KU welcomed administrators and students from Moscow State University of Geodesy and Cartography (MIIGAiK), Russia

          On 26^th March 2024, Kamphol Adulavidhaya Conference Room, 2^nd floor of the Kasetsart Golden Jubilee Administration and Information Center Building, Kasetsart University Bangkhen Campus, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Somwang Khantayanuwong, Vice President for Health Science Development and Suphan Buri Area, along with administrators and lecturers, namely Assoc. Prof. Dr. Buncha Chinnasri, Deputy Director of Kasetsart University International College (KUIC); Asst. Prof. Wing Commander Dr. Ngamlamai Piolueang, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences; Dr. Thepthai Chaithong, Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences; Asst. Prof. Dr. Patamaporn Sripadungtham, Deputy Dean for International Affairs, Faculty of Engineering; Asst. Prof. Dr. Piyajit Pratipasen, Faculty of Fisheries; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Weeraphart Khunrattanasiri, Department of Forest Management, Faculty of Forestry and Vice Dean of the Graduate School; Dr. Chutipong Romsonthi, Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences; Dr. Preeprang Thanomsakchai, Department of Political Science and Public Administration, Faculty of Social Sciences; and representatives of the International Affairs Division, welcomed 14 administrators and students from Moscow State University of Geodesy and Cartography (MIIGAiK), Russia, led by Nadezhda Kamynina, Rector; Aleksei Karpukov, Vice-Rector; Svetlana Shvedova, Vice-Rector; Elena Smirnova, Press Secretary; Andrei Materukhin, Dean of the Faculty of Geoinformatics and Information Security; Tatiana Mashkova, Deputy Dean of Land Management Faculty; Andrey Kupriyanov, Head of the Applied Geodesy Department; and Iuliia Niiazova, Head of the Rector’s Office on the occasion of visiting Kasetsart University.

          Established in 1779, MIIGAiK is renowned as the largest university of geodesy and cartography in Europe. According to the Rusvuz Educational Center, MIIGAiK graduates mostly contribute to territorial and natural resource exploration, map design, city and road construction, and industrial enterprises in Russia. During this visit, MIIGAiK aims to strengthen collaboration between KU and itself, as well as between Thailand and Russia, particularly focusing on academic mobility, collaborative research, and joint study programs. As part of MIIGAiK's 245th anniversary celebration, the university has initiated a project named “Time Capsule Anniversary Trip to the Future”. This project involves collecting messages from students, lecturers, and governmental authorities about significant events, which will be placed in a capsule and sent to the International Space Station. The capsule will then travel worldwide, visiting partner countries along with Russia.

          Before the discussion, all participants stood in a moment of silence to pay tribute to the victims of the incident at the Crocus City Hall Concert Hall in Moscow. Later, KU administrators and lecturers provided information about the various faculties and departments, including collaborative projects. For instance, Asst. Prof. Wing Commander Dr. Ngamlamai Piolueang mentioned the Faculty of Social Sciences' Summer School program, which offers opportunities for international students to learn about Thai culture and geographical equipment and technology. The Faculty is pleased to consider providing scholarships to Russian students. Additionally, Asst. Prof. Dr. Patamaporn Sripadungtham proposed a training workshop in mechanical engineering for international students. Following this, MIIGAiK's administrators will visit the Geography Department, Faculty of Social Sciences, on the following day (Wednesday, March 27th, 2024) to discuss collaboration with the department. After the discussion, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Somwang Khantayanuwong presented a souvenir of appreciation to Rector Nadezhda Kamynina before all attendees took group photos together.