Volume 15 Number 3 - Mahidol University

eaturesNobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2008On 6 October, Prof. Harald ZurHausen, MD, was awarded one-half ofthe Nobel Prize in Physiology orMedicine 2008, for his discovery ofhuman papilloma viruses causing cervicalcancer. Prof. Harald Zur Hausen is aProfessor Emeritus and former Directorof Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum(German Cancer Research Center) inHeidelberg, Germany. He was also the recipient of the PrinceMahidol Award in Public Health 2005 for the same discovery.The human papilloma virus (HPV) is one of the leadingcauses of cervical cancer and the third most commonly foundcancer in women. Approximately, 500,000 women arediagnosed with cervical cancer each year, and about 80% ofthose cases are in the developing world. Prof. Zur Hausen’sdiscovery of the correlation between the human papilloma virusand cervical cancer has been instrumental in prevention of thecancer and developing vaccines against HPV.Mahidol University ranks 251st in theTHE – QS World University Rankings 2008The Times Higher Education (THE) in collaborationwith Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) has announced the resultsrankings_logoof THE-QS World UniversityRankings 2008. This year MahidolUniversity has been ranked 251stamong the world’s top 400universities, up from last year’s place of 284th. Weightings ofthe overall rankings are compiled based on six distinctindicators: Academic Peer Review 40%, Employer/RecruiterReview 10%, International Faculty 5%, International Students5%, Student Faculty Ratio 20% and Citations per Faculty20%. THE-QS World University Rankings 2008 was alsobroken down by subject, and Mahidol University has beenranked in Life Sciences & Biomedicine at 113th and NaturalSciences at 270th. The full lists of rankings and all details ofmethodological explanations are featured on the QS websiteat www.topuniversities.com and on the THES website atwww.thes.co.uk .Mahidol University : Building Links with NepalDuring 16 – 18 November, President of Mahidol University,Clin. Prof. Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn and a delegation fromMU visited Nepal for the signing of a Memorandum of Understandingfor Academic Cooperation between MU and Kathmandu UniversityKathmandu1(KU). The delegation from MU included Clin. Prof. TeerawatKulthanan, Dean of Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital; Prof. RajataRajatanavin, Dean of Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital;Prof. Skorn Mongkolsuk, Dean of Faculty of Science; Assoc. Prof.Phitaya Charupoonphol, Dean of Faculty of Public Health; Assoc.Prof. Wariya Chinwanno, Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences andHumanities; Asst. Prof. Sittipong Dilokwanich, Dean of Faculty ofEnvironment and Resource Studies; Assoc. Prof. Patcharee Lertritand Asst. Prof. Chanuantong Tanasugarn, Faculty of Graduate Studies; and Asst. Prof. Pongrama Ramasoota, Faculty ofTropical Medicine. Over the 3-day visit the delegation took part in many activities that will contribute to the strengthening of apartnership between Nepal and Thailand.Apart from the MOU signing, the MU delegates met with Nepalese graduates of MU that make up the MahidolUniversity Alumni Association Nepal (MUAAN). Established in 2006 as a non-governmental organization, MUAAN aims tostrengthen academic ties and developmental cooperation between Thailand and Nepal. During the meeting, MU and MUAANdiscussed support for and implementation of MUAAN’s work plan for 2008 – 2009. Furthermore, the President of MU anddelegates met with the President of Nepal to discuss plans for development and collaboration.The trip to Nepal was a stepping stone for future collaboration between Mahidol University and Kathmandu University,as well as cooperation between Thailand and Nepal. The cultivating of this relationship was demonstrated through the warmwelcome extended by Prime Minister of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal ‘Prachanda’, to Clin. Prof. Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn, at KU’scommencement ceremony on 18 November. As the Guest of Honor, the President of Mahidol University delivered acongratulatory speech to the Kathmandu University graduates, along with Chief Guest, Dr. ABJ Abdul Kalam, the formerPresident of India, who gave the convocation address.2SPECTRUMMAHIDOL UNIVERSITY

eaturesIn Remembrance of H.R.H Princess Galyani VadhanaOn 14 November, President of MahidolUniversity, Clin. Prof. Piyasakol Sakolsatayadornpresided over the honored title granting ceremonyof “Phra Kanlayanamitrachan” (Great Teacher whohas been a most splendid Friend) to the late HerRoyal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana KromLuang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra. This specialtitle was proposed by the Ministry of Education,and approved by the Cabinet, to show theirgratitude for the contributions of Her Royal Highnessto the education sector of the nation. Many university administrators, studentsand staff attended the ceremony that was held during the national mourning for royal cremation of Her Royal Highness PrincessGalyani Vadhana from 14-19 November.Princess Galyani Vadhana of Thailand, Princess of Naradhiwas passed away on 2 January 2008 at the age of 84 aftera long battle with cancer. She was the daughter of Prince Mahidol and the elder sister of King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII) andKing Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX). She was also a direct granddaughter of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) and QueenSavang Vadhana of Siam. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of Thai people.Mahidol University Helps Develop Health Personnel in LaosProf. Napatawn Banchuin,VicePresident of Mahidol University, led adelegation of about 15 MU administrativestaff to the seminar on Medical and PublicHealth Technology Training Project forHealthcare Personnel of the Lao People’sDemocractic Republic in Vientiane, Laosduring 12 -13 October. Among thedelegation were Prof. Rajata Rajatanavin,Dean of Faculty of Medicine RamathibodiHospital, Assoc. Prof. TheeralaksnaSuddhasthira, Dean of Faculty of Dentistry,Assoc. Prof. Virapong Prachayasittikul,Dean of Faculty of Medical Technology,Assoc. Prof. Phitaya Charupoonphol,Dean of Faculty of Public Health, Lecturer Chuthamanee Suthisisang, Dean of Faculty of Pharmacy, and Asst. Prof. PhanorsriAttanath, Faculty of Tropical Medicine. Around 50 participants, 26 of these were Thai, attended the seminar held at VientianePlaza. The objectives of the seminar were to inform the participants of the medical and public health situation in Laos, and tobrainstorm a 5-year plan to assist the development of Laos’ healthcare personnel with the ultimate goal of improving the livingconditions in the country.The project is under the sponsorship of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and jointly run by Prof.Emeritus Kraisid Tontisirin, and the Ministry of Public Health of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Prof. EmeritusKraisid is the Senior Advisor to the Institute of Nutrition, MU and also the Project Advisor to H.R.H. Princess Maha ChakriSirindhorn.The MU Representatives presented the training curricula plan available for medical and public health personnel ofLaos and Prof. Napatawn Banchuin illustrated how Mahidol University would support the project. The first training programwill be held from 1 February to 15 March 2009.September - December 2008SPECTRUM 3

MU NewsWorkshop on The Insider’s Guide to GettingPublished in International ResearchJournalsOn 5 November, the Planning, Research andDevelopment Department of Mahidol University InternationalCollege in association with Emerald Group Publishing hosteda workshop on “The Insider’s Guide to Getting Published inInternational Research Journals” at Mahidol UniversityInternational College, Salaya Campus. The presenter of theworkshop was Mr. Adam Sutcliffe, the Senior BusinessManager of S.E. Asia for Emerald Group Publishing. EmeraldGroup Publishing is the leading English language publisher ofacademic and professional literature in the fields of managementand library services, and they boast a worldwide readershipof over 15 million people.Mr. Adam Sutcliff brought his extensive knowledgeand expertise to the workshop and shared information abouthow to get published in the right journal; how to target yourwork more effectively; the key questions that make or breaka paper; how to peer review your own work; and the secretsof revision. The workshop was beneficial to all participants,especially those who had yet to have their work published.Special Lecture on “Science as a Basis forBridging Between Cultures and FosteringPeace and Development”On 19 December, theInternational Peace Foundation andFaculty of Science, MahidolUniversity hosted a special lecture on“Science as a basis for Bridgingbetween Cultures and FosteringPeace and Development” at theFaculty of Science, PhayathaiCampus. The keynote speaker wasProf. Roger D. Kornberg, a biochemist and professor at theMedical School of Stanford University in the Department ofStructural Biology. He was also awarded the 2006 NobelPrize in Chemistry for his research on the molecular basis ofeukaryotic transcription. His findings have explained theprocess by which genetic information is copied from DNA toRNA and this has paved the way for unlocking new therapeuticapproaches towards illnesses such as cancer, heart diseaseand various kinds of inflammation. The Nobel Laureate lecturewas very informative and insightful into the links betweencultures and science.New Administrators AppointedProf. Prasert AuewarakulDirector, Institute of Science andTechnology for Research and DevelopmentMs. Anuch JiravanchaikulDirector, Division of FinanceOffice of the PresidentThai and Foreign Cultural ExchangeOn 13 and23 November2008, the Facultyof Medical Technology,MahidolUniversity organizedthe “ReceptionParty: Forumof Thai and ForeignCultural Exchange.” The key functions of the gatheringswere to introduce the Faculty, encourage cooperationbetween the international and Thai staff, students and traineesand to develop opportunities for Thai and foreign culturalexchanges. The events over the two days included a receptionparty at the Science and Technology Building , and a 1-dayThai Cultural Study trip to Petchburi province.Documentary Broadcast:“Reality”“Reality”,adocumentary broadcaston Modern 9 TV,interviewed Assoc.BroadcastProf. Krisana Pengsaa,Head of the Departmentof Tropical Pediatrics,Prof. Srivicha Krudsood,of the Department ofTropical Hygiene and Mrs. Keawmala Palakul, a scientist inthe Department of Medical Entomology, about changes indiseases related to changes in the world environment.The program encouraged and informed the audience to protectNature’s health, and consequently their own health.The interviews were held at the Faculty of Tropical Medicine,Phayathai Campus, Mahidol University, and the documentaryaired on 25 September.4SPECTRUMMAHIDOL UNIVERSITY

MU NewsMU Welcomes Exchange studentsfrom University of ArizonaOn 3 November, Dean of Faculty of Pharmacy, Assoc.Prof. Chuthamanee Suthisisang, welcomed Ms. CharlotteCampbell and Mr. John Vo, Ph.D. Pharmacy students fromthe College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona. They came toThailand for their International Clerkship Rotation under thesupervision of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University.This program is under the US-Thai Pharmacy SchoolConsortium Collaboration. The clerkship period was from 3November to 10 December 2008.Visitors from Osaka University of HumanSciencesShort - Term Student Exchange ProgramFrom 1-12 September 2008, 10 students from KyushuUniversity, Japan, attended the Short-term Student ExchangeProgram at Mahidol University, Salaya. Kyushu University andMahidol University have collaborated in this program since2007 to provide opportunities for students to study and gainfirst-hand experience in language and cultural studies in anothercountry. The activities arranged for the Japanese studentsincluded Thai language classes and lectures, introductionlessons to Thai music, dancing, and cooking, and sightseeingprograms in Thailand. These activities were jointly organizedby the International College (MUIC), Faculty of Arts and theInternational Relations Division at Mahidol University. 10students from Mahidol University will be attending a similarprogram at Kyushu University in April 2009.CMMU Visits Sophia University, Tokyo, JapanOn 8 September, a small delegation from theDepartment of Environment and Architect Design, OsakaUniversity of Human Sciences in Japan, visited the Faculty ofEnvironment and Resource Studies at the Salaya Campus.Ms. Kumiko Sugimoto, a lecturer from Osaka University ofHuman Sciences, led the delegation and participated in thediscussion on student activities between Osaka University ofHuman Sciences and Faculty of Environment and ResourceStudies, MU. Through environmental activities the studentshave cooperated with communities in various ways includingthe building of small dams, and clay houses, as well as disposalof trash. These joint activities have not only helpedcommunities, but they have strengthened ties between the twouniversities. The visit was concluded with a short tour aroundthe Salaya Campus and the delegation was particularlyimpressed by the beautiful architecture of the Thai House.Dr. AstridKainzbauer from theCollege of Management,MahidolUniversity, visitedSophia University todiscuss the newstudent exchangeagreement betweenCMMU and Sophia’s Graduate Program in Global Studies.Sophia University is a private university based in Tokyo, Japan.Among the top ranked universities in Japan, it is regarded as themost international university in Japan with an internationalstudent ratio of 30%. In addition, many of Sophia’s Japanesestudents have an international education background and havelived overseas for many years.CMMU students can join the exchange programand study in Sophia’s Graduate Program in Global Studiesin their “M.A. in International Business” Degree Program. Allcourses are taught in English and Japanese language coursesare offered for international students.September - December 2008SPECTRUM 5

CollaborationActivitiesNew Collaboration Agreements-On 25 June, MU and the University of Iceland, signedan MOU on Academic Cooperation.The Agreement willfoster academic exchanges between the two institutions ona University-wide level with a focus in the Natural Sciences.-On 17 September,MU and KunmingMedical University,China (rightpicture) signed anMOU for futurecollaboration betweenthe two institutions.-On 17 November, an MOU was signed betweenKathmandu University and MU in Nepal. This MOUwas signed on a University-wide level with the mainparticipating faculties being the Faculty of Public Health, andthe Faculties of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital and SirirajHospital, MU and Kathmandu University’s School ofMedicine.Establishment of a Sister - University relationshipwith Chiba University, JapanOn 29October, Prof. SkornMongkolsuk, Deanof the Faculty ofScience and histeam visited ChibaUniversity, asrepresentatives ofMahidol University, in the MOU signing ceremony betweenChiba University and Mahidol University. Prof. Yasushi Saito,the President of Chiba University, gave a speech in honor ofthis fruitful agreement, in which both institutions have agreedto work towards strengthening their academic and researchcollaboration. Several collaborative activities will continue andfuture activities will be set up such as cyber-courses,teleconferences, joint seminars/meetings, and a joint studyprogram.During the visiting schedule at Chiba University, Prof.Skorn Mongkolsuk was invited as a guest lecturer to give apresentation on the topics of ‘Progress in Research andDevelopment in Faculty of Science, Mahidol University’ and‘Biomedical and Biotechnology Research in Bacterial Sensingand Responding to Stress’. The lecture was given to staff andstudents of Chiba University at the Faculty of Pharmacy andat the Faculty of Horticulture, while being broadcasted throughinternet (real time) to Thai students at the Faculty of Science,Mahidol University.International Training Course on Biologyand Pathology of the Penaeid ShrimpThe Centre of Excellence for Shrimp MolecularBiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, MahidolUniversity and the Shrimp Biotechnology Business Unitwithin the National Centre for Genetic Engineering andBiotechnology organized The International Training Course onBiology and Pathology of the Penaeid Shrimp from 7-17October 2008 at the Chalermprakiet Building, Faculty ofScience.The course was comprised of morning lecture sessionsconcerning the life cycle, anatomy, physiology, and immunologyof shrimp, as well as the nature and diagnosis of majorpathogens. In the afternoon, the participants were involved inpractical sessions, in which disease monitoring and diagnosistechniques from gross observation to transmission microscopyand advanced molecular biology techniques such aspolymerase chain reaction, were examined. There was also a1-day field trip to a hatchery, and a final examination includedin the course. Upon completion of the course, the participants,mainly post-graduate students and researchers, gained a wideextent of knowledge that they would be able to apply to theirown research and fields of expertise.Asia Pacific Alliance for Health Leaders ForumFrom 29 September– 2 October, 2008,the Faculty of Nursingand the Faculty ofMedical Technology,Mahidol Universityhosted the Asia PacificAlliance for HealthLeaders (APAHL)Forum with the following theme: “Health Leaders inHealth Promotion.” The forum included lectures, workshops,panel discussions, and presentations on issues related tohealth care in Asia with a special focus on Thailand.The participants were also given an opportunity to visit theCommunity Health Centre in Bangkok. The forum concludedwith a trip to the Grand Palace and a farewell party at MahidolUniversity.6SPECTRUMMAHIDOL UNIVERSITY

ActivitiesAnniversary of Mahidol DayMahidol Day, on 24 September, commemorates the life and death of His Royal HighnessPrince Mahidol of Songkla, the current King’s father and the namesake of Mahidol University.Throughout his life, H.R.H. Prince Mahidol made many contributions to education and medicine thathave had lasting impacts in Thailand. His initiatives and dedication have led to the improvement ofmodern medicine and public health in Thailand, such that he has been honored with the title of “Fatherof Modern Medicine and Public Health of Thailand.” In honor of His Royal Highness’ a statue hasbeen erected in his memory at Siriraj Hospital. On 24 September, Mahidol faculty and staff tookpart in a wreath laying ceremony at the statues of His Royal Highness at Siriraj Hospital and Office ofthe President. In addtition, Siriraj Hospital medical studentsraised money to help citizens in need by making small MahidolDay flags and accepting donations in return for the flags.Since the death of HRH Prince Mahidol on 24 September1929, annual ceremonies have been held throughout Thailand to pay respect to andhonor His Royal Highness’ contributions to Thai people.World Premier of Opera in Thai Languagefor Thai Children and TeenagersOn 21 and 22November, the ThailandPhilharmonic Orchestra,presented Krisada Reyes’The Story of Long-goneAnimals and NicolaiRimsky-Koraskov’sScheherazade, at theCollege of Music, MahidolUniversity. The opera soloists in the first opera wereSiriwaranya Supranee as Dao Nua, Fuenglada Prawang asMother and Piyawat Pantana as Dodo. The parades of theextinct animals were performed by B-floor theatre group.Krisada Reyes’ first opera appeals to the younger generationas it incorporates themes and music that they can identify with.The opera is set in the bustling metropolis of Bangkok andfollows the life of Dao Nua, a sick teenager filled with despair.In a vision, she is taken to an enchanted land filled with extinctanimals and this experience changes her feelings of despairinto a deep appreciation for the value of life. Not only doesthe story resonate with modern teenagers, but the mixture ofjazz, popular, and classical music captures the youngeraudiences.The second opera by Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844-1908) titled Scheherazade is based on One Thousand andOne Nights, a 14 th century folktale about a woman who usesher wits to change the mind of a king. The opera delightsaudiences with its magical undertones, unique scales, ominousbass line played by the brasses, and beautiful violin melodieswoven into the story.Three Dimensional Computer Animation Produced byDeaf Students: the First in ThailandAfter attending 9 months of Training in a 3-DimensionalComputer Animation Course at I-Creation 3D AnimationInstitute, deaf students from Ratchasuda College gained famefor their creation of animation shorts in honor of Her MajestyQueen Sirikit of Thailand and Her Royal Highness PrincessGalyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra.Fourth year undergraduate students, Mr. ThanaratPalanuson, Mr. Pratiwat Kayankran, Mr. Suriya Thongtae,Mr. Rattakarn Promprasert, Mr. Piyapong Amson, Mr.Kittipong Wisalchai and Mr. Surasit Kiatruangchai, cooperatedwith each other to produce two short animated films. The firstshort film, titled “Mother,” celebrates the auspicious occasionof National Mother’s Day, 12 August 2008, through storiesof mothers’ love and gratitude for their children, and theunconditional love and generosity shown by H.M. Queen Sirikitfor the Thai people. The second short film, titled “I will try,”depicts the unmeasured kindness and humanity of H.R.H.Princess Galyani towards Thai people, particularlyunderprivileged and disabled people.September - December 2008SPECTRUM 7

ResearchActivitiesResearch in Calcium Absorption and Its Effect on Bone DensityAsst. Prof. Narattaphol Charoenphandhu from the Department of Physiology within Facultyof Science, Mahidol University received the 2008 Young Scientist Award from the Foundationfor the Promotion of Science and Technology under the Patronage of His Majesty the King, andthe 2008 TRF-CHE Outstanding New Researcher Award from the Thailand Research Fund(TRF) and Commission on Higher Education (CHE).Asst. Prof. Narattaphol is a principal investigator at the Consortium for Calcium andBone Research (COCAB) and has been recognized for his multidisciplinary work in the investigationof calcium homeostasis and mechanisms that transfer calcium from the diet to the bone.His research has high potential for developing better calcium-fortified tablets with highbioavailability and for the prevention of osteopenia (condition in which a person has less bonemineral density than normal; often a precursor to osteoporosis) and osteoporosis (condition in which bones are porous andfragile; susceptible to fracture under mild trauma). Osteopenia and osteoporosis can occur in both Thai men and women,especially in postmenopausal women.Asst. Prof. Narattaphol and his team of researchers’ investigations have focused on intestinal calcium absorption. Theirstudies will help minimize the loss of bone mineral density in the elderly or patients with chronic metabolic acidosis (a severenegative calcium balance, and a contributing condition to osteoporosis) or other metabolic bone disorders. Normally, ourfractional calcium absorption in the intestine is only 20 percent if we ingest calcium-rich meals such as dairy products or takecalcium supplements. To investigate how this calcium absorption could be increased, Asst. Prof. Narattaphol and his researchteam carried out experiments on female rats with calcium imbalances caused by Chronic Metabolic Acidosis (CMA). The teamfound that calcium absorption could be increased with certain proportions of calcium, glucose and amino acids being injestedinto the intestinal fluids. These results can be helpful in designing diets and supplements for patients with CMA, osteoporosis orother bone conditions. Further research into the exact amounts of glucose and amino acids is needed, as adverse effects canresult from a high consumption of glucose.Asst. Prof. Narattaphol’s other research projects are on the study of gene and new protein in bone, as well as intestinalcells that may increase the amount of calcium absorption in order to strengthen bones. In addition, this young scientist hasinitiated several new research projects concerning the neural control of bone functions; the benefits of low impact-exercise, suchas swimming to adjust bone strength at micro/nano levels; and the complexity of the bone membrane, one of the mechanismsthat influences calcium exchange between bone and blood. This research will hopefully lead to the development of a new drugtargeted at minimizing the effects of bone loss and increasing calcium absorption. This development will help improve the healthof patients suffering from various bone conditions.On 7 September, the Faculty of GraduateStudies, Mahidol University hosted the 7 th Graduate StudiesSports Day at the Salaya Campus. Local and internationalstudents from 4 campuses participated in football, basketball,chair ball, and volleyball competitions throughout the day. Thegames ended in the late afternoon and were followed by anawards ceremony and a dinner. Not only did the students getinvolved in the team spirit, but they bridged friendships withstudents from different faculties and campuses.7 th Graduate Studies Sports Day10SPECTRUMMAHIDOL UNIVERSITY

AwardsDr. VisithThongboonkerd,M.D., Head ofMedical ProteomicsUnit, Office forResearch andDevelopment,Faculty of MedicineSiriraj Hospital, Mahidol Universityreceived the“Outstanding Mid-CareerResearcher Award 2008” for hisresearch project entitled “ProteomicAnalysis of Responses in Renal TubularCells to Calcium Oxalate CrystalAdhesion: Implications for StoneFormation,” from The Thailand ResearchFund (TRF) and the Commission onHigher Education (CHE).Staff HonorsAssoc.Prof. PhitayaCharupoonphol ,Dean, Faculty ofPublic Health,Mahidol Universitywas awarded the“OutstandingManagement Award 2008” in the field ofResearch and Development. The awardceremony was organized by theOrganizing Committee of “OutstandingManagement” and held at ConventionHall, Chulabhorn Research Institute,Bangkok. His Excellency General SurayudChulanont, Privy Councilor presided overthe ceremony on 11 August 2008.Student AwardsProf. NarongSarisuta, aninternationallyrenownedprofessor in theDepartment ofManufacturingPharmacy, wonthe prestigious Ishidate Award2008. The ceremony washeld at the Federation AsianPharmaceutical Association(FAPA) 2008 Scientific Meetingin Singapore during 7 – 10November.Ms.Suleeporn Sujichantararat, Mr. JirayuKomanpichai and Ms. Neera Sriwareeratana, third yearInformation and Communication Technology (ICT) Programstudents, won the Gold Award and a prize of Bt 100,000 atthis year’s SamartInnovation Awards. Theydeveloped the Track Meprogram, a mobilesoftware application,which enables mobileusers to locate their lost orstolen phones.Mr. Ekachai Jeerakul,a 2 nd year student in the Collegeof Music, won 1 st prize in theBerlin International GuitarCompetition that was held from10 – 12 October at Glaskasten Ballsaal, Prinzenallee 33,Berlin. The 38 participants in the competition came from 15different countries and the judging panel was made up of judgesfrom Vietnam, Germany, Brazil and Israel. As the 1 st prizewinner, Mr. Ekachai Jeerakul was awarded a 2,500 Eurosgift certificate, an opportunity to perform in The BerlinInternational Guitar Festival and a seat on the jury for TheBerlin International Guitar Competition 2010.September - December 2008During the 9 th Osaka International MusicCompetition, held on October 5 and 10 -13, MahidolUniversity students from College of Music were awarded withvarious prizes; some are as follows:Ms. Doungnapha Phungtongkum,a 3rd year Thai Music undergraduatestudent, won the 2 nd prize in SectionII, Folk Instruments Category for herperformance on Khong Wong Yai.Her accompanists were Mr. DejchKong-Im, and Mr. Wutichai Jarungklin. She also received theInternational Cultural Exchange Prize in the Grand FinalRound.The Siam SaxophoneQuartet: Supat Hanpatanachai(center, sopranosaxophone), PromwutSudtakoo (left, altosaxophone), WisuwatPrukawanich (right, tenorsaxophone) and Anong Fuangfoo (back, baritonesaxophone), all current Mahidol students, were awarded withthe 3rd prize in Section II, Ensemble Category.SPECTRUM 11

ContactsDistinguished Visitors to Mahidol University- 17/9 H.E.AmbassadorG. John (leftphoto) from theEmbassy of theUnited States ofAmerica inThailand, waswelcomed byClin. Prof.Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn, President of Mahidol Universityfor the discussion of cultural and educational collaborationbetween Mahidol University and institutions of higher educationin USA.-7/10 Delegation from Ebonyi State University, Nigeria metwith Prof. Prasit Watanapa, Vice President for HumanResources and Quality Development, Mahidol University ona visiting program to discuss possible collaboration.-9/10 Ms. Sheila Ganesan, Executive, International Office,University of Nottingham in Malaysia, met with Ms.Boonyarat Suwanchinda, Director of International RelationsDivision, MU to discuss the possibility of a student/staffexchange and research collaboration.- 14/10 Ms. Pauline Taylor, Associate Director, InternationalRelations of the University of New South Wales, Australiamet with Ms. Boonyarat Suwanchinda, Director ofInternational Relations Division, MU to discuss student mobilityand research exchanges.- 19/11 Prof. Adekheid H. Brantner from Institute ofPharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacognosy, University of Graz,Austria was welcomed by Dean Chuthamanee Suthisisang fromMahidol University’s Faculty of Pharmacy at MU for discussionson research and student exchanges between the two faculties.- 25/11 A team of 4 researchers from Chengdu MedicalCollege, China visited Mahidol University’s Faculty ofPharmacy to discuss the possibility of research collaborationon herbal medicine between the two institutions.- 25/11 Assoc. Prof. Churnrurtai Kanchanachitra, VicePresident for Collaboration and Networking at MahidolUniversity welcomed Dr. Ralph Weeks, President, and Mr.Rusel Boris, International Education Manager of Medicine HatCollege, Canada, to Mahidol University for discussion onacademic collaboration.Chief Editor: Ms. Boonyarat Suwanchinda Editorial Staff: Ms. Suchada Phruthonkul,Ms. Khanittha Nimon, Ms.Amy Penner- 26/11 Prof. Dr. Abdul Karim Mirasa, Dean of Faculty ofCivil Engineering, and Prof. Dr. Ariffin Samsuri, Dean ofFaculty of Chemical and Natural Resources Engineering, alongwith Ms. Najmah BT Shamsuddin, the Senior Deputy Registrarin the Academic Management Division from the TechnologyUniversity of Malaysia visited to explore the possibility ofcollaboration with Mahidol University’s Faculty of Engineering.- 26/11 Prof. Napatawn Banchuin, Vice President ofMahidol University, welcomed and delivered a synopsis ofteaching and learning in medicine, nursing, and science andtechnology at Mahidol University to Professor John Daly,Dean, Faculty of Nursing, University of Technology Sydney(UTS), Australia.-27/11 Professor John Taplin, Pro Vice-ChancellorInternational of the University of Adelaide, Australia, metwith Clin. Prof. Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn to discuss possibleacademic collaboration between Mahidol University andUniversity of Adelaide.- 2/12 Assoc. Prof. Churnrurtai Kanchanachitra, Vice Presidentfor Collaboration andNetworking, welcomedrepresentatives fromMalmo University,Sweden (left photo)to discuss academiccollaboration betweenthe two universities.-29/12 Prof. M. Kikuchi, Dean of the Faculty ofHorticulture, Chiba University, Japan, visited the Presidentof Mahidol University, and the Dean of Faculty of Science,MU.Mahidol 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, 2849-6235-6ex: (66) (0) 2849-6237Email: orbsw@mahidol.ac.thWebsite: http://www2.mahidol.ac.th/spectrum/choose.htm(Background: lower of Afgekia Mahidolae, the University tree)12SPECTRUMMAHIDOL UNIVERSITY