniversary of SIIT” on January 17, 2013 at SIIT, Bangkadi Campus. The activity is aimed to not only train SIIT students onprogramming skills but also improve their logical thinking in order to create efficient computer programs. More than 50 Thaiand international students, faculty members, and staff participated in this activity.

2013 SIIT Back-to-School Charity ConcertOn January 29, 2013, the SIIT Music and Chorus Club organized a charity concert, “Back to school #5: 2499,” in front of theEdutivity Building, SIIT, Rangsit Campus. More than 500 SIIT and TU students, faculty members, and staff dressed up in theirhigh school uniform to participate in the event. The theme is from a famousThai movie, “2499,” which was about a Thai gangster in that era. At theevent, Asst. Prof. Dr. Veeris Ammarapala (Assistant Director for StudentAffairs and Alumni Relations) gave the opening speech. Food and drinksincluding several fun games were arranged by each Baan to raise moneyfor the SIIT Volunteer Club. The concert featured music bands from theSIIT Music and Chorus Club. In addition, there were two guest bands: (1)IE Super band, a music band starring IE alumni and Assoc. Prof. Dr. PisalYenradee (a faculty member of the School of Manufacturing Systems andMechanical Engineering (MSME), and (2) a guest band from the Civil AviationTraining Center, Thailand.


2013 SIIT International NightThe Student Committee of SIIT, the Student Affairs and Alumni Relations Division, and the International Affairs and CorporateRelations Division, jointly organized “the 2013 SIIT International Night” on February 8, 2013, at SIIT Main Building, RangsitCampus, under the supervision of Asst. Prof. Dr. Veeris Ammarapala, the Assistant Director for Student Affairs and AlumniRelations. The aim of this activity was to promote cultural exchange among international students and Thai students. Thisyear, more than 300 students, 15 faculty members, and several SIIT staff members participated in the event. There wereauthentic international dishes prepared by international students, exciting performances from “Tradition Thai band,” SIITMusic and Chorus Club, The Recreational Group of Thammasat University (RCATU), and those from international studentsfrom Bhutan, Nepal, Finland, Botswana, France, and Germany. The highlight of the event was the first ever “Papaya Pok Pok(Thai spicy salad)” cooking contest. Five teams of international and Thai students were formed to cook and prepare deliciousThai salad dishes. The Awards were given to the following students: Mr. Sergej Schmidt from Germany (1st prize), Mr.Fauzan Romadlon from Indonesia (2nd prize), and Mr. Tran Quoc Thao from Vietnam (3rd prize).

The 1st prize winner of Papaya Pok PokContest: Mr. Sergej Schmidt

from Germany

The 2nd prize winner of Papaya Pok PokContest: Mr. Fauzan Romadlon

from Indonesia

The 3rd prize winner of Papaya Pok PokContest: Mr. Tran Quoc Thao

from Vietnam

2013 Beyond Energy ForumOn February 12, 2013, the Beyond Energy Club of Sirindhorn InternationalInstitute of Technology (SIIT) organized the “2013 Beyond Energy Forum”at the Auditorium (Room 504), SIIT Main Building, Rangsit Campus. Dr.Pyasvasti Amranand (former Minister of Energy and CEO of Thai AirwaysInternational, PCL) served as the Chairman of the forum in this inauguralevent. Many distinguished speakers from various sectors concerningwith energy shared their valuable experience and pioneering knowledgeover the theme “Green Energy Issues for Thailand and ASEAN” to theparticipants. Theyincluded: Asst. Prof. Dr.Chanathip Pharino (afaculty member of

Chulalongkorn University (CU)), Dr. Wandee Khunchornyakong (Chairman andCEO, SPCG, PCL), and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thawatchai Onjun (Assistant Director forResearch and Academic Quality Assurance, SIIT). There were many participantsfrom CU and other TU faculties.

From left, Asst. Prof. Dr. Chanathip Pharino (a faculty member of Chulalongkorn University(CU)), Dr. Pyasvasti Amranand (former Minister of Energy and CEO of Thai Airways International,PCL), Dr. Wandee Khunchornyakong (Chairman and CEO, SPCG Public Company Limited), andAssoc. Prof. Dr. Thawatchai Onjun (Assistant Director for Research and Academic QualityAssurance, SIIT)


A Volunteer Activity at the Pakkred Reception Home for BoysOn January 6, 2013, students from the School of Bio-Chemical Engineering and Technology (BCET), along with prospectiveBCET sophomore students, organized a volunteer activity at the Pakkred Reception Home for Boys, Nonthaburi province. ThePakkred Reception Home for Boys is a community home which is funded by the government. It provides a loving home forboys from the ages of 6 to 18 years. Students brought lunch, ice-cream, and snacks to the children. After that, games andrecreation activities were conducted bringing fun and happiness among children and all participants.

13th Chemical Engineering Sports ActivityDuring January 12-13, 2013, the School of Bio-Chemical Engineering and Technology(BCET) participated in the 13th Chemical Engineering Sports Activity, “Nonsee Game.”This sports activity has been held annually to enhance relationships among ChemicalEngineering students from different universities across Thailand. The host of thesports activity has also been alternated. This year, the sports activity was organizedby the Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, KasetsartUniversity (KU). Students from the SIIT’s School of BCET won the second runner-up in the chairball activity. Moreover, the men’s basketball team won the thirdrunner-up in the basketball activity.


Study Visit to Toyota Motor Thailand Co., Ltd. at ToyotaAssembly Plant (Ban Pho), Chachoengsao

On January 30, 2013, 54 4th year students of the IndustrialEngineering (IE) Program visited the Toyota Motor Thailand Co.,Ltd. at its Toyota Assembly Plant (Ban Pho), Chachoengsao province.They were accompanied by Assoc. Prof. Dr. JirachaiBuddhakulsomsiri (Coordinator of IE Curriculum), Assoc. Prof. Dr.Pisal Yenradee, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Navee Chiadamrong, Dr. BoontarigaKasemsontitum, and Dr. Suchada Rianmora. This study visitprovided a good opportunity for the students to gain knowledgeabout car manufacturing processes and productivity improvementaccording to the Toyota Production System.

ME Charity TripMechanical Engineering (ME) students organized the “ME Charity Trip” to visit BaanRachawadee Ying, Pak Kret, Nonthaburi province on February 5, 2013. The trip was underthe supervision of Prof. Dr. Thananchai Leephakpreeda (Head of the School of ManufacturingSystems and Mechanical Engineering (MSME) and Coordinator of ME curriculum).

The ME students organized several activities for patients and children, which were dividedinto three parts: recreation, taking care of patients and children for their dinner, anddonation.

This trip was intended to help enhance the unity, create social responsibility among MEstudents, and encourage them to participate in extracurricular activities.

The SIIT News is published quarterly by SIIT.Advisor: Prof. Dr. Somnuk TangtermsirikulEditors: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suebsak Nanthavanij

Mr. Paul V. NeilsonMr. Terrance J. Downey

Editorial Assistants: Ms. Usanee KoedlapmeesukMs. Ornanong ChoosuwanMr. Samrit SriboonthiengMr. Peerasak Raksanont

For additional information about SIIT, please contact:Sirindhorn International Institute of TechnologyThammasat UniversityP.O. Box 22, Thammasat-Rangsit Post OfficePathum Thani 12121, ThailandTel: +66-2-986-9009, +66-2-564-3221~9Fax: +66-2-986-9112~3http://www.siit.tu.ac.th

SIIT Students Attend the Student Exchange Program atJapan Advanced Institute of Sciences and Technology (JAIST)

Six students from the School of Information, Computer and Communication Technology, ICT (Ms. Nongnuch Ketui, Mr. SawitKasuriya, Mr. Seelawat Chankaew, Mr. Samatcha Thanangthanakij, Mr. Akkharawoot Takhom, and Mr. Piyoros Tungthamthiti),

one student from the School of Manufacturing Systems andMechanical Engineering, MSME (Ms. Benyaphorn Paopongchuang),and one student from the School of Bio-Chemical Engineering andTechnology, BCET (Mr. Phongphot Sakulaue) received JASSOscholarships to attend the student exchange program at JAISTduring February 25 – March 3, 2013, based on the bilateralexchange agreement between Sirindhorn International Instituteof Technology (SIIT), Thailand, and JAIST, Japan.

From left, Ms. Benyaphorn Paopongchuang, Mr. Akkharawoot Takhom, Mr.Phongphot Sakulaue, Mr. Seelawat Chankaew, Mr. Samatcha Thanangthanakij,Ms. Nongnuch Ketui, Mr. Sawit Kasuriya, and Mr. Piyoros Tungthamthiti

SIIT Students Visits Hokkaido UniversityFive graduate students from the School of Information, Computer,and Communication Technology (ICT), the School of Bio-ChemicalEngineering and Technology (BCET), and the School of CivilEngineering and Technology (CET) visited Hokkaido Universityduring March 6-26, 2013, under the PARE Project. The PAREProject is a collaborative program between Hokkaido Universityand universities in ASEAN, including SIIT, aiming to produce leaderswho will be active in resolving changes related to Populations,Activities, Resources, and Environments (PARE).

From left, Ms. Warunya Wunnasri (the School of ICT), Mr. Sarun Chattunyakit(the School of ICT), Ms. Chonlada Theeraworn (the School of ICT), Mr. PawitTangviroon (the School of BCET), and Mr. Ram Hari Dhakal (the School of CET).

SIIT Exchange Student at University ofMaryland, USA

Ms. Thamon Benjapongsapun, a 4th year Engineering Management (EM)student, enrolled in courses at the University of Maryland, USA, duringJanuary - May 2013, as an exchange student under the bilateral agreementbetween SIIT and the University of Maryland.


SIIT News, Vol. 18, No. 1

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Transcript of SIIT News, Vol. 18, No. 1