Vol. 17 No. 3 September 2012

Thammasat University Graduation Ceremony Academic Year 2011 His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha graciously presided over the Graduation Ceremony at Thammasat University, Tha Prachan Center, on August 30, 2012. At the ceremony, 326 SIIT graduates received bachelor’s degrees (147 in Engineering and 179 in Science (Technology)), 23 graduates received master’s degrees, and 7 graduates received doctoral degrees. Since its inception in 1992, the Institute has graduated 17 batches of students, totaling 4,878 bachelor’s degrees, 148 master’s degrees, and 66 doctoral degrees.

Numbers of SIIT Graduates, Academic Years 2001 – 2011

Bachelor's Degree Program 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Building Facilities Engineering (BF) - - - 4 5 1 - - - - - Civil Engineering (CE) 50 24 38 43 42 22 37 17 34 26 19 Chemical Engineering (ChE) ------23 23 64 48 31 Electrical Engineering (EE) 63 40 64 51 5 1 - - - - - Electrical Power Engineering (EP) - - - 13 19 12 - - - - - Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC) ------29 26 Industrial Engineering (IE) 56 42 63 62 79 48 65 47 55 62 37 Mechanical Engineering (ME) 68 66 40 60 60 51 37 46 40 52 34 Telecommunications (TC) - - - 1 43 38 30 23 53 4 - Computer Science (CS) ------19 25 26 43 44 Energy Technology (ET) - - 8 5 2 ------Engineering Management (EM) ------46 76 54 53 26 Environmental Technology (EV) 18 6 12 17 9 1 10 17 18 1 - Information Technology (IT) 53 42 54 45 54 45 47 49 54 58 38 Management Technology (MT) - - - 19 51 78 64 76 69 88 71 Total 308 220 279 320 369 297 378 399 467 464 326

Master’s Degree Degree 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Engineering 12* 7* 9* 3 5 4 5 4 20 14 19 Science (Technology) 1 2 1 2 1 3 4 1 3 4 4 Total 13* 9* 10* 5 6 7 9 5 23 18 23 * including the joint program with the Faculty of Engineering, TU

Doctoral Degree Degree 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Engineering 3 2 4 7 4 6 5 6 5 1 2 Science (Technology) - - - 1 2 5 3 1 4 - 5 Total 3 2 4 8 6 11 8 7 9 1 7

2 SIIT News, September 2012

Farewell Party for Prof. Dr. Chongrak Polprasert Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (SIIT) held a warm farewell party for its former director, Prof. Dr. Chongrak Polprasert, on July 25, 2012, at the first floor, SIIT Main Building, Rangsit Campus.

On behalf of SIIT faculty and staff Prof. Dr. Chongrak expressed his members, Prof. Dr. Somnuk Tangtermsirikul sincere thanks to all SIIT faculty expressed sincere appreciation to Prof. Dr. and staff members for their Chongrak for his dedication while serving cooperation and hard work and as the SIIT Director (June 2009 – July 2012) wished them success and and wished him success in all his future prosperity in their future. endeavors.

Visit of Delegates from Thammasat University Ten delegates from the Academic Affairs Department and the Office of Quality Assurance and Standard Promotion, Thammasat University (TU), led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweep Chaisomphob (who is also the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, TU), visited SIIT, Bangkadi Campus, on August 7, 2012. The delegates were welcomed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ekawit Nantajeewarawat (Assistant Director for General Administration, Bangkadi Campus) and Dr. Morrakot Raweewan (a faculty member of the School of Management Technology, MT). They were given a guided tour of SIIT facilities, including the SIIT Library and Information Services Center, research centers, and research laboratories. This visit was intended to learn the development, operation, and management of SIIT, Bangkadi Campus, for the purpose of academic quality assurance. SIIT News, September 2012 3

The 4th Annual TRF Senior Research Scholar Conference In celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (SIIT), SIIT and Mahidol University jointly held a special seminar on “Polymer/Colloid Assemblies for Biomedical and Industrial Applications” on August 29, 2012, at SIIT, Rangsit Campus. The event is a part of an annual seminar series of TRF’s Research Team Promotion Grant supported by the Research Fund (TRF Senior Research Scholar grant awarded to Prof. Dr. Pramuan Tangboriboonrat (Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol Univesity)). This seminar is aimed at disseminating research outputs of projects to the research community and the public. The seminar included seven invited oral presentations and a poster presentation session from graduate students. Prof. Dr. Somnuk Tangtermsirikul, SIIT Director, gave an opening speech at the seminar. A special lecture entitled “Introduction to TRF Research Grants System and a Guideline for Writing a High-quality Proposal” was given by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Udomsilp Pinsook, TRF. In addition, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pakorn Opaprakasit (Assistant Director for Admissions and Public Relations, SIIT) delivered a lecture on “Polylactide-Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles as Drug Carrier Materials.”

Computer Training on E-Learning Program The International Affairs and Corporate Relations Division of SIIT and the National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC) arranged a computer training program, namely, “E-Learning Program,” at SIIT, Rangsit Campus, on September 3, 2012. Forty participants, who are school teachers from and Metropolitan Region, attended the training program. The objectives of this training program were to share computer knowledge with our neighboring school teachers and to increase the corporate social responsibility (CSR) of SIIT.

Visit of Delegates from the Thailand Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (THAIST) Prof. Dr. Wanlop Surakampontorn, Director of THAIST, Dr. Kommate Jitvanichphaibool, Project Manager of THAIST, and the project analyst team from THAIST visited Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (SIIT), Rangsit Campus, on September 11, 2012, to discuss the establishment of research centers, and possible collaboration and support to set up centers of excellence, at SIIT.

From left, Prof. Dr. Wanlop Surakampontorn (Director of THAIST) and Prof. Dr. Somnuk Tangtermsirikul (Director of SIIT)

THAIST was established under Section 29 of the National Science Technology and Innovation Act. THAIST is administered under the National Science Technology and Innovation Policy Office (STI). One of the duties of THAIST is to carry out collaborations with research institutes or educational institutes located both domestically and overseas in conducting studies or research and development in response to the policies and needs of the country in the field of science and technology. 4 SIIT News, September 2012

The Opening Ceremony of the SIIT-JAIST Dual Doctoral Degree Program On September 21, 2012, the grand opening ceremony of the dual doctoral degree program was held at Swissotel Le Concorde Bangkok. This program is jointly supported by four academic and research institutions, namely, Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST), National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC), Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (SIIT), and Asian Institute of Technology (AIT). This dual doctoral degree program requires two years of studies and research at the local institute (in Thailand) and two years at JAIST (in Japan). Upon fulfillment of the graduation requirements, the graduates will be awarded two doctoral degrees, one from each institute.

The first seven SIIT Ph.D. students who were admitted into the program commenced their studies in January 2012 and have now arrived at JAIST to continue their research. The opening ceremony was jointly presided over by Dr. Pansak Siriruchatapong (Executive Director of NECTEC), Prof. Dr. Takuya Katayama (President of JAIST), Prof. Dr. Somnuk Tangtermsirikul (Director of SIIT), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Matthew Dailey (AIT), and several distinguished guests including Mr. Koji Tawara (the First Secretary of The Embassy of Japan) and Mr. Tomoyuki Kawabata (from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, JICA).

The 1st Annual THAI-AIST Workshop Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (SIIT) organized the 1st THAI-AIST workshop at Swissotel Le Concorde Bangkok on September 22, 2012. This workshop was a result of the collaboration between the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST) and the Thailand Alliance of Advanced Institutions of Science and Technology (THAI-AIST). The workshop was intended to provide an international forum for young researchers and academicians from Thailand and Japan to share their ideas and original research results, as well as their experiences. The workshop consisted of a series of presentations as well as a poster session. Many distinguished professors from JAIST (e.g., Professor Dr. Takuya Katayama, President of JAIST), faculty members from SIIT, and researchers from the National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC) were among the participants, as well as the graduate students from the JAIST-NECTEC-SIIT-AIT dual doctoral degree program.

Special Lecture by Assistant Professor Pansak Sugkraroek, M.D. On September 28, 2012, a special lecture on “Interpersonal Relations and Life’s Goal” was given by a guest lecturer, Assistant Professor Pansak Sugkraroek, M.D., at the Social Science Complex, Thammasat University (TU), Rangsit Center. This activity was organized by the SIIT Female Students Counseling Committee in order to provide useful information regarding students’ development and maturity, especially for 1st-year SIIT students. As it turned out, not only freshmen students, but also a number of faculty and staff members, and students from other TU faculties attended this interesting and informative lecture. SIIT News, September 2012 5

2011 Research Awards from Thammasat University Thammasat University (TU) held the “TU Research Conference” on July 27, 2012, at the Royal Thai Navy Convention Hall, Bangkok. On this occasion, four faculty members and one researcher of Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (SIIT) were given the 2011 “Distinguished Research Award,” “Outstanding Researcher Awards,” and “Outstanding Young Researcher Awards.” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amorn Pimanmas received a “Distinguished Research Award” in science and technology, based on his paper entitled “Structural Design Guideline for Tsunami Evacuation Shelter,” coauthored by Mr. Panuwat Joyklad and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pennung Warnitchai (from the Asian Institute of Technology, AIT). Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amorn is a faculty member of the School of Civil Engineering and Technology (CET). He received his Ph.D. in structural engineering from the University of Tokyo, Japan. His research focuses on three main areas: (1) behavior, analysis and evaluation of damaged reinforced concrete members and structures, (2) nonlinear finite element analysis of reinforced concrete, and (3) strengthening of reinforced concrete members.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Surapa Thiemjarus (a faculty member of the School of Information, Computer, and Communication Technology (ICT)) received an “Outstanding Researcher Award” for research award recipients from external organizations because of her “Excellent Thesis Award of the Year 2011” from the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT). She received her Ph.D. in computing from the Imperial College London, UK. Her research areas include body sensor networks (BSNs) and applications, context-aware and pervasive sensing, smart home, assistive technology, machine learning, pattern recognition, and sensor fusion.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Veeris Ammarapala (Assistant Director for Student Affairs and Alumni Relations and a faculty member of the School of Management Technology (MT)) received an “Outstanding Researcher Award” under the category of large project funded through Thammasat University. He obtained his Ph.D. in industrial and systems engineering from Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, USA. His research focuses on decision support systems, risk management, economic analysis, and supply chain management.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Siwarutt Boonyarattanakalin (a full-time faculty member of the School of Bio-Chemical Engineering and Technology (BCET)) received an “Outstanding Young Researcher Award” for faculty members. He received his Ph.D. in organic chemistry and chemical biology from the Pennsylvania State University, USA. After his graduation, he received a postdoctoral fellowship from the Roche Research Foundation to conduct carbohydrate research at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Zürich, Switzerland. His research focuses on design, synthesis, and evaluation of biologically active molecules; organic synthesis; and developments of chemical and biological methods for carbon recycles.

Dr. Pakawat Sancharoen (a researcher of the Construction and Maintenance Technology Research Center, CONTEC, of SIIT) also received an “Outstanding Young Researcher Award” for researchers. He obtained his Ph.D. in civil engineering from The University of Tokyo, Japan. His research areas include waste utilization in concrete, corrosion of reinforcing steel in concrete, durability of concrete and repairing system, maintenance planning of reinforced concrete and steel structures, and non-destructive testing. 6 SIIT News, September 2012 Academic Excellence Awards from the “Bhumibol Fund” of Thammasat University

At the Thammasat University Graduation Ceremony on August 30, 2012, Thammasat University (TU) presented the awards from the “Bhumibol Fund” to nine SIIT graduates who received their bachelor’s degrees with first-class honors and were the top students of their academic programs. The award recipients were: (first row, from left) Ms. Roengnapat Cherdheyrun (EM), Ms. Montira Tangsangasaksri (ChE), and Ms. Juntima Eiamphasuk (IE); (second row, from left) Ms. Kaelkrittaya Trurktham (IT), Ms. Chanitpak Chomsin (MT), Mr. Chayanon Lertpagorngit (CS), and Mr. Pham Quan (ME). The other two award recipients who have continued their graduate studies abroad and were not present at the graduation ceremony were Mr. Warithapol Srivises (EC) and Mr. Chanthoeun Chiv (CE).

SIIT Graduates Received SIIT-JAIST Dual Doctoral Degree Scholarships for Further Study in Japan (Front row, from left) Ms. Pasinee Apisakmontri, Ms. Siriwon Taewijit, Ms. Nanthawadee Sucharittham, (second row, from left) Mr. Kruich Nasingkun, Mr. Nattapol Kritsuthikul, Mr. Suthum Keerativittayanun, and Mr. Tama Duangnamol, graduate students of the School of Information, Computer, and Communication Technology (ICT), received the SIIT-JAIST Dual Doctoral Degree Scholarships for their doctoral studies at the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST), Japan.

SIIT Graduates Received the Graduate Research Program (GRP) Scholarships From left, Mr. Prarinya Siritanawan, Ms. Pimnapa Atsawintarangkun, and Ms.Pimolluck Jirakunkanok, all from the Information and Communication Technology for Embedded Systems (ICTES) Curriculum, School of Information, Computer, and Communication Technology (ICT), received Graduate Research Program (GRP) Scholarships from Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST), Japan.

2013 Panasonic Scholarship Ms. Kaelkrittaya Trurktham (a graduate of the School of Information, Computer, and Communication Technology (ICT)) received a “2013 Panasonic Scholarship” for her graduate study at the Graduate School of Information Science and Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology (Japan) in Computer Science. The award ceremony was held on September 12, 2012, at the S31 Sukhumvit Hotel, Bangkok. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Waree Kongprawechnon (Assistant Director for International Affairs and Corporate Relations), who attended the ceremony on behalf of the SIIT Director, and Dr. Itthisek Nilkhamhang (Coordinator of the Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC) Curriculum) also participated in this award ceremony.

From left, Ms. Kaelkrittaya Trurktham and Mr. Noriyuki Yasuo (CEO, Panasonic Group in Thailand).

SIIT Students Received TU Outstanding Academic Achievement Awards Seven SIIT students who were the tops of the first-, second-, and third-year students in the Academic Year 2011 received outstanding academic achievement awards from Thammasat University (TU). Prof. Dr. Somkit Lertpaithoon, the Rector of TU, presented the awards to these students at the “Wai-Kru” ceremony on July 19, 2012 at Gymnasium 6, TU, Rangsit Center. The SIIT students who received the awards were: Mr. Podchara Rattanakawin, Mr. Keerati Suibkitwanchai, Mr. Ukrit Jitropas, Ms. Pattanee Chutipongpattanakul, Ms. Ponthong Rijana, Ms. Thamon Benjapongsapun, and Mr. Smith Gulati. Mr. Podchara Rattanakawin, ChE (right) SIIT News, September 2012 7

Scholarships from the Professor Dr. Adul Wichiencharoen and His Former Students’ Foundation The Professor Dr. Adul Wichiencharoen and His Former Students’ Foundation annually grants scholarships to undergraduate students of Thammasat University (TU) with good academic performance and good conduct. This scholarship program is one of the foundation’s activities to contribute to society. This year, the 27th Scholarships Awarding Ceremony was held on August 23, 2012, at the Sanya Dharmasakti Conference Room, TU, Tha Prachan Center. At the ceremony, 20 scholarships of 20,000 baht per student were presented to undergraduate students. One of the scholarship recipients was Mr. Chatinon Chotiwichain, a fourth-year student of the Electronics and Communication Engineering Curriculum, the School of Information, Computer, and Communication Technology (ICT).

SIIT Students Received Academic Excellence Awards from the Professor Dr. Tab Nilanidhi Foundation The Professor Dr. Tab Nilanidhi Foundation held its annual presentation of scholarships and academic excellence awards at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, on August 26, 2012. Four of the academic excellence awards for undergraduate students were presented to SIIT students: Mr. Podchara Rattanakawin (ChE), Mr. Ukrit Jitropas (ME), Mr. Keerati Suibkitwanchai (EC), and Ms. Pattanee Chutipongpattanakul (CS). Among the class of 2011, Mr. Podchara Rattanakawin, Mr. Ukrit Jitropas, and Mr. Keerati Suibkitwanchai were the top students among SIIT freshmen in the engineering track while Ms. Pattanee Chutipongpattanakul was a top student among those in the technology track. Their cumulative GPAs were 4.00. The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Scholarships The Mitsubishi UFJ Foundation annually awards scholarships to undergraduate students of Thammasat University (TU) who have good academic performance and good conduct. This year, the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Scholarship Awarding Ceremony was held on September 13, 2012, at the Sanya Dharmasakti Conference Room, TU, Tha Prachan Center. Mr. Motoi Mitsuishi (General Manager of the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd., Bangkok Branch) and Mr. Nobuhiro Matsumoto (Deputy General Manager of the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd., Bangkok Branch) were guests of honor who presented the scholarships to the awarded students. All participants were welcomed by several TU administrators, led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Nitinant Wisaweisuan (Vice Rector for International Affairs, TU). A total amount of 108,000 baht was given to three SIIT students with good academic performance as financial support of 36,000 baht per year per student. They were: Mr. Pitthayuth Rujichaiwat (from the School of Manufacturing Systems and Mechanical Engineering (MSME)), Mr. Woramate Pattanusorn (from the School of Information, Computer, and Communication Technology (ICT)), and Ms. Jittakarn Rupramarn (from the School of Bio-Chemical Engineering and Technology (BCET)). Good Conduct Awards On July 17, 2012, the “SIIT Good Student Conduct Awards - Academic Year 2012” were presented to Mr. Sukrit Chuntaravisuid (from the School of Manufacturing Systems and Mechanical Engineering, MSME), Mr. Charkrid Patamatamkul (from the School of Bio-Chemical Engineering and Technology (BCET)), and Ms. Isawan Kaeochotchuangkul (from the School of Management Technology (MT)) by Professor Dr. Chongrak Polprasert (the then-SIIT Director). From left, Ms. Isawan Kaeochotchuangkul, Mr. Charkrid Patamatamkul, Mr. Sukrit Chuntaravisuid, Prof. Dr. Chongrak Polprasert (the then-SIIT Director), Asst. Prof. Dr. Veeris Ammarapala (Assistant Director for Student Affairs and Alumni Relations), Ms. Suchaya Rattanangam (Chief of Student Affairs and Alumni Relations Section), and Ms. Chonticha Patchotchai (Student Affairs staff).

Furthermore, Mr. Sukrit Chuntaravisuid was also awarded a “TU Good Conduct Student Award - Academic Year 2012.” The award was presented by Professor Dr. Somkit Lertpaithoon (the TU Rector) during the “Wai Kru” ceremony held at TU, Rangsit Center, on July 19, 2012. Each year, Good Conduct Awards are given to award winners who are encouraged to serve as role models for other SIIT students. 8 SIIT News, September 2012

2012 Chevron Scholarships Mr. Pairoj Kaweeyanun, President of Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production Limited, presented Chevron scholarships to three SIIT students, namely, Mr. Nopharut Laopornpichayanuwat, Ms. Sunhaporn Sribanditmongkol, and Ms. Napin Viriyasathien, among other scholarship recipients at the 2012 Chevron Scholarship Presentation Ceremony on July 11, 2012, at the Auditorium of Shinawatra Tower III Building, Bangkok. Mr. Nopharut (front row, the first person from right), Ms. Sunhaporn (second row, the fifth person from right) are fourth-year students of the Mechanical Engineering (ME) Curriculum and Ms. Napin (second row, the seventh from right) is a fourth-year student of the Chemical Engineering (ChE) Curriculum. The three SIIT students attended a summer internship program at Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production Limited during April 17 - June 14, 2012. Mr. Nopharut conducted a project entitled “Remote Compressor ‘Type A’ Modification & Refurbishment” under the supervision of Mr. James Tray Geeslin. Ms. Sunhaporn conducted two projects entitled “Erawan C306 Compressor Overhaul Procedure & Checklist” and “New Frac Pump Installation on Erawan Central Processing Platform (ERCPP)” under the supervision of Mr. Kirk Singcarnvanich. Ms. Napin conducted a project entitled “Solid Desiccant Evaluation in Pailin Central Production Platform Dehydrators” under the supervision of Khun Suwan Arunwiwat. The Chevron scholarships were awarded based on their good performance and good project presentations. Professor Dr. Thananchai Leephakpreeda, Head of the School of Manufacturing Systems and Mechanical Engineering (MSME), participated in the scholarship presentation ceremony as a representative for SIIT. At the end of the ceremony, Professor Dr. Thananchai presented an SIIT souvenir to the President of Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production Limited and expressed sincere appreciation for their support and the scholarships awarded to the SIIT students.

“Burin the Charity Concert” by ASIIT On July 7, 2012, the Alumni Association of Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (ASIIT) organized an event, “Burin the Charity Concert,” at the Government Complex Commemorating His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary, 5th December, B.E. 2550 (2007), Chaengwattana Road, Bangkok. Mr. Burin Boonvisut, a popular pop-rock singer, performed one of his greatest concerts for the SIIT community (faculty and staff members, students, and alumni). In the same event, members of the “SIIT Band - Music & Chorus Club” also performed several popular songs. Professor Dr. Somnuk Tangtermsirikul (the then - Deputy Director) joined this SIIT alumni and family gathering event and gave a welcome speech. This gathering event was a special reunion party that ASIIT organized as part of the year-long celebration of the 20th anniversary of SIIT. The profit (after all expenses) was donated to the “ASIIT Fund for SIIT Development.” This ASIIT fund provides scholarships for SIIT students, funds for charitable activities, and/or contribution to society.

Welcoming Activities for New SIIT Students Second-year SIIT students organized two activities, namely, “First Meeting” and “SIIT-TU Campus Tour,” to welcome new undergraduate students of Academic Year 2012 under the supervision of Asst. Prof. Dr. Veeris Ammarapala (Assistant Director for Student Affairs and Alumni Relations) and the SIIT Student Committee. SIIT News, September 2012 9

The “First Meeting” activity was organized on May 11, 2012 at Thammasat University (TU), Tha Prachan Center. More than 500 first- and second-year SIIT students participated in this activity, which was intended to provide them the opportunity to meet each other for the first time, and to join recreational activities in order to establish unity among students.

The “SIIT-TU Campus Tour” activity was organized just before the beginning of the first semester at TU, Rangsit Center. More than 700 first- and second-year SIIT students participated in this activity. This activity was intended to provide useful information about the learning facilities, buildings, and sport complexes at the Rangsit Center. In addition, it offered a good opportunity for the students to unite and establish warm relationships among themselves.

Thammasat University “Wai Kru” Ceremony, Academic Year 2012 On July 18, 2012, the SIIT Student Committee organized an “SIIT Phan-Wai-Kru Contest” in which each “Baan” (a group of SIIT students consisting of students from several academic programs and years) designed and created a Phan to compete with each other. The winning popular voted Phans (Flower Phan and Joyce Stick Phan) were brought to the “Wai Kru” ceremony. On July 19, 2012, Thammasat University (TU) organized a “Wai Kru” ceremony, in which students expressed their appreciation to faculty members at Gymnasium 6, TU, Rangsit Center. A group of SIIT faculty members, led by Prof. Dr. Chongrak Polprasert (the then- Director), and more than 500 first-year students from the Department of Common and Graduate Studies (CGS) participated in this ceremony. This year, Mr. Thanat Issaree, Mr. Tipok Techasmit, and Ms. Kavita Tangkeow (President, Secretary, and Treasurer, respectively, of the SIIT Student Committee - Academic Year 2012, represented SIIT students in this ceremony. Mr. Thanat carried the SIIT flag in the faculty flag parade in the receiving line as faculty members entered the ceremony. Mr. Tipok and Ms. Kavita presented the Phan-Wai- Kru to faculty members. In addition, Ms. Shaylea Marie Valentine, an SIIT exchange student from the University of Nebraska at Omaha (USA), represented international students of TU in expressing their appreciation to TU faculty members.

TU Freshy Games 2012 The “TU Freshy Games 2012” with its theme “Mythology” was organized by the Thammasat University Student Union (TUSU) at the Sport Complex and Main Stadium, Thammasat University (TU), Rangsit Center, during August 27 – September 19, 2012. This event was intended to help enhance the unity among TU students, encourage freshmen students to participate in extracurricular activities, and give students the opportunity to show their athletic talents. First year students from 19 faculties of TU participated in this event. They were grouped into 8 teams: red, yellow, pink, green, orange, blue, purple, and brown. This year, SIIT students joined with students from the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts as the “Green” team.

The Green Team performed impressively on the stand-cheer, parade, and cheerleading, with the sub-theme “Mayan.” Additionally, the Green team showed outstanding achievement on sport competitions. Besides achieving the first place for soccer (two years in a row for SIIT), the Green team received twelve gold medals, three silver medals, and five bronze medals, making it the team with the highest grand total of sport awards. Moreover, our parade team won the third prize. 10 SIIT News, September 2012

TU Open House and SIIT Clubs Exhibition 2012

During September 6-7, 2012, the “TU Open House 2012” was held by Thammasat University (TU) under the concept “Thammasat University, Internationalization to World-Class University.” Its objective was to publicize the strength of the university in terms of development, sustainable academic growth, and the internationalized standards of Thammasat’s international academic programs, which would support the Asian Economic Community (AEC). The main activities were held at the Thammasat Convention Center, TU, Rangsit Center. There were more than 5,000 visitors including school students, parents, teachers, and other participants attending the open house fair. SIIT also joined the fair in the academic exhibition area at the Thammasat Convention Center. Information about the Institute was presented and various faculty researches, such as, “Genius House” by the School of Information, Computer and Communications Technology (ICT) and “Plasma Generation Demonstration Unit” by the School of Manufacturing Systems and Mechanical Engineering (MSME) were demonstrated. Not surprisingly, the SIIT academic exhibition attracted large attention from school students and visitors.

In addition, visitors had a chance to visit the environment and get a perception of the university’s student life. To support this concept, SIIT organized the “SIIT Open House and SIIT Clubs Exhibition 2012” at SIIT, Rangsit Campus. Visitors were given a guided tour of classrooms, laboratories, teleconference room, and SIIT Library and Information Services Center. Student clubs’ information and outstanding student activities were presented by SIIT students along with international students from the SIIT Exchange Students Program.

SIIT Clubs Introduction Week 2012 The SIIT Student Committee held an “SIIT Clubs Introduction Week 2012” event at the SIIT Main Building, Rangsit Campus, during July 16-20, 2012. This activity was intended to emphasize the importance and benefits of extra-curricular activities, to introduce 10 SIIT clubs (i.e., the SIIT Student Committee, Automech Club, Cheerleader Club, Createch Club, Cyber-Tech Club, International Club, Music & Chorus Club, Photo Club, Rugby Club, and Volunteer Club) to new students, and to encourage them to join the clubs of their interests. More than 200 students participated in this event and more than 100 students signed up as members of their preferred clubs. SIIT News, September 2012 11

Volunteer Teaching at Local School in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province Several fourth-year students of the Engineering Management (EM) Program, School of Management Technology (MT), organized a volunteer teaching activity in July, 2012. They taught English to primary school students at Baan Bang Krasan School located in Bang Pa-in, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. The activity was aimed to help the students develop English proficiency in a learning environment where they do not have to worry about their mistakes and insecurities.

Mother’s Day Card Contest 2012 During July 24 - August 10, 2012, the Student Affairs and Alumni Relations Division of SIIT organized a “Mother’s Day Card Contest” event under the “Long Live the Queen” and “Special Thanks to My Mom” themes to celebrate this year’s National Mother’s Day (August 12). The event was aimed to stimulate warm relationships between SIIT students and their mothers, as well as to cultivate Thai arts and culture through Thai arts and literature. There were 920 SIIT students who participated in this event.

Congratulations to the following students who won the prizes:

Under the “Long Live the Queen” Under the “Special Thanks to My Mom” theme, theme, Ms. Phalotai Kuakpetoon Ms. Chayapat Boonkote won the 1st prize and won the 1st prize and 1st rank of the 1st rank of popular vote, Ms. Kanyapatchara popular vote, and Mr. Rawipol Rakharn won the 2nd rank of popular vote, and Suwapussorn won the 2nd rank of Ms. Pichaya Prasertsung and Ms. Issree Sivakul popular vote. won the 3rd rank of popular vote.

1st prize and 1st rank of popular vote 1st prize and 1st rank of popular vote of of the “Long Live the Queen” theme the “Special Thanks to My Mom” theme

Flower Chains for Beloved Mothers 2012 On August 10, 2012, the Student Affairs and Alumni Relations Division organized the “Flower Chains for Beloved Mothers” activity at SIIT, both at the Rangsit and Bangkadi Campuses, as part of the National Mother’s Day ceremony. More than 300 students and faculty and staff members participated in this activity by making a flower chain in both traditional and creative styles for their beloved mothers. Making flower chains from fresh flowers and natural materials with the background music of Thai classical songs inspired Thai arts, culture, and natural conservation among students, faculty and staff members. 12 SIIT News, September 2012

2012 Student Forum & Career Night with ExxonMobil Limited The fourth-year students of the Mechanical Engineering (ME) Curriculum and the Chemical Engineering (ChE) Curriculum of SIIT participated in the Student Forum & Career Night with ExxonMobil on August 17, 2012, at the Centara Grand at Central World, Bangkok. More than 50 outstanding bachelor’s and master’s degree students who expect to graduate in the Academic Year 2012 and are looking for job opportunities with a world class organization were selected to participate in this forum. The forum was organized by ExxonMobil Limited, the world’s largest publicly traded international oil and gas company, to give the participants an opportunity to interact with leading executives. By learning from the experiences of leading executives, the participants gained knowledge that can be applied in their future working career.

Internship and Job Opportunities for SIIT Students and Graduates True Corporation Public Company Limited, Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production Company Limited, Toyota Group (Toyota Motor Asia Pacific, Toyota Motor Thailand, and Siam Toyota Manufacturing), PTT Public Company Limited, Proctor & Gamble Manufacturing (Thailand) Ltd., and Siam Cement Group visited SIIT to introduce their companies, offer job opportunities to fourth-year students who expect to graduate in the Academic Year 2012, and recruit third-year students for the summer internship programs.

Cultural Trip The International Affairs and Corporate Relations Division organized a cultural trip to Nakhon Pathom Province on Sunday, July 15, 2012. The participants included 24 international students, 10 Thai students, and SIIT staff members. The group visited the Sampran Riverside to see (and take part in) various Thai cultural activities, e.g., as traditional weaving and pottery, garland making, fruit carving, rice farming, and Thai martial arts. In the afternoon session, they had an opportunity to learn about Thai beliefs by visiting the Phra Pathom Chedi which is a famous ancient pagoda in Thailand.

The SIIT News is published quarterly by SIIT. For additional information about SIIT, please contact: Advisor: Prof. Dr. Somnuk Tangtermsirikul Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology Editors: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suebsak Nanthavanij Thammasat University Mr. Paul V. Neilson P.O. Box 22, Thammasat-Rangsit Post Office Mr. Terrance J. Downey Pathum Thani 12121, Thailand Editorial Assistants: Ms. Usanee Koedlapmeesuk Tel: +66-2-986-9009, +66-2-564-3221~9 Ms. Ornanong Choosuwan Fax: +66-2-986-9112~3 Mr. Samrit Sriboonthieng http://www.siit.tu.ac.th Mr. Peerasak Raksanont