Volume 15 Number 2 - Mahidol University

MAHIDOLUNIVERSITYISSN : 0859-6670Wisdom of the LandVolume 15, Number 2 May - August, 2008Congratulations to Honorary Doctorate Degree RecipientsOn 14 July, Mahidol University conducteda ceremony to present academic gowns to 15 HonoraryDoctorate degree recipients, with Clin. Prof. PiyasakolSakolsatayadorn, President, together with distinguishedguests, Deans and Directors in attendance. Five recipientswere awarded a Doctor of Medicine, Honoris Causa,including Prof. Emer. Banyat Prijyanond(seated, 4 th fromleft), who has worked as an instructor and was appointedChief, Respiratory Disease and Tuberculosis Division, atthe Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine SirirajHospital; Prof. Emer. Montri Tuchinda(seated, 2 nd fromleft), an instructor and Head of the Faculty’s Departmentof Pediatrics; Prof. Emer. Kamheang Chaturachinda(back row, far right), who has conducted a number of important medicalstudies useful to public health in Thailand; Prof. Emer. Subharee Suwanjutha(seated, 3 rd from right), founder of the PediatricRespiratory Intensive Care Unit of Thailand; and Prof. Emer. Pongsak Visutphun(back row, 3 rd fromleft), a prominent expert in Pediatrics-Neurology and Chairperson of Epilepsy and Pediatrics of Thailand. Those awardeda Doctor of Science in Tropical Medicine, Honoris Causa, include Prof. Vichai Boonsaeng(seated, left corner), who hasdone various outstanding research especially on DNA typing and biotechnology of shrimp; and Prof. Dr. Nicolas J. White(back row, 1 st from left), a pioneer in tropical disease research who started his work in Thailand as a research doctor atthe Faculty of Tropical Medicine and the Director of Mahidol – Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, and is presently servingas Director, Wellcome Trust South East Asian Research Units.In addition, Assoc. Prof. Pimpan Leangphibul(seated, 3 rd from left) received a Doctor of Science in Medical Technology,Honoris Causa, for her dedication as an instructor for over 30 years and researcher to discover new knowledge in the MedicalSciences; Prof. Dr. Jean – Claude Brosse(back row, 2 nd from left) was awarded a Doctor of Science in Polymer Science andTechnology, Honoris Causa, for his outstanding expertise in organic chemistry, polymer synthesis and chemical modification ofpolymers, particularly natural rubber research, in which field he has made a significant contribution to Mahidol University’s work;Prof. Lt. General Phisal Thepsithar(back row, 3 rd from right) received a Doctor of Dentistry, Honoris Causa, for his workat the Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, and his expertise in medical services and teaching in law andethics for Dentistry at several universities; and Prof. Dr. August Wilhelm Frahm(back row, 4 th from right) received a Doctorof Philosophy in Pharmacy, Honoris Causa, for his expertise in the field of pharmaceutical chemistry and phytochemistry, and hislong association with the Faculty of Pharmacy and other institutions.Thanphuying Sumalee Chartikavanijdelivered an address on behalf of allrecipients.Moreover, Thanphuying Sumalee Chartikavanij(left photo) received a Doctorof Social Science, Honoris Causa, for playing a vital role in the private and public sectorsand for greatly assisting Mahidol Univerisity, with support to encourage participation in itsadministration; Dr. Art-ong Jumsai Na Ayudhya(seated, 2 nd from right) received a Doctorof Education, Honoris Causa, for his expertise in the Society for the Preservation ofWater and the Centre for Sathya Sai Education in Thailand, UN-HABITAT officials andother partners; Prof. Emer. Kraisid Tontisirin(back row, 2 nd from right) received aDoctor of Philosophy in Nutrition, Honoris Causa, for his domestic and internationalexpertise in the field of Nutrition; and Prof. Emer. Pongpit Piyaponse(seated, rightcorner) was awared a Doctor of Science in Technology of Environment Management,Honoris Causa, for his special expertise and knowledge in Geo-science.The International Newsletter of Mahidol University

FeaturesDistinguished VisitorsOn 17 June,H.R.H. Prince Michaelof Kent from GreatBritain visited theFaculty of MedicineSiriraj Hospital. H.R.H.Prince Michael is aRoyal Patron of theChildren Fire and Burn Trust and has a keen interest inmanagement of burn patients throughout the world. Afterpaying homage to the Statue of H.R.H. Prince Mahidol,H.R.H. Prince Michael visited the Siriraj Burn Unit, which hasbeen in operation since 1979 and cares for burn patients of alllevels. In addition, the Unit conducts rehabilitative care forburn patients. H.R.H. Prince Michael greeted burn patients,expressed a special interest in rehabilitating children recoveringfrom burns, and offered an opportunity for Siriraj Hospital tosend child patients to attend a children burn camp arranged bythe Children Fire and Burn Trust in England.On 17 June,Assoc. Prof. PratapSinghasivanon(3 rd fromleft), Dean of the Facultyof Tropical Medicine, onbehalf of the SecretaryGeneral and Coordinatorof SEAMEO TROPMEDNetwork, the Director of SEAMEO TROPMED RegionalCentre for Tropical Medicine (TROPMED/Thailand)and the Faculty Committee, welcomed H.E. Dato’s SeriHishammuddin bin Tun Hussein(2 nd from left), the Ministerfor Education, Malaysia, and the President of SEAMEOCouncil, who visited the SEAMEO TROPMED RegionalCentre for Tropical Medicine (TROPMED/Thailand), at theFaculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University.Special Lecturer from IndiaDhammachari Lokamitra from India gave a SpecialLecture on ‘Non-violent action for the Rights of Dalits’ atthe Faculty of Graduate Studieson 30 July. Lokamitra talkedabout the oppression andinhumane treatment of Dalits,who are on the lowest rung ofthe Hindu caste hierarchy basedon ritual purity and occupation,and outside the varna system.New International Ph.D.in Buddhist StudiesMahidol University is taking the lead in introducinga new international Ph.D. program in Buddhist Studies topromote advanced research on Buddhism in Thailand thatemploys an international standard of academic rigor. The mainaim of the new program is to create Buddhism scholars whocan explain the true, original teaching of the Buddha suitableto modern times, influences from outside religious andphilosophical traditions, its historical developments, and thelanguages used to record them. The program is based onthree guiding principles: to embrace the diversity of theBuddhist tradition, academic excellence, and the firm convictionthat it is impossible to study Buddhist teachings properly unlessthey are analysed in their original language. The programtherefore focuses on two of the major languages in whichBuddhist texts have been composed: Pali and Sanskrit.The new Ph.D. program is thus an exceptionalendeavour. Priding itself on its rigorous approach towardsanalytical research and primary sources and on the diversityand depth of its courses, it is unique among programs availableboth in Thailand and in South East Asia generally. Above all,through their academic excellence, graduates of the programwill be able to promote the importance of Buddhist Studies asa university subject not only in Thailand but also on theinternational stage.More information on the program is available at http://www.st.mahidol.ac.th/bodhi or contact Dr. PathompongBodhiprasiddhinand, Director, at shpbp@mahidol.ac.thor Dr. Justin Meiland, Secretary, at jmeiland@yahoo.com.Joint-supervision Ph.D. StudentThe laboratory Unité deMolécules d’Intérê Biologique,University of Burgundy, France,accepted Ms. Netiya Karaket, aPh.D student from the Departmentof Biotechnology, Faculty ofScience, to enroll for thepreparation of a doctoraldissertation under the jointsupervisionof Mahidol University and the University ofBurgundy. The full title of her doctoral dissertation is‘Chemotypic Variations of Terpenoid compounds in Artemisiaannua L. using Chemical Elicitors’. Ms. Netiya will visit Franceto use the laboratory’s facilities in April 2009. This joint thesisis an activity under a Memorandum of Understandingbetween University of Burgundy and Mahidol University.2SPECTRUMMAHIDOL UNIVERSITY

FeaturesRoyal Jubilee BuildingOn 7 June, H.R.H.Princess Maha ChakriSirindhorn laid thefoundation stone forthe Royal JubileeBuilding, marking HerRoyal Highness’ 50 thbirthday anniversary.The ceremony was held in the presence of the President ofMahidol University, Clin. Prof. Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn,Assoc. Prof. Theeralaksna Suddhasthira, Dean of the Facultyof Dentistry, and other administrators and faculty and studentmembers.This building was named in honour of Her RoyalHighness’ 50 th birthday anniversary and in gratitude for herdedication and continued support in public dental health. TheJubilee Building provides over 90,000 square meters of service,education and research facilities. The 20-story structure willhouse a special 1,000-seat auditorium, with 17 floors above groundand 3 below. The building is expected to be in full operation by2009.Mahidol University International Day 2008International Hemophilia Training Center atMahidol UniversitySince 1984, the World Federation of Hemophilia(WFH) has appointed the Faculty of Medicine RamathibodiHospital, Mahidol University, as the International HemophiliaTraining Center (IHTC)-Bangkok. With Prof. AmpaiwanChuansumrit the current Director, IHTC-Bangkok is nationallyand internationally recognized as a leading treatment centerfor both acquired and hereditary blood disorders in Thailand.The IHTC’s objectives are to provide comprehensivehemophilia care for people with hemophilia from Thailand andother countries and provide patient and physician consultations;train medical and paramedical professionals in Thailand andother developing countries in management of patients withacquired and congenital bleeding disorders; provide accuratecarrier detection for females at risk from known hemophiliafamilies and prenatal diagnosis for carriers who are at risk tohave offspring with severe and moderate hemophilia; continueresearch activity concerning acquired and hereditary bleedingdisorders both in clinical and advanced molecular aspects;maintain regular communication with WFH and IHTC fellows;and participate regularly in WFH activities, meetings and events.Assoc. Prof. Churnrurtai Kanchanachitra (left corner),Assoc. Prof. Sairudee Vorakitphokatorn (2 nd fromright), Prof. Chariya R. Brockelman (right corner)Mahidol University recently held its annual InternationalDay at the National Institute for Child and Family Developmenton 20 June. This event has been held annually since 1991 toprovide an opportunity for international students, staff, andguests to learn more about Mahidol University and Thai culture.A variety of activities included games, light music performedby students from the College of Music, the Thai classical dancesRam Klong Yao by the Faculty of Medical Technology, andRam Sa-wad-dee by the National Institute for Child and FamilyDevelopment, and a Multicultural Dance by MU InternationalCollege. As always, the evening was highlighted by the Mr. &Ms. International Day Contest. Mr. Ajay Panwar, a Master ofPublic Health student from India, and Ms. Sarah Overton, anexchange student at MUIC from the University of CentralArkansas, USA, were selected as Mr. and Ms. InternationalDay respectively.Among other activities, the Center produces Thailanguage education materials for patients; organizes‘Hemophilia Day’ as an educational day for patients withcongenital and hereditary bleeding disorders, and a‘Hemophilia Camp’, a 1-2 day trip to teach parents andpatients to cope properly. The next ‘Hemophilia Camp’ willbe held in October 2008 at Khao Yai National Park,Nakhon Rachasima Province. In addition, the Center alsoeducates medical and paramedical professionals, holding aHemophilia training course for medical and paramedicalprofessionals from Thailand and other developing countriesfor 4-6 weeks during January and February annually. There isalso a short course training for 2 days concerning‘Management of patients with bleeding disorders’ includinglectures and workshops. The latest training was held on22-23 May at Nakornsithammarat Regional Hospital(above photo).May - August 2008SPECTRUM 3

MU NewsOsaka University and JASSO GrantScholarshipsMahidol University Joins Intel,Westinghouse Science Talent Search ContestMs.Bungonsiri IntraMr.Jirayut EuanorasetrMs.Nisa WongsamitkulMs.Orrawan KumdeeThis year, 4 students from Mahidol University wereaccepted to join “FrontierLab@OsakaU”, with the JapanStudent Services Organization (JASSO)’s scholarships namelyMs. Bungonsiri Intra and Mr. Jirayut Euanorasetr, (graduatestudents in Biotechnology), Ms. Nisa Wongsamitkul,(a graduate student in Toxicology), from the Faculty ofScience and Ms. Orrawan Kumdee (a graduate student inTechnology of Information System Management), from theFaculty of Engineering.The FrontierLab@OsakaU is a scientificempowerment program for international students that isdesigned to nurture creative competencies in students byoffering a wide range of potential research directions andemphasizing hands-on laboratory experience. The researchareas focus on Nanotechnology & Molecular Science, LifeScience & Biotechnology, Systems & Robotics, Computing& Information Science, Advanced Material Science, PhotonScience, and Other Emerging Fields. The internship studentswill gain much experience in both research and culturalexchanges.JASSO will grant scholarships only to universities thatcollaborate with Japanese universities. Osaka University andMahidol University established their sister-universityrelationship in 1985 and have developed several collaborativeprojects until now. MU-OU:CRC was set up at the Faculty ofScience, Mahidol University, in 2002 to conduct highlyadvanced research in the field of Bioscience and Biotechnology.MU-OU:CRC is a center of excellence to establish researchacross a range of multidisciplinary researches including cellbiology, enzyme technology, microbiology, molecularbiotechnology, plant biotechnology and bioprocess engineering.An orientation and welcoming by Prof. Skorn Monkolsuk(seated,center), Dean, was organized on 30 June at the Faculty ofScience.Mahidol University International College and Facultyof Science cooperated with the Knowledge Exchange Institute,US, to host 5 American students to conduct their researchwork in various labs and departments at the Faculty of Scienceaccording to their interests from 27 June to 30 July.This program is under the Intel, Westinghouse ScienceTalent Search (STS) Contest. The STS is America’s oldestand most prestigious science research competition for highschool seniors. Since 1942, first in partnership withWestinghouse and since 1998 with Intel, the competition hasprovided a national stage for America’s best and brightest youngscientists to present original research to nationally recognizedprofessional scientists.Short-term Faculty Exchange Program betweenMahidol University and Kyushu UniversityUnder a Short-term Faculty Exchange Programbetween Mahidol University and Kyushu University, Japan,established in 2007, Lecturer Jularat Taechachokevivat(front, 4 th from left), Faculty of Arts, was invited to teachThai Studies and Thai language courses on 6-12 August, 2008,at Kyushu University. Under this Faculty Exchange Program,the faculty member from the home university will be sent toteach a 2-credit course at the host university for 5 days. Thehome university will support the round-trip air-tickets and thehost university will provide accommodation and a livingallowance.4SPECTRUMMAHIDOL UNIVERSITY

MU NewsNew Administrators AppointedAsst. Prof. SunantaVibuljan, Vice Presidentfor EducationAssoc. Prof. ChuthamaneeSuthisisangDean, Faculty of PharmacyAssoc. Prof. WariyaChinwanno, Dean, Facultyof Social Sciences andHumanitiesMr. Richard RalphsPrincipal of the Pre-CollegeProgram, College of Music3 rd Annual Symposium of Protein Societyof ThailandA panel discussion on Indian DanceOn 4 July, the Institute of Language and Culture forRural Development organized a panel discussion on ‘Teyyam:A Divine Dance for South India’ by Dr. V. Jayarajan, Chairman,International Centre for Folklore and Culture, India. Thegeneric term Teyyam is derived from daivam which meansGod; teyyattam (in which ‘attam’ is the word for dance),therefore, denotes the dance of god. In the ritual tradition ofteyyattam, the performer represents God. Confined to theKannur and Kasargod districts of north Kerala, it is performedon different dates between December and May. There aremore than three hundred teyyam performances characterizingthe region. As such, the present day performance may belargely attributed to the mother goddess, and her deities.New Collaboration AgreementsThe symposium was inaugurated by Prof. M.R. Jisnuson Svasti,President of the Science Society of Thailand.The Center for Protein Structure and Function, Facultyof Science, Mahidol University, in collaboration with Laboratoryof Biochemistry, Chulabhorn Research Institute, and theBiochemistry and Molecular Biology Session of the ScienceSociety of Thailand organized the 3 rd Annual Symposium ofProtein Society of Thailand under the theme ‘Frontiers inProtein Research’ on 28-29 August at the ChulabhornResearch Institute Conference Center.The scientific contents of the symposium for this yearcovered applications of various advanced protein technologiesused in the study of protein biochemistry, protein functionsand protein abnormalities in diseases. About 350 attendantsupdated knowledge through listening to renowned scientistssuch as Dr. Atsuo Kumuro, Japan, Prof. Chun-Jung Chen,Taiwan, and Dr. Duangrurdee Wattanasirichaigoon, Prof. M.R. Jisnuson Svasti and others from Mahidol University andalso had an opportunity to discuss and share opinions amongThai protein researchers. The symposium served as a platformfor Thai protein researchers to exchange their views andexperience in protein research.Prof. Skorn Mongkolsuk (left), Dean, Faculty of Science and Prof.Kiyotoshi Matsuoka (right), Dean of Graduate School of LifeScience and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology.• On 21 July, (above photo) a Signing Ceremony was heldfor a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between KyushuInstitute of Technology, Graduate School of Life Science andSystem Engineering and the Faculty of Science, MahidolUniversity (MU). This 5 year MOU (2008-2013) commitsboth sides to work closely on common goals to pursuethe internationalization of education, such as faculty and studentexchange.• MU has concluded an MOU with the Royal MelbourneInstitute of Technology (RMIT). The MOU will be a closelink of cooperation between the Division of Nursing andMidwifery, RMIT, and the Faculty of Nursing, MU, in thefields of public health nursing and women’s health.• MU and SIL International agreed to sign a Memorandumof Understanding as a means of cooperation with regard tothe study of languages and cultures of Thailand, the training ofThai specialists in these fields, and applied linguistics for thebenefit of these language communities.• Mahidol University International College signed anExchange Agreement with ETEA, Faculty of Economic andBusiness Sciences (Educational Institution of the Society ofJesus), Cordoba, Spain.May - August 2008SPECTRUM 5

Conferences/Training CoursesTraining of Trainers Course on ‘Economicand Financial Instruments for IntegratedWater Resources Management’AWARENET, in collaboration with AGUAJARINGnetwork and with the support of CAP-NET, co-organizeda Training of Trainers (ToT) course on ‘Economic andFinancial Instruments (EFI) for Integrated WaterResources Management (IWRM)’ from 2-6 June at the Facultyof Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University.The ToT Course aimed at developing and/or strengtheningtraining capacity in the South East Asian, South Asian, andArab Regions to contribute in the effort of continuouslyimproving the performance of the water sector in thesecountries. Among the 22 participants attending the course, 5were from the Arab region. The main purposes were tostrengthen regional capacities in development and applicationof EFI for IWRM, estimated at 2 participants per countrymember; to develop standard learning material and deliverymethodologies that allows local content and adjustments toaddress national and local IWRM issues within the context ofnational water legislation and governance; and to create aregional Community of Practice in EFI concepts andapplications where skill and knowledge exchange in this fieldcould take place, in this way enhancing regional knowledge inthis field. The course consisted of a combination ofpresentations, discussions, group work, role plays and a fieldvisit. It introduced the IWRM principles and concepts; watervalues and costs; economic and financial instruments and theirapplication in IWRM; climate change, risk management andfinancial implications; and capacity building and planning forIWRM. The course ended with a field visit to the Mae KlongDam whereby participants were introduced to the coverageof the dam, an overview about water allocation, costs andfinances of the dam. The field visit gave the participants handsonexperience on the application of EFI in IWRM.ASMDC 1 st Asian Schools of MusicDirectors ConferenceThe College of Music organized the 1 st Asian Schoolsof Music Directors Conference on 12-13 July. It was the firstseminar gathering for music directors of well establisheduniversity music programs in Asia. This two day event consistedof roundtable director’s sessions, as well as presentations,concerts and social activities. Key discussions included thedevelopment of music of the Asian region, and internationalexchanges and networking that would contribute to the growthof music education. The program was highlighted by a keynoteaddress by Professor James Scott, Dean of the College ofMusic, University of North Texas, US, and a presentationby Professor Gene Cho, Ethnomusicology, University ofNorth Texas, titled ‘The Future of Art Music in Asia’. Asa result of this conference, a new organization was formed,the South East Asian Music Director Conference, which willmeet yearly.International Training Course on Epidemiology,Management and Control of DengueThe Faculty of Tropical Medicine hosted anInternational Training Course on Epidemiology, Managementand Control of Dengue on 21 July – 1 August. The courseaimed to provide the most relevant, comprehensive, and up-todateknowledge of dengue infection to participants, physiciansand other health personnel. The program featured lectures,demonstrations, and discussion including case studies, wardrounds in referring hospitals, and a visit to a vector-control unitin a dengue-endemic area. The course contents consisted ofDengue epidemiology/current situation; Pathogenesis andpathophysiology of DHF; Clinical aspects/management; Newstrategies for dengue diagnosis; Complications/unusualmanifestations; Dengue infection in young infants and theelderly; Laboratory update on dengue infection; Denguevaccine; Role of the community in dengue control; andIntegrated dengue surveillance.6SPECTRUMMAHIDOL UNIVERSITY

Conferences/Training CoursesInternational Training Course onManagement of MalariaThe Faculty of Tropical Medicine, MahidolUniversity, in collaboration with the World Health OrganizationRegional Office for South East Asia Region, New Delhi, India,and the Mekong Malaria Program, co-organized theInternational Training Course on Management of Malaria from1-5 September. The objectives of the course were to teach theparticipants in the management of severe and uncomplicatedmalaria both in well-equipped hospitals and places with limitedfacilities; to be updated with anti-malarial drugs in the treatmentof severe malaria; to review and train participants in thelaboratory diagnosis of malaria; and to understand the recentpathogenesis of malaria. This one week long intensive andinteractive course consisted of lectures, discussion, laboratorypractices and demonstrations, bedside ward rounds. Theessential topics in the course included Pathophysiology ofmalaria and severe malaria; Malaria global epidemiology andcurrent situation; Malaria diagnosis and treatment at field level;Malaria control program; Diagnosis and management severeand uncomplicated malaria; Pathology: gross, light andelectron microscopy of falciparum malaria; Guideline fordiagnosis and assessment of severe malaria; Immunology ofsevere malaria; Anti-malarial drug treatment; Management ofcerebral malaria; Management of renal failure, metabolic andelectrolyte disturbance; Management of pulmonary edema;Management of other malaria complications; Laboratorymalaria for diagnosis; Management of severe malaria inpregnancy and children; Malaria in endemic community;Management of severe malaria in areas with limited facilities;Participants had an opportunity to share their experience withother participants in management of malaria in their countries.On completion of this course, the participants could implementtheir knowledge, skills and expertise gained when they returnto their place of work.Seminar on ‘Universal Design for Learningin Higher Education’ at Ratchasuda CollegeOn 4 August, Prof. Napatawn Banchuin, MU’s VicePresident, officially opened a seminar on ‘Universal Designfor Learning in Higher Education’ at Ratchasuda College.The Seminar was organized in compliance with the 4 strategiesof the Commission of Higher Education, Ministry of Education,regarding the educational services plan for students withdisabilities, which included ‘Providing educational opportunity’,‘Developing educational services’, ‘Providing personaldevelopment’, and ‘Promoting employment of graduates withdisabilities’. Speakers from the University of NorthernColorado were invited to share their knowledge andexperiences on universal design for learning, accommodationfor students with disabilities and assistive technology. Theuniversal design for learning could be applied to products,environment and education, and its concept would minimizethe barrier for students with disabilities in achieving theireducational goals.Workshop and Live Demonstration onSingle-Balloon EnteroscopyOn 2 May, the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital,organized a Workshop and Live demonstration on Single-Balloon Enteroscopy at the Siriraj GI Endoscopy Center, thefirst center in Thailand acquiring this procedure. Theworkshop’s objective was to enhance surgeons to understandand gain basic principles and techniques in Single-BalloonEnteroscopy which will benefit future patients. The Centerinvited Prof. Kazuo Ohtsuka(second from left) from theDigestive Disease Center in Japan, a pioneer in research inthis field, to share his experience in the hands-on workshopintegrated with lecture and practice on patients.May - August 2008SPECTRUM 7

Awards/HonorsStaff HonorsAssoc. Prof. Sansanee Choowaew,Director, Wetland ManagementResearch and Training Center, Facultyof Environment and Resource Studies,received the Ramsar WetlandConservation Award and EvianSpecial Prize for 2008 in theEducation category. She has taken aleadership role for wetland education activities of the RamsarCenter Japan as well as serving on the steering committee forseveral Asian Wetland Symposium meetings. She is beingrecognized for her exceptional contribution to wetlandmanagement, education, capacity building, and training inThailand and Asia, having been considerably involved in thecause of wetland conservation for more than 15 years.Prof. Suwilai Premsrirat wasawarded the Comite ´ InternationalPermanent des Linguistes AwardWinner 2008 for work on EndangeredLanguages, from the Comite´International Permanent des Linguisteson 25 July in Seoul, Republic of Korea.Mrs. Pinkaew Nibaddhasobon, Head of NursingUnit, Out Patient Department, Hospital for Tropical Diseases,has been nominated for a SEAMEOService Award 2007/2008. Mrs.Pinkaew has worked at the RegionalCentre for Tropical Medicine, Facultyof Tropical Medicine since 1970.She has been invited to participate inthe SEAMEO Service AwardsProgram on 13-14 March at theSEAMEO Council Conference, KualaLumpur, Malaysia.Dr. Sutee Yoksan from theInstitute of Science and Technology forResearch Development was awardedthe 2009 APSMV ExcellenceAward in recognition of his sterling andsignificant contributions to thedevelopment of medical virology in theAsia–Pacific Region. The ExecutiveCommittee and Members of the Asia–Pacific Society for Medical Virology (APSMV) will presentthe APSMV Excellence Award to Dr. Sutee at the specialceremony during the 8th Asia-Pacific Congress of MedicalVirology (8APCMV) to be held in Hong Kong, China on25-28 February, 2009.Mr. Sarach Wongsuntornpoj, a second yearstudent at the Faculty of Science, has been selected to receivea GE Foundation Scholarship from the GE Foundationand the Institute of International Education. Thisscholarship is effective on 1 June for three years until hefinishes his education.Mr. TanawatPhaovibul from theDepartment of SocialScience, Mahidol UniversityInternational College,received the First Prizeof the Young SpeakersContest in the 10thAUN Educational Forumand Young SpeakersContest, held in Bruneion 20-27 May.Student AwardsMs. SikharinLangkulsen, a MahidolUniversity InternationalCollege student in theEntertainment MediaProgram, was given aonce-in-a-lifetimechance when she wasnamed the winner ofthe Sixth True Visions-BBC World FutureJournalist Award2007-2008. Overcoming candidates from 20 other universities,she attended a three-week intensive training course at the BBCheadquarters in London this June organized by True Visions,BBC World, and the Council of Mass Communication FacultyMembers of Thailand.Ms. HanNah Son is a newmaster student inmusic performanceat the College ofMusic. The SouthKorean born pianistrecently won theRotaract – Rotary Piano Competition in Spain where shewas awarded a special prize for the best interpretationof a Spanish composer.8SPECTRUMMAHIDOL UNIVERSITY

Awards/HonorsMahidol Receives QS-APPLE Promotional AwardsClin. Prof. Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn, President, together with Vice Presidents and universityadministrators attended the 4 th QS Asia Pacific Professional Leaders in Education Conferenceand Exhibition (QS APPLE) on 9-11 July at Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea. The purposes of thistrip were to learn and prepare for becoming a host of the 6 th QS APPLE at Mahidol University inthe year 2010, to publicize hosting, to allow Mahidol University administrators to gain knowledge fordeveloping the university to become 1 of the top 100 World Universities Rankings, and to promotecollaboration and networking between the university and institute members of QS APPLE.As part of the conferencecampaign to stimulate best practice inall aspects of international education,Awards for the Best International Education Promotional Designwere introduced and Mahidol University won First Prize forBest International Website Pages and Second Prize for BestInternational Print Advertisement.Besides attending the conference and exhibition, thePresident and administrators also visited Korea University tosign a General Agreement for Academic Exchange betweenthe two universities and to visit Yonsei University, Kyung HeeUniversity, Ewha Womans University and Dongguk Universityto discuss all possible collaboration aspects.Siriraj Hospital Named ‘Trusted Brand’On 9 May, Mr Simon Cholmeley, Regional Advertising Director, presidedover the Readers’ Digest (Thailand) Co.,Ltd. Trusted Brand Awards 2008Presentation, a survey of product and service brands chosen by consumers accordingto six criteria including Trust, Image, Quality, Value, Consumer Needs and Creativity.Clin. Prof. Teerawat Kulthanan, Dean, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital,represented the Faculty in receiving a Trusted Brand Award 2008 in the “Hospital”catagory. Clin. Prof. Teerawat noted ‘I’m very proud for Siriraj to receive thisaward because besides updating modern technology for treatment, our mostimportant missions are taking care of patients as well as maintaining quality control’.Webometric Ranking of World UniversitiesMahidol University placed 4 th in the nation inthe Webometric Ranking of World Universities and 6 thin South East Asia in results released in July 2008.The university’s rank has improved from 802 (first half ofyear 2008) to 740 (second half of year), and from 5 th to 4 thnationally, after Prince of Songkla University, ChulalongkornUniversity, and Kasetsart University.The Web Ranking is published two times (January &July) per year. This ranking has the largest coverage, rankingmore than 16,000 Higher Education Institutions worldwide.A measure of web presence measures the activity andvisibility of the institutions, while the ranking summarizesthe global performance of each university, providesinformation for candidate students and scholars, and reflectscommitment to the dissemination of scientific knowledge.Best International Convention of the year 2007Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA)Executive Committee announced that the World AllergyCongress 2007 which has been held at the Queen SirikitNational Convention Center in Bangkok, Thailand on 2-6December, 2007 was selected as the Best InternationalConvention of the year 2007. The meeting was scientificallyand socially a great success. The Congress attracted about4,100 delegates from approximately 100 countries worldwide.Prof. Pakit Vichyanond, Deputy Dean of InternationalRelations and Centers for Excellence, the Faculty of MedicineSiriraj Hospital was invited to receive this Award on behalf ofthe President of World Allergy Organization. The Award willbe presented during the 15 th Convention Promotion Seminaron 29 September, 2008, at Centara Grand and BangkokConvention Center at Central World.May - August 2008SPECTRUM 9

InnovationMU NewsMahidol University Develops World First InventionThe ‘Siam Gasohol Kit’(SG-Kit), a compact kit for prompt measuringof ethanol content in gasoline fuels (gasohol), has recently been developed bya group of researchers from Mahidol University and 5 other Thai universitiesforming the ‘Flow Innovation-Research for Science and TechnologyLaboratories’ (FIRST Labs). FIRST Labs is led by Assistant Prof. DuangjaiNacapricha from Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, MahidolUniversity, along with researchers from Srinakharinwirot University, KingMongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Burapha University, KingMongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok and Ubon RajathaneeUniversity. Research grants were received from the Center of Excellence forInnovation in Chemistry, Thailand Research Fund and Bangkok Highlab Co.Ltd. The SG-Kit has won the Mahidol University Award for OutstandingInnovation 2008, and the Prime Minister’s Prize 2008 for OutstandingInnovation.The SG-Kit consists of a colorimetric instrument, accompanyingapparatus and a dispensing bottle of reagent fitted in one convenient three-layer bag. SG-Kit is therefore suitable for on-site analysisfor efficient, laboratory-quality control of gasohol. Ethanol analysis by the SG-Kit is carried out by simply aliquoting 200 mL of thefuel into a reaction vial and placing the vial inside the chamber of the colorimetric instrument. Extraction and reaction will take placeautomatically inside the chamber. A readout of the ethanol content will appear as %(v/v) in 2 minutes. The SG-Kit-provides highprecision (small %RSD) and accuracy (>98%). High resolution allows differentiation of concentration levels of 9.7, 10.0 or 10.3%(v/v) ethanol in gasohol.Siam Gasohol Kit (SG-Kit) comes in a three-layerbag with compartments for meter, apparatus, reagentand manual.Ethanol is an octane booster for gasohol, which is a mixture of gasoline and ethanol. Ethanol is added to gasoline tosubstitute for fossil fuel. After production, the ethanol level may drop due to moisture contamination in fuel tanks or evaporation,thus the quality of the fuel must be monitored. Ethanol content is one of the parameters that must be monitored since ethanolcontent determines the octane number of the fuel.Presently, the SG-Kit is a Mahidol University commercialized product. For more information, please contact Asst. Prof.Duangjai Nacapricha at scdnc@mahidol.ac.th or dnacapricha@gmail.com, or visit www.firstlab-mahidol.com.Protecting Our Climate; Improving Our Health:An International Conference on the PublicHealth Implication of Climate ChangeDr. Maureen Birmingham,WHO Representative toThailand, gave Keynotespeech.A climate change wasorganized by the Faculty of PublicHealth, Mahidol University withsupport of the WHO SEARO,New Delhi and WHO ThailandCountry Office. The three-dayconference took place onAugust 20-22 with openingceremony presided over byH.R.H. Princess SomsaowaleePra Vora Raja Tinudamas.Over two hundredparticipants from 19 countries attended the conference whichserved to raise awareness of the health consequences of climatechange, promote the need for inter-sectoral collaboration, andact as a forum for discussion of strategies to mitigate the healthimpacts of climate change.International Workshop on ‘UniversityCooperation on UMAP Joint Study Program andResearch – Net’To promote wider cooperation for university mobilityin the Asia – Pacific region and beyond, Mahidol University incooperation with UMAP IS and the Commission on HigherEducation, Thailand, will co-organize the ‘InternationalWorkshop on UMAP Joint Study Program and Research-Net’on 11-13 October. The workshop aims to enhance cooperationamong UMAP participating universities, and provide a platformfor UMAP Academic and Research Mobility Forum meetingto share the interests on developing UMAP Joint Study Programand UMAP Research-Net, for increasing mobility ofuniversity students and staff in the Asia – Pacific region. TheOpening Address will be given by Dr. Sumate Yamnoon,UMAP Secretary General, on ‘UMAP Policy and ProjectSupport’. For more details, please visit http://www.umap.org/downloads/WkSpJointStudyProgram-ResearchNet-Oct2008.doc .10SPECTRUMMAHIDOL UNIVERSITY

Upcoming Conferences/Training/WorkshopJoint International Tropical MedicineMeeting 2008 on 13-14 October, 2008The annual Joint International Tropical MedicineMeeting is a highlight in the calendar of tropical medicinespecialists all around the world. The Joint International TropicalMedicine Meeting 2008 will be co-organized by the Facultyof Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, collaborating withParasitology and Tropical Medicine Association of Thailand,TROPMED Alumni Association, and SEAMEO TROPMEDNetwork on13-14 October. The theme of the two-day Meetingis ‘Tropical Medicine in the – omics Era’ and there are a varietyof symposia on topics including Avian Influenza; Cancer &Treatments; Dengue; Health Informatics; HIV/AIDS and OI;Leptospirosis and Rickettsiosis; Malaria; Melioidosis;Molecular Basis of Cholangiocarcinoma and OV; ParasiticInfections; Travel Medicine; Tuberculosis; Vaccines; Vectorsand Medical Entomology and Other Tropical Diseases. TheMeeting provides all those interested in tropical medicine witha not-to-be-missed opportunity to share the latest developmentsin research and treatment for tropical diseases, renew oldfriendships and collaborations, form new ones, and generateexciting new ideas for scientific and medical research.Participants who wish to present the results of their researchare invited to submit an abstract according to the guidelines.Accepted papers will be presented in either oral or postersession, as recommended by the Scientific Committee.Interested participants can register online or find more detailsof this Meeting at www.jitmm.com.‘International DNA Symposium 2008:Towards International Quality’The Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital,Mahidol University, will honorably host the first internationalforensic DNA symposium in Thailand, namely ‘InternationalDNA Symposium 2008: Towards the International Quality’on 9-11 November, 2008, at Pullman Hotels and Resorts,Bangkok. This is the third international forensic DNAsymposium in Southeast Asia. It is a continuous academicactivity involving forensic DNA issues which is open toeveryone interested in this field from all countries. Theobjective of the symposium is to continue the tradition ofkeeping up with forensic DNA technology and maintainpartnerships through international contacts and a variety ofacademic activities. Participants will have opportunities to meetand discuss topics relating to forensic DNA with expertsfrom many outstanding organizations, such as Dr. BruceBudowle, a senior scientist from the FBI in the US.Interested persons and students are cordially invited toattend the symposium. To register and find more details,please visit www.dnathailand2008.com.May - August 2008International Training Course onEnvironmental Health Impact AssessmentThe Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University,in cooperation with WHO Collaborating Center forEnvironmental Management for Disease Vector Control inSustainable Development will co-organize an InternationalTraining Course on Environmental Health Impact Assessmenton10-25 November. This training course aims to developprofessionals not only equipped with knowledge and skillsneeded to conduct a thorough environmental health impactassessment but also professionals imbued with a holistic viewof health and health development and advocates ofenvironmental health and healthy public policies. The coursewill be guided by adult learning principles and will thereforeutilize teaching and learning strategies that will maximizeparticipants’ prior knowledge and experience. This would meanusing a problem-learning approach in knowledge and skillsdevelopment. The course contents consist of six modulesincluding Foundations of EHIA; EHIA Process; ManagingEHIA and Ensuring Quality of Process; Monitoring Long termEffects of Development Projects; Communication andAdvocacy; and Field Exposure to a Development Project.For further information, please visit http://www.tm.mahidol.ac.th/ehia2008/ehia_index.htm.International Conference on Buddhism inthe Age of ConsumerismThe College of Religious Studies, Mahidol University,will organize an International Conference on Buddhism in theAge of Consumerism on 1-3 December. The conference isheld to honor H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej who lives andpromotes the philosophy of “sufficiency economy” to guideThai people to live in moderation and to help the poor earnenough income to keep them happy while preventing themfrom being swept away by the strong current of consumerism.Participants may see how Thai Buddhists manage to copewith the increasing influence of consumerism on their-lives andsociety. The conference will also be useful for Buddhiststhemselves in their struggle to grapple with this reality whileremaining faithful to the teachings. The conference programwill begin each day with lectures by invited speakers and willlater break up into discussion groups to take up the issuespresented in the lectures. Participants will have the opportunityto join in discussions and a later plenary session. 200participants including monks and academics, both Thai andforeign, are expected to join in this conference. For furtherinformation, please visit http://www.crs.mahidol.ac.th/eng/index.htm.SPECTRUM 11

• 13/5 A staff and student delegation from the School ofScience and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia,visited the Faculty of Science.• 20/5 Clin. Prof. Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn, President,Mahidol University, welcomed representatives from the ManuelS. Enverga University Foundation, Philippines, at the Officeof the President.• 22/5 Clin. Prof. Piyasakol and Prof. Napatawn Banchuin,Vice President, welcomed Prof. Dato Dr. Khairul Anuar B.Abdullah, Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Jalan University, and Prof.Dato Dr. C.P. Ramachandran, Committee of the ScienceInstitute, Malaysia, to discuss cooperation in the field ofacademic research, science and technology development.• 6/5 Prof. Napatawn Banchuin, Vice President of MahidolUniversity welcomed Prof. Dominic Houlihan, Vice Principal(Research and Commercialisation) of the University ofAberdeen, Scotland, at the Office of the President.• 27/5 Clin. Prof. Piyasakol and Prof. Napatawn welcomedProf. Prakash Shelty and Prof. Benjamin Caballero,representatives from the Ellison Medical Foundation-International Nutrition Foundation at the Office of the President.• 17/6 Deputy Dean,Dr. Vimut Prasertpuntalong with the DeputyDean for AcademicAffairs, Dr. RaywadeeRoachanakanan, andthe Deputy Dean forPublic Relations andInternational Relations,Dr. Kulvadee Kansantisukmongkol, welcomed visitors from theFaculty of Political Science, Thammasat University, and theInternational Institute of Public Policy and Management,University of Malaya in Malaysia, paid a visit to the Faculty ofEnvironment and Resource Studies. The main purpose of thisvisit was to discuss and exchange ideas about currentenvironmental issues as well as environmental policy, especiallyin Thailand.• 9/6 Mr. Shunichi Shibuya, President of Thai KokokuRubber Co.,Ltd, Japan, met the President to discuss futurecollaboration.• 3/6 Clin. Prof. Piyasakol welcomed a representative fromthe SEARO Mission for Dengue Vaccine Development,Thailand, at the Office of the President.• 6/6 A delegation from the School of Chemical and LifeScience, Nanyang Polytechnic, Singapore, visited the Facultyof Medicine Siriraj Hospital and Faculty of Science.• 30/6 Dr. Tangjie Ward, Head of Corporate Development,External System, University of London, United Kingdom, metProf. Napatawn and administrators to introduce the ExternalSystem of the University of London and seek possibilities ofcollaboration.• 21/7 The Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG), Japan,Visitors to Mahidol UniversityChief Editor: Ms. Boonyarat Suwanchinda Editorial Staff: Ms. Suchada Phruthonkul,Ms. Khanittha Nimon, Ms. Eszayre Pichaibanjasukaincluding Dr. Toyoo Sakurayama, Deputy Director General forTechnical Affairs, Ms. Nagako Nohara, Director for AIDS andEmerging Infectious Diseases Division, Bureau of SocialWelfare and Public Health, and Dr. Hideo Maeda, ChiefDirector, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health visitedthe Faculty of Tropical Medicine to discuss the organizing ofa training course on tropical diseases for TMG’s officials inNovember 2008, since an increasing number of tropical diseaseinfections are occurring in Japan.• 22/7 Dr. John Barrie, President & CEO from iParadigmsCompany, US , presented a Seminar on ‘Turn it in’ at the Institutefor Science and Technology Research and Development.• 28/7 A delegation from Research, Training and ManagementInternational (RTM International), Bangladesh, visited Facultyof Medicine Siriraj Hospital.• 28/7 Mr. Masahiro Watanabe, Program Offices, SumitomoFoundation, Japan, visited.• 11/8 Executives from Balkh University, Afghanistan, visitedMU’s office of the President and Faculty of Engineering. Thepurpose of their visit was to discuss management andadministration of the university.• 22/8 Mr. Yves Charpak, Director of International Affairsof the Pasteur Institute, France, accompanied by Dr. PaulHantzberg met the President together with Assoc.Prof. Sansanee Chaiyaroj, Vice President for Researchand Academic Affairs, Dean of the Faculty of Science, andDr. Pattamaporn Kittayapong to discuss joint research onVectors and Vector-Borne Diseases and future collaborationbetween the two institutions.•26/8 Dr. TisatoKajiyama(left photo),President of KyushuUniversity, Japan,visited MahidolUniversity to discussfuture collaboration.•26/8 Rector andDean of ComputerStudies from BinaNusantara University, Indonesia, visited Mahidol Universityto discuss collaboration possibilitiesMahidol UniversityWeb Site-www.mahidol.ac.thPublished by:International Relations Division, Office of the PresidentMahidol University999 Phutthamonthon 4 Road, Salaya, PhuttamonthonNakhon Pathom 73170, ThailandTel: (66) (0) 2849-6230 (Director), (66) (0) 2849-6231-3, 2849-6235-6Fex: (66) (0) 2849-6237Email: orbsw@mahidol.ac.thWebsite: http://www2.mahidol.ac.th/spectrum/choose.htm(Background: Flower of Afgekia mahidoliae B.L.Burtt&Chermsir)12SPECTRUMMAHIDOL UNIVERSITY