UN at Asian University

On 24 February Asian University was delighted to welcome Michelle Lee, who recently retired from the UN, and two of her ex colleagues. She gave a wide ranging talk about the UN and then answered the numerous questions from students and staff.

Michelle has worked for the UN for over thirty years, starting as an administrator and then participating in the areas of Peacekeeping and International Justice. She started her presentation with a quiz, to see how much (or little) everyone knew about the UN. Founded in 1945, there are now 192 member states, and fifteen members (including five permanent members) on the Security Council. There are six official languages of the UN, and all documents are prepared in these. However English and French are the working languages on a day to day basis.

Michelle told us about some of her experiences while working in Serbia, Cambodia, Thailand, Namibia and other parts of the world. She admitted that sometimes the UN is more successful than others. Clearly she found it interesting working in such a multi cultural, multi racial, multi lingual organisation, and said that sometimes, it was better to “agree to differ” with colleagues coming from a different background. Understanding one another was essential to work together effectively.

Dr. Viphandh Roengpithya, the University president, thanked Michelle and her colleagues for visiting Asian University, and looked forward to further contact in the future.

This story was published here, and elsewhere:

http://www.pattayamail.com/current/kids.shtml

Keith visits Sakhalin University

Natalie in the snow!

In August 2008 Asian University signed an MOU with Sakhalin University. Sakhalin is an island to the north of Japan and is part of the Russian Federation. This MOU enabled the students of Sakhalin University, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management, to attend our Summer University Programmes. We set up a special short programme about Tourism in Thailand especially for their students. Many thanks to Vladimir who made the first contact with them on Pattaya Beach.

Following their successful participation during our Summer 2008 programme, they returned again in 2009.

Asian University was invited to attend a conference in Sakhalin to be held in November 2010. Unfortunately Dr. Viphandh was unavailable due to pressure of work, so he invited Keith Cheeseborough to attend on his behalf.

During the conference, “Modern lines of Tourism and Hospitality Management”, Keith gave a lecture on “The History and Development of Tourism in Thailand”, as well as making a presentation about our Summer University programmes to the staff, visiting guests and the students of Sakhalin University.

The Rector of Sakhalin University and the Dean of The Tourism Faculty were extremely hospitable and we hope with their help to extend our network to include both Moscow and Seoul, Korea.

Keith commented: ”It was a great experience, we should do more to extend our networks internationally, but could we please find somewhere a bit warmer, it was -25^o C most of the time!”

Natalie tucks into her borstch (beetroot, cabbage and beef broth)

Goose with all the trimmings!

Sporting Success

Last Saturday (6 February) Asian University hosted Burapha University in a full day of sports and activities and we are very proud to inform you of the very pleasing results in all of the events:

* Male Volleyball (Asian U Won)

* Male Basketball (Asian U Won)

* Female Basketball (Asian U Won)

* Female Chairball (Asian U Won)

* Tug of War (Asian U Won)

* Football a draw 3-3

This event takes place each year, and Burapha will be the hosts next year.