Jul-Sep 2021
MUIC 360 Degrees
Joining the Club
Mahidol University International College (MUIC) provides a holistic development of its students—academically, physically, spiritually and socially. It is in the last one that student clubs play a major part, serving as a channel to young students’ energy, idealism and desire for action. MUIC has almost 30 student clubs, each corresponding to students’ hobbies and passions— whether it is in the field of sports, the portals of science and technology, the realms of the arts, the training grounds for future business careers, or even the halls where board games can be played.
In this issue, several club officers tell us why their fellow students must join their respective clubs.
DEAN’S MESSAGE
Vital Role of Student Clubs
By Assoc. Prof. Chulathida Chomchai, M.D.
During the past year, the COVID pandemic has presented some great limitations, and none more so than our inability to interact with one another as individuals and as a group, to exchange ideas, feelings and perspectives about life.
Having said that, the extracurricular activities at MUIC, organized and implemented by the various clubs represented in this issue of MUIC 360, have become a social lifeline of sorts. They provide opportunities for students to still gather, albeit virtually, and express themselves in all the positive and optimistic ways that matter to them most.
From Volunteer to Animal Lovers to Cheer and Dance to Debate and Case Competition, these clubs provide an enriching experience that is outward-looking and creative that is well-represented by the myriad of successful activities which have been carried out virtually over the past academic year.
And all these have been done in spite of the Covid-19 pandemic that surrounds us to this present time. In the age of social distancing and virtual meetings, extra-curricular activities that bring together like-minded individuals such as these serve to remind us of the value of being drawn and linked to one another purely because of our ideas and aspirations. And that such connection, once forged, can traverse and overcome any physical limit.
WELCOME TO THE CLUB!
At Mahidol University International College (MUIC), learning is not confined to the four walls of the classroom. Students are encouraged to engage in a variety of activities, both on and off campus, that will develop not only skills but also a strong sense of social responsibility.
Under the supervision of the Student Affairs Office, student organizations are divided into two: the Student Association (also known by its Thai acronym SMO) and the student clubs.
The Student Association is in charge of supervising student and club activities based on the rules of the university and the college. On the other hand, each student club caters to specific hobbies and interests of the students. As of last count, there are almost 30 officially recognized student clubs.
Why join the student clubs? In this issue, 360° Magazine interviewed the top officers of several of these clubs to answer this question and learn more about their activities and how students can join them.
Cover Photo Credit:
Mr. Thee Rojanavanich
Cheer and Dance Club
Thanks also to the student clubs featured in this issue for their photos.
AMERICAN FLAG FOOTBALL CLUB
MR. RAINER TOLENTINO
(majoring in Media and Communication) President
(majoring in Media and Communication) President
“HELLO EVERYONE! FEEL FREE TO JOIN THE AMERICAN FLAG FOOTBALL CLUB! THE GAME IS BASED ON AMERICAN FOOTBALL BUT IT’S A NON-CONTACT VARIATION! IT’S A SPORT THAT’S STILL GROWING, EASY TO LEARN, BUT HARD TO MASTER! WE HAVE PLAYERS OF DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS THAT’LL HELP YOU GROW ALONG WITH THE GAME AND THERE ARE PEOPLE ALL AROUND THAILAND THAT PLAY IT AS WELL! HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON!”
According to Rainer, enrolling in the American Flag Football class has motivated him to play with some of the veterans of the game. Though the pandemic prevented them from playing in the campus, he was still able to join the training sessions and games outside the campus.
Fun Facts
• Established in 2012
• Active members
(shortly before the pandemic): 12
Key Activities
Participating in in-house tournaments every trimester
Out-of-campus tournaments
(some hosted by alumni)
Competitions overseas
(Philippines and Malaysia)
Contact Us!
FB: MUIC American Flag Football Club
IG: muic_flag_football_club
Line: rainerbrainer
ART CLUB
MS. NATCHA WONGLUMSUM
(majoring in Finance)
President
MS. PARIMA LAONIPON
(majoring in International Business)
Vice President
“YOU DON’T NEED TO BE GOOD AT ART TO JOIN THE ART CLUB. THE ONLY REQUIREMENT IS PASSION. IN THE ART CLUB, WE DO MANY ACTIVITIES RELATED TO DIFFERENT FIELDS, NOT JUST PAINTING AND DRAWING, BUT COOKING, DECORATING, SCULPTING, AND MORE. EVERYONE HAS THEIR OWN STYLE. IT CAN BE ONE OF THE WAYS TO EXPRESS YOURSELF AND TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOURSELF. I STRONGLY RECOMMEND YOU TO JOIN ANY OF OUR CLUB ACTIVITIES AND YOU WILL REALIZE HOW WONDERFUL ART IS.”
Parima joined one of the Art Club’s activities “Baking Workshop” where she had the chance to decorate her own roll cake. From this activity she learned that being creative means having the freedom to do certain things. “Whenever I feel stressed or need inspiration, I try to search for random pictures to find inspiration and motivation to do my work. Through the Art Club, I want to pass on the idea of ‘Creativity needs freedom’ to other people.”
Fun Facts
• Established 6 years ago
• Currently has 9 members
Key Activities
“In Art Club, we do many activities related to many fields, not just painting, drawing or coloring some random pictures. We have many interesting activities, such as decorating your own breakfast or cake, sculpting plates, and snapping pictures.”
Contact Us!
IG: @muicartclub
Email: artclub.2018@gmail.com
BOARD
GAME
CLUB
MR. PARATTAPON
DANDSINPHAN
(majoring in Computer Engineering)
President
“THE BOARD GAME CLUB IS PACKED WITH VARIOUS STRATEGIC BOARD GAMES SUCH AS SPLENDOR, COUP, CHESS, UNO, AND MORE. YOU CAN ENJOY PLAYING WITH NEW FRIENDS IN MUIC OR BRING YOUR FRIENDS TO BRING MORE FUN! WE MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO MEET IN PERSON WHILE THE LOCKDOWN IS STILL ON BUT WE LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU ON CAMPUS AS SOON AS IT OPENS.”
When Parattapon was a freshman, he and his friends had different schedules. He often spent his time walking around alone until he discovered the Board Game Club. From then on, his student life has never been the same. “I met a lot of new friends and seniors who helped me handle new experiences in the College. These are on top of the club giving me the opportunity to play games I had never played before. Most importantly, I finally found my place in MUIC. Because of these, I’d like to share with my juniors the great experience of being a member of the Board Game Club.”
Fun Facts
• Established in AY 2017-2018
• Approximately has 30 members
Key Activities
Weekly activities and game competitions (solo or team) with prizes
Contact Us!
IG: @muic.boardgames
CHEER AND DANCE CLUB
MR. THEE ROJANAVANICH
(majoring in Media and
Communication)
Vice President
“TRY SOMETHING NEW BY JOINING OUR CLUB. NO MATTER WHAT YOUR SKILL LEVEL IS, WE WANT TO ENCOURAGE YOU TO EXPLORE AND HAVE FUN. QUARANTINE TIME IS A GREAT TIME TO LEARN SOMETHING NEW AND TO BE INSPIRED, ESPECIALLY DANCE. WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE PEOPLE’S EXPERIENCES AND THEIR AUTHENTIC SELF WHEN DANCING.”
Although Thee was not a professional dancer at the time,
he already had an interest in dance before joining the club. After he performed at his first event with the club, he was inspired to pursue dancing and share his passion at the same time. He has stayed with the club ever since because the members had given him a sense of community. “We push each other so we can be the best performers that we can be.”
Fun Facts
• Established in 2015
• Has 10 members (On occasion,
non-members are invited to join
performances.)
Key Activities
• Performances in university events
• Choreography classes and online
tutorials (recently started)
• Tiktok and K-pop Challenges
with prizes
Most Recent Award Received
“Most Engaging Club” Award (2019) (from MUIC Student Association)
Contact Us!
FB: MUIC Dance Club
IG: @muicdanceclub
Tiktok: @muicdanceclub
CRICKET CLUB
MR. NIRUCHA SODHI
(majoring in Finance)
President
“WE WOULD LIKE OUR FELLOW MUIC STUDENTS TO JOIN THIS CLUB, SO WE COULD GROW THIS CLUB FURTHER. THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN PLAYING COULD ALSO GET AN OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY FOR THE TEAM IN CRICKET LEAGUE TOURNAMENTS OR POSSIBLY ALSO A REGIONAL MATCH IN THE FUTURE, BY PRACTICING WITH US, ALONG WITH OUR COACH, WHO IS A THAILAND NATIONAL TEAM PLAYER.”
Nirucha said his passion for cricket—having played since he was very young—pushed him to join this club. “Cricket is gaining popularity in Thailand and I want to help spread awareness about it through the Cricket Club.”
He added that it is a sport filled with pressure and breath-taking moments, not to mention that it is internationally recognized as the second most-played sport in the world. “As we will currently be running our club through online platforms, we aim to encourage people to participate in many interesting online cricket preparative activities before we actually get to play on campus for activity hours.”
Fun Facts
• Established AY 2020-2021
• Currently has 19 members
Key Activities
BCA Cricket League tournament
Awareness sessions (net sessions, detailed cricket rules sessions, online cricket games, workout strategies)
Contact Us!
IG: @muic_cricketclub
FB: MUIC Cricket Club
Line ID: neeraj1332
Email: muiccricketclub@gmail.com
DIVING CLUB
MR. CHAIRAT LOJANARUNGSIRI
(majoring in International Business)
President (AY 2020-2021)
“JOINING OUR CLUB IS YOUR BEST OPPORTUNITY TO TRY SCUBA DIVING IN ONE OF THE BEST DIVING SCHOOLS IN THAILAND. THIS CLUB ALLOWS YOU TO HAVE YOUR OWN DIVING LICENSE, LETTING YOU DIVE AROUND THE WORLD. LET’S EXPLORE THE BEAUTY OF NATURE
TOGETHER!”
Chairat said he just wanted to try as many things as possible which led him to try scuba diving. “And I fell in love with it! That’s why I decided to be a part of the club.”
Fun Facts
• Established more than 10 years ago
• Currently has 41 members
Key Activities
Bringing everyone to the ocean to practice diving skills
Certifying all members for their diving licenses
Notable Achievements
Certified more than 100 people in the past 2 years.
Contact Us!
IG: @muic_divingclub
FB: MUIC_Diving Club
DRUM MAJOR CLUB
“THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS TO EXPLORE HERE AT THE DRUM MAJOR CLUB. GIVE IT A TRY AND YOU MIGHT DISCOVER SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF ALONG THE WAY. ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS TAKE THE NEXT STEP.”
Supisara used to be a shy kid.
She said she decided to join the Drum Major Club because “it was the right time for me to not only finally overcome my fear but also to truly be myself. This has become the turning point of my life.”
According to her, being a drum major requires a lot of skills, dedication, and confidence. “A drum major must possess qualities such as passion (you can fake your energy but not passion), enthusiasm (always want to surpass new expectations) and leadership (this includes teamwork and self-respect).”
Fun Facts
• Established in AY 2018-2019
• Currently has 40 registered members
Key Activities
Performances in major occasions like
Club Expo
Open House
Mahidol Freshy Game
MU Orientation Day
Intercup
Contact Us!
FB: Drummajor MUIC
IG: @drummajormuic
MS. SUPISARA AUNGSUWANPANICH
(majoring in Marketing)
President
INNER PEACE CLUB
According to Natthapong, the Inner Peace Club is the club that represents a peaceful mind, adding that “a chaotic atmosphere pervades our globalized society, especially in this Covid-19 pandemic era. Our club always welcomes all people who would like to join and participate in our activities to help them achieve inner peace.”
Fun Facts
• Established five years ago
• Approximately has 350 members
Key Activities
Activities that promote stress prevention, such as meditation, coloring, listening to music, and others.
Contact Us!
IG: @innerpeaceclub_muic
MR. NATTHAPONG KANAWATTANAKUL
(majoring in Marketing)
President
“INNER PEACE CLUB IS ALWAYS OPEN TO ANYONE WHO WANTS TO JOIN. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO JOIN OUR LINE GROUP OR FOLLOW OUR INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT AND PARTICIPATE IN ANY ACTIVITIES THAT YOU FIND INTERESTING!”
MUN (MODEL UNITED NATIONS) CLUB
MR. BENJAMIN WANGCHAROENWONG
(majoring in Finance)
President
Benjamin wrote this short credo in reply to 360° Magazine’s question: “The world is undoubtedly dark and full of hardship. Every second, millions still live in poverty, war, powerlessness, inequality, and lack of education. But time and time again humans have achieved wonders. We are united against all evils and obstacles despite seeming impossibility.
To me, MUN is a place where we learn about these hardships, learning about the perspectives of those who are in situations different from ours and ultimately we seek for answers together.”
Fun Facts
• Established in AY 2018-2019
• Currently has 30 – 40 members
Key Activities
Hosting and Joining MUN conferences
Hosting seminars
Hosting and joining multiple online competitions regarding MUN and world politics
Contact Us!
Email: mun.muic@gmail.com
FB: MUIC Model United Nations
IG: @muicmun
Awards and Recognition
• Chair, 2 Best Position Paper Awards (Chula MUN 2021)
• 1 Best Delegate Award and 3 Honorable Mentions (Thailand World Health Organization Simulation 2020)
• Best Delegate Award and Best Position Paper Award
(Chula MUN 2020)
• Dr. Tej Bunnag (Thailand’s former foreign minister and ambassador) kindly delivered a lecture on China’s role in contemporary international relations and world politics (2020)
• 2 Best Delegate Awards (Thammasat MUN 2020)
• Chair (Model ASEAN-US
Dialogue 2019)
“I WOULD LIKE TO INVITE YOU TO JOIN US TO KINDLE THE FLAME TOGETHER, AND BE THE LIGHT THAT SHINES UPON THE DARKNESS OF THIS WORLD.”
NATURE LOVERS CLUB
MS. AMIKA JAMJANSRI
(majoring in International Relations
and Global Affairs)
President
As a freshman, Amika participated in a Nature Lovers Club activity—a hiking trip in Thap Lan National Park, Khao Yai. She said it was a memorable experience that taught her a lot of lessons. After that trip, she joined the Koh Sak Project of Dr. Wayne Phillips, the advisor of Nature Lovers Club. “It made me realize that I should do something to help the environment because I still want to see the beauty of nature in the future, and I want other generations to see it, too. This is why I decided to join the club in the academic year 2018-2019 as a secretary. I was promoted to be the club president in 2019 – 2020 up until now.”
“THE NATURE LOVERS CLUB IS MORE THAN JUST A CLUB. WE BELIEVE THAT YOUTH LIKE US HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE. WE HAVE TRIED OUR BEST TO CREATE FUN ACTIVITIES THAT CAN ALSO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF NATURE AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES, WHICH WILL MAKE YOU APPRECIATE THE BEAUTY OF NATURE AND ITS IMPORTANCE TO US. PLEASE JOIN OUR ACTIVITIES AND BECOME NATURE LOVERS LIKE US.”
Contact Us!
Line: mikalee0203
Fun Facts
• Established in 2010
• Currently has 38 members
Key Activities
Beef Lasagna Campaign
Shapes of Nature
Shades of Nature
Collaborations
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Greenpeace Thailand
Global Youth Biodiversity Network Thailand (GYBN Thailand)
Singha Estate Public Co. Ltd.
PHOTO CLUB
MS. KWANCHANOK MEKPHAYAP
(majoring in Media and Communication)
President
Fun Facts
• Established in 2006
• Currently has 40 active members
Key Activities
Photo Challenge: Mini Photo Challenge (Color and Grid)
Workshop: Snappers Workshop
Competition: Photo War
Icebreaker: Hello! Snappers
Contact Us!
IG: @muicphotoclub
FB: Muic Photoclub
Email: muicphotoclub@gmail.com
Asked what inspired her to join the club, Kwanchanok said, “Photography always opens new experiences for me. It works as a visual storytelling, which provides a lot of feelings, emotions, and memories. The reason I’m in the Photo Club is because I want to help create a platform for people who love photography to communicate and share their views to the public.”
SOCCER CLUB
MR. THITITHAM TONITIVONG
(majoring in International Business)
Vice President
MR. JIRAMET TECHASUPPATRAKUN
(majoring in International Business)
President
“WE HAVE MANY ACTIVITIES THAT WILL ALLOW YOU TO SHOW YOUR TALENTS. YOU WILL ALSO HAVE MANY CHANCES TO EXERCISE DURING YOUR STAY IN COLLEGE. MORE IMPORTANTLY, THROUGH THIS CLUB YOU CAN EXPAND YOUR NETWORK WITH MUIC ALUMNI.”
Thititham said that as a club member, he had the opportunity to improve his organizational, communication and management skills through organizing Soccer Club activities for students who love the sport. “I believe that MUIC students have exceptional talents in sports, not only in the academic field, and I want to represent MUIC.”
For Jiramet, a Soccer Club alumnus told him inspiring stories about the club. Later, he watched a Facebook Live coverage of a game featuring MUIC’s soccer team, encouraging him to join. “I wasn’t good at all when I was young, but ever since I joined the club and had a chance to practice and learn from many people, I became better and even found myself being selected as club president.”
Fun Facts
• Established more than 10 years ago.
• Over 100 activity participants (including alumni)
Key Activities
IC League
MUIC Freshy Game
International University Cup Football
International Cup University Futsal
MUIC FIFA Competition
Club Achievements
3rd Place, 8th International University Futsal Cup 2020
1st Place, 8th International University Football Cup 2020 (co-champion)
Contact Us!
IG: @muicsoccerclub
FB: MUIC Soccer Club
Apissara said that all of them in the club have a shared passion in dancing. She added that all of them enjoy the strong connection they have with each other and the chance to represent MUIC in major events.
Fun Facts
• Established in 1996
• Currently has 7 members
Key Activities
Performances in MUIC events
Freshy Game (2019)
Notable Achievements
Plaque for performing in International Football Cup (2020)
Contact Us!
FB: MUIC Cheerleader
IG: muic.cheerleader
THEATRE CLUB
MS. NADTHAWEE PROMPRASIT
(majoring in Biological Sciences)
Vice President
“If you have a passion in musical theatre, acting, singing, performing or anything really, MUIC Theatre Club is the right place for you. Even if you are not keen on being on the stage, you can go beyond that because the backstage is equally important. You don’t need experience to be one of us. We are open for many positions for our upcoming ‘Estherinary The Musical—The Princess of 2022.’ Sign up now or cry later. Stay curious!”
Nadthawee couldn’t help but be enthusiastic when she was asked why she joined the Theatre Club: “This club is exactly the place where my creativity and ideas spark. I think I’m the luckiest club vice president because I’ve gotten to know the most talented and wonderful cast and crew who always give 10000% effort even though we only e-meet so far. We not only support those who know their way around music, but also provide chances for anyone who would like to improve their skill and get discovered. We spread positivity on many different platforms. MUIC Theatre Club is a place full of diversity and possibilities.”
Fun Facts
• Established 8 years ago
• Currently has 183 members
Key Activities
Masterclass and Song work
Theatre Campaign Competition
Low-cost Cosplay Challenge
Preparation and planning for musical production (Art Department)
Workshop (vocal / acting / choreography)
Musical rehearsals
Contact Us!
IG: @muic.theatre
FB: Muic Theatre
Line: MUIC Theatre Club
Tiktok: @muictheatreclub
Email: muic.theatreclub@gmail.com
THM CLUB
MS. PHITCHAYA PHOTHONG
President (AY 2020-2021)
“IF YOU ARE INTERESTED
IN TOURISM, HOSPITALITY, FOOD AND RESTAURANT, EVENT AND CONFERENCE MANAGEMENT, OR HEALTH AND WELLNESS, YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN THE THM CLUB! YOU WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY A NEW EXPERIENCE WITH DIFFERENT KINDS OF ACTIVITIES AND HAVE FUN WITH US!”
Phitchaya said she is “extremely passionate” about the tourism and hospitality industry. “I love traveling, tourism, and meeting new people so I joined the club, for I thought I could organize some fun and interesting activities regarding THM which could contribute to enjoyment-based learning for MUIC students. I received great opportunity to be president of the club.”
Fun Facts
• Currently has 9 members
• More than 400 MUIC students attended club activities
Key Activities
Travel New Normal with MUIC (tourism campaign via social media)
Guest Speaker Event
Thai Curry Paste Workshop
Talk with Chef
Talk with the Event Organizer
Talk with Airline Pilot and In-flight Manager
Contact Us!
FB: MUIC THM CLUB
Email: thmclub.muic@gmail.com
VOLUNTEER CLUB
MR. WATTANAI AMORNSIRIKUL
(majoring in Marketing)
President
“THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU TO EXPERIENCE BEING A VOLUNTEER. OUR CLUB DOES NOT PROVIDE ONLY VALUABLE ACTIVITIES, BUT WE ALSO BUILD FRIENDSHIPS. WE ALSO GUARANTEE A FUN AND FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT AS WELL.”
Contact Us!
FB: MUIC Volunteer Club
IG: @muicvolunteer
Wattanai was a member of a volunteer club in high school. He learned there that even just one person can help bring positive change to society. He said being in such a club with a positive atmosphere recharged his energy. “That is why I decided to join the Volunteer Club when I entered MUIC.”
Fun Facts
• 100 members
Key Activities
Overnight Camp (Due to pandemic, only one day camp was done in AY 2020-2021)
คนละกล่อง
(“Khon-la-klong”) – donated care boxes to poor Covid-19 patients
Notable Achievements
Recognition by and collaboration with volunteer organizations in Thailand (such as Scholars of Sustenance Thailand)
