Establishment of the Kumamoto University Alumni Association in Thailand
On March 21, 2024, Kumamoto University Alumni Association in Thailand (KUAT) was officially established, becoming the fourth overseas alumni association following those established in China, Indonesia and Vietnam. To commemorate the milestone, a ceremony was held in Khon Kaen, Thailand, attended by approximately 60 people, including Mr. Sorut Sukthaworn, the Ambassador of Thailand to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (former Consul General of the Royal Thai Consulate General in Fukuoka), Dr. Yoshio Otani, Director of the JSPS Bangkok Office, President Hisao Ogawa of Kumamoto University (KU), former international students of KU, and faculty and staff from KU’s partner universities in Thailand.The ceremony commenced with an opening address delivered by Prof. Temduang Limpaiboon from Khon Kaen University, who is serving as the first chair of the alumni association. Following this, President Ogawa, Ambassador Sukthaworn, President Charnchai Panthongviriyakul of Khon Kaen University, and Director Otani, each delivered congratulatory speeches adding warmth to the atmosphere of this memorable occasion. Subsequently, Dr. Jun Otani, Executive Vice President of KU presented Chair Limpaiboon with an Alumni Association Certificate.
Prior to the ceremony, a signing ceremony to renew the inter-university exchange agreement was held at Khon Kaen University in on the same day. Since the initial signing of the inter-university agreement between KU and Khon Kaen University in 2004, the two universities have strengthened collaborations across various fields, with a particular focus on medicine. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the agreement, highlighting the longstanding collaboration between the two universities. During the ceremony, a video showcasing the current state of both universities was presented, followed by welcoming remarks from President Panthongviriyakul and congratulatory remarks from President Ogawa. Many alumni of KU are currently enrolled at Khon Kaen University and actively contribute as faculty members, further enhancing the potential for future exchanges and collaboration among two universities.
Presentation of Certificate to the Chair of KUAT
Left: Prof. Temduang Limpaiboon, Chair of KUAT
Right: Dr. Jun Otani, Executive Vice President of KU
Left: Prof. Temduang Limpaiboon, Chair of KUAT
Right: Dr. Jun Otani, Executive Vice President of KU
Attendees of the KUAT Establishment Ceremony
Signing Ceremony at Khon Kaen University
Left: President Hisao Ogawa
Right: President Charnchai Panthongviriyakul
Left: President Hisao Ogawa
Right: President Charnchai Panthongviriyakul