Tenth Anniversary celebrations

Last Saturday evening, 27 September, at the Royal Bangkok Sports Club, there was a party to celebrate the first ten years of Asian university.

Hosted by the University President Dr. Viphandh Roengpithya with the students and staff of the University, and attended by shareholders, parents and friends, the party was a multi facetted celebration. Lord Ronald Oxburgh was there and gave an interesting and entertaining talk entitled “A decade from the top of the hill” making reference to the location of Asian University, on a hill overlooking the cassava fields and Jomtien.

Many alumni of the University and present day students were there to catch up with friends and compare their experiences. Dr. Worarut Khunsin was given the outstanding Asian U Alumni Award and Khun Rut (Anontawong Marukpitak) was presented with the Asian U Spirit award. Both are engineering graduates from the first batch in 2002, who have continued their support for the University.

An academic collaboration agreement was signed by Asian university and the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) for a "Unified Asian U-AIT Bachelor-Master Programme”. This combines a four year Asian University bachelor degree (BEng) with a one and a half to two year Master programme at AIT into one continuous 5-year (Engineering) programme. Students who successfully complete the programme will earn two degrees, BEng and then MEng. The study programme will be available in the next academic year, starting August 2009.

Professor Said Irandoust, President of AIT and Dr. Vip of Asian University signed the agreement and looked forward to successful collaboration.

DJ Champ, from Channel 3 TV helped everyone to enjoy the celebrations and the reunion to the full.

Thanks to Ajarn Robert B for the photos

Graduation 2008

25 September 2008 was Graduation Day at Asian University. This year is also the tenth anniversary of the University which, over the last ten years, has given out over 100 scholarships, and generated almost 400 graduates.

The ceremony started with the academic procession, lead by Dr. Danai carrying the University Standard, entering the auditorium. The President, Dr. Viphandh Roengpithya, welcomed everyone, especially Lord Ronald Oxburgh, who had come from UK again to confer the degrees.

Dr. Vip then read a message from HE Anand Panyarachun, who has been a friend of the university since the start. Khun Anand congratulated the new graduates and wished them all success in their careers and lives. He mentioned that learning is never static, and the learning obtained at the university is just the beginning of their life long learning. Dr. Vip gave a brief report of the first ten years of the university and the College at Asian University, and then handed over to Lord Oxburgh for the most important business of the day.

The faculties presented their candidates in turn, starting with the Business faculty (MBA and BBA) then the Engineering and Technology faculty (BEng) and finally the newest faculty, Liberal Arts (BA). Each candidate was awarded their degree certificate, along with a few words of encouragement from Lord Oxburgh.

Lord Oxburgh addressed the audience, and asked the new graduates to show their appreciation to their parents for their encouragement and support. He spoke about the problems now confronting the world; water shortages, energy shortages and too many people. He also explained that these problems offer opportunities, especially for innovation to reduce energy use. He was sure that the world would never see the cheap energy of the last century, and therefore we all have to rethink how people live.

After the academic procession left the auditorium, there were numerous photographs taken, plus celebratory chocolate cake for all.

Thank you to Robert B for some of the photos

Asian University hosts Annual Sports day with Burapha University

Saturday 20 September was the annual “Human Society Games” a social event with plenty of fun and games. The results were mixed, with wins for both universities, but more importantly, friendships were renewed and there was maximum participation.

For the first time, the Asian University Taekwondo club, under their instructors Tangmo and Pan-Pan gave a very impressive display of their skills. The display included breaking bricks with heads and hands and also destroying green coconuts with elbows and hands along with extinguishing candles with the speed and fury of their fists and feet. The show was capped off by a riveting display of martial arts excellence from our resident black belt instructor Tangmo (first year multimedia student).

The College at Asian University dance group “Black Modern” also gave an excellent display of their dance skills, which have recently taken them to the finals of the ‘Love is to protect’ dance competition where they received second prize from the Ministry of public health project of the same name. The ‘Love is to protect’ initiative promotes the use of condoms for AIDS prevention and was launched by this government department on 31 August 2008 at Pacific park, Chonburi.

The cheer leaders from both Universities and the music clubs all performed brilliantly to round off an excellent day.

Finally, a very special thanks goes to Mink and Axe (fourth year BBA) who put the whole programme together so very well.

The previous week, Asian University hosted a basketball team from the US Russell, which was briefly in port here. In a thrilling and very competitive and close game, Asian University beat the navy team 51 – 45.

College pupil’s dancing success again!

Black Modern

A group of three girl pupils named Bo, Durian, and Maratti (Grade 12, science) well known as ‘Black Modern’, from the College at Asian University, entered the second round of the ‘Love is to protect’ dance competition and received second prize from the Ministry of public health project of the same name. The ‘Love is to protect’ initiative promotes the use of condoms for AIDS prevention and was launched by this government department on August 31st, 2008 at Pacific park, Chonburi. The dance competition invited teenage entrants between the ages of 14 and 18 years.
There were two rounds for this contest. For the first round, the girls made a video clip showing their personalities and abilities including modern dance, English and French. Deadline for the second round of competition was August 26th. Following a successful review of their first round video, the girls were invited to compete in the second round on August 31st at Pacific park, Chonburi against four other teams. The video clip was recorded at the Auditorium at the Asian University. Younger members of staff Aj. Kanjana, Aj. Pinyo, Aj. Thanita, and Aj. Patrica offered constructive criticism and helpful advice during its recording.
The interim period between first round success and second round stage performance was feverish, almost frantic. Much time and advice was sought from the named staff members to further encourage the girls and spur them on to greater second round success.
On the 31st August at Robinsons, Sriracha, a large audience watched each of the competitors’ performances with Black Modern closing the show. The girls’ hard work payed off with second prize in the competition consisting of a trophy and money.
Well done Black Modern.

Well done Black Modern

Black Modern’s families, teachers, and friends

Asian Experience 2008

After three weeks of lectures, tours, business and cultural visits and making friends, the 34 international delegates have left Asian University’s Summer University; some have returned to their homes and others are enjoying a short holiday in Thailand.

The programme started on the Asian University campus, near Jomtien, and the young people from nine different countries started with introductions to Thailand from the University’s Thai students about the way things are done here.
After a week on campus, including an inspiring lecture from Mr. Mechai, they went to Koh Samet for a relaxing weekend. Everyone enjoyed themselves on the beach and in the sea, preparing themselves for the study ahead. The group was split into two sections. Fourteen of the Russians from Sakhalin University were taking special English language and Tourism courses, while the others were concentrating on how business operates in Thailand and SE Asia. The business section included undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as people who are already working. Both sections socialized together and were introduced to Thai culture and visited some local sites and businesses.
The tourism group went to the Royal Cliff Beach Resort where they were shown round by Mr. Victor Kriventsov, the Russian director of sales and marketing. They also visited Alangkarn, where the management team allowed everyone onto the stage to see some of the special features used in the extravaganza shows. The students liked the Hard Rock Hotel, and felt it was most suitable for younger visitors. They also visited the Aquarium and the Pattaya Friday market, finding plenty of bargains. The students made time to go shopping, visit a few of the numerous nightspots in Pattaya and Bangkok as well as tasting Thai food in a wide range of venues.
Everyone enjoyed visiting the Amari hotel, with a presentation by Khun Chatchai Sangphet, their professional development manger, followed by supper at Henry Beans. A first for most of the visitors was elephant riding by the beach at Ban Amphur, and also a visit to Wat Yan with a talk by the Abbot about meditation and his life as a monk. He certainly looked young for his age! The visitors were very impressed by Bangkok Hospital, Pattaya (where a few stayed behind to visit the dental department) and Dr Iain Corness guided them around the facilities, many of which compare favourably to a five star hotel.
In Bangkok there was a visit to The Grand Palace in Bangkok, riding the sky train, cruising the klongs (including the Royal Barge museum and Wat Arun) and lectures from eminent businessmen who are working in Thailand. The Asian University President, Dr Viphandh Roengpithya, also gave lectures on some of the influences of Thai Buddhism.
The visitors were looked after by the Summer University Director, Mr. Keith Cheeseborough, and his assistants plus two Asian university students, Poppy and Mink, who were able to guide the students to the night spots frequented by both Thais and foreigners. The feedback was very positive; “This experience was really interesting and great in all aspects. I’m sure these days will stay in my memory forever.” “Like to give great thanks to Dr. Vip and Asian University for an enlightening experience.”

Plans are already underway for next year’s Summer University, and also some customized programmes for individual groups.
Thanks to Robert and Kasinee for help with photos.