KU welcomed administrators from Pukyong National University (PKNU), South Korea

          On 8^th February 2024, Meeting Room No.9, 2^nd floor of the Kasetssart Golden Jubilee Administration and Information Center Building, Kasetsart University Bangkhen Campus, Dr. Chongrak Wachrinrat, President of Kasetsart University, along with administrators and lecturers, namely Associate Professor Dr. Chamaipak Maiklad, Assistant to the President for International Affairs; Associate Prof. Dr. Chawalit Kittichaikarn, Assistant Dean for International Affairs, Faculty of Engineering; Assistant Professor Dr. Korakit Choomgrant, Deputy Dean for International Affairs and Educational Development, Faculty of Social Sciences; Associate Prof. Dr. Napasri Timyam, Deputy Dean for International Affairs, Faculty of Humanities; Associate Prof. Dr. Paphonphat Kobsirithiwara, Head of Department of Eastern Language, Faculty of Humanities; Mrs. Hathaitus Semchuchot, Acting Director of International Affairs Division; representatives of the Faculty of Humanities; and representatives of the International Affairs Division, welcomed and discussed academic collaboration with administrators from Pukyong National University (PKNU), South Korea, namely Professor Jang Young-soo, the president of PKNU and Hyunwoo Kim, Ph.D., Provost of International Affairs on the occasion of visiting Kasetsart University.

          After watching the introduction videos of KU and PKNU, both universities exchanged brief information. PKNU, founded in 1924, is the first university in Busan and resulted from the merger of the National Fisheries University of Busan and Busan National University of Technology. Therefore, PKNU has excelled in engineering and marine science for a long time. Currently, PKNU has around 25,000 students and approximately 1,500 international students. PKNU signed the first Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with KU in 2011. The details included student and faculty exchange programs, joint research initiatives, and co-hosting academic conferences or seminars, etc. PKNU is keen on expanding its collaborative relationship with partner universities worldwide to promote internationalization and provide its students with opportunities to learn about diverse cultures through student exchange programs.

          PKNU proposed an academic collaboration plan which were Student and Faculty Exchange Program, International Program: KU students will study at KU for 3 academic years and then at PKNU for 1 academic year, International Summer School: a 4-week program for cultural learning and extracurricular activities in South Korea, and Korean Language Program: specifically designed for international students. At the end of the academic discussion, both universities agreed to further discuss the specific details of these programs. Lastly, Dr. Chongrak Wachrinrat, President of Kasetsart University presented a souvenir for administrators from PKNU and participated in a group photo session.