OCT-DEC 2023
EDITORIAL
Successful 2023, Promising 2024
The MUIC community has been on fire this year: Students winning in contests and receiving awards left and right, performing voluntary services to local communities and organizing trainings to benefit their schoolmates. Faculty and staff are equally engaged in similar activities, highlighting the virtues of collaboration and cooperation. Here’s to a productive 2023 that has been full of success! Here’s to more achievements and good deeds in 2024!
Message from the Dean
A Creative, Innovative and Harmonious MUIC
By Prof. Chulathida Chomchai, M.D.
Once again, I have the pleasure of conversing with all of you through the pages of our magazine. This year-end issue of MUIC 360° Magazine focuses on accomplishments of this past year, while also looking ahead towards an even brighter future.
As we stand on the threshold of the new year, we reflect on the phenomenal achievements of our students in a variety of disciplines from business case competitions that put critical thinking to the test, to feats of science and creativity that create new and useful products for society, to activities that demand the integration of skills in communication with global citizenship to finally using design to create aesthetics that appeal and uplift the spirits of people. Each activity, award, and recognition is a testament to the student’s unwavering dedication to their discipline. That alone makes them champions in their own rights and their pursuit of excellence serves both as an inspiration and an aspiration for all of us to endeavor to do the same.
These achievements would not have been possible if not for the partnership that MUIC has forged with organizations, institutions, and industries throughout the year. These partnerships are the bedrock of progress, and we extend our gratitude to all collaborators who have joined hands with us in empowering our students to expand their potential. Such support has been instrumental in fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation. This coming year, we look forward to strengthening existing partnerships and forging new ones that will further enrich our academic landscape.
This past year, MUIC has also been active in launching new training programs. Through the work of our dedicated faculty and staff, these activities serve to foster a culture of learning that has been an integral part of our academic ecosystem.
Lastly, a heartfelt salute to our esteemed alumni whose accomplishments resonate far beyond our campus. Their successes are a testament to the transformative power of education. As trailblazers who shape their own destinies in their respective fields, they inspire current and future generations of MUIC students to shape their own futures.
As Andrew Carnegie, the great businessman and philanthropist, once said, “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” Through the concerted efforts of our students, our faculty members, our staff, and our alumni, the MUIC environment has become robust with creativity, enriched with innovativeness, and harmonious with a sense of citizenship and belonging.
And that’s a great way to start a new year.
Happy Holidays 2024 to everyone.
HIGHLIGHTS 2023
It’s that time of the year again when we take a look at the high points of Mahidol University International College (MUIC)—the achievements of students, the extra-curricular training they underwent and the efforts they have expended in doing their part for society. Alongside these are major steps taken by MUIC as it continuously moves forward to better itself and take its educational and administrative capabilities to the next level. And as this recounting of the best of 2023 is reviewed, it is also the time for us to take stock and prepare for the coming new year.
Food Science Students Score 3 Wins in Ajinomoto Contest
Five Food Science and Technology students won three awards in “The Ajinomoto Young Chef Thailand Project.” Team รากหญ้าฆ่าไม่ตาย won 1st Prize in the Yum category (scholarship grant worth 50,000 Baht as prize), 1st Runner-up in the Soup category (scholarship grant worth 30,000 Baht as prize) and 2nd Runner-up in the Fried Food category (scholarship grant worth 20,000 Baht as prize). The awarding ceremony was held on March 24, 2023 at the head office of Ajinomoto Thailand in Bangkok. The team was composed of the following: Ms. Waruntorn Karnjanaprapin, Mr. Phatchara Mingmuangthai, Ms. Tunyachanok Saetian, Mr. Pongsakorn Boontawee, and Ms. Chanoknan Thongkrua.
MUIC Team Triumphs in HSBC Case Competition
Mahidol University International College’s (MUIC) Excelsior Consulting team won the grand prize in the HSBC Case Competition 2023 held on April 29, 2023 at HSBC Bank Lumpini Head Office, Bangkok. The different business majors of MUIC were represented in the winning team: Ms. Narinya Yingcharoenthana (International Business major, Tourism & Hospitality minor); Ms. Aileen Liu (Finance major, Marketing minor); Ms. Yanisa Sirisomboonchok (Finance major, Economics minor) and Mr. Peerawat Mongkolnimit (International Business major, Marketing minor)
MUIC Sweeps “From Gen Z to be CEO” Tilt
Mahidol University International College (MUIC) garnered an impressive collection of awards from the “From Gen Z to be CEO” competition held on September 19, 2023 at True Digital Park in Bangkok. The competition, organized by the New Economy Academy (NEA) of the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) saw Mr. Warit Trikasemsak, an International Business senior student, being selected as “Gen Z Ambassador 2023” while MUIC itself received the “Outstanding Institution 2023” award. Recipients of the “Outstanding Person 2023” award were the following: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nuntana Udomkit, Lecturer of the BA Division; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Claus Dieter Schreier, Assistant Dean for Research and Academic Services, and Lecturer of the BA Division; Asst. Prof. Dr. Ploy Sud-On, Lecturer of the BA Division; and Ms. Thipsukhon Chuensodsai, Educator of the BA Division.
MUIC’s Strong Showing in Chula MUN 2023
Mahidol University International College’s Model United Nations Club (MUIC MUN) carried off two Best Delegate Awards, three Best Observer Awards, and two Honorable Mentions in the Chulalongkorn University Model United Nations 2023 (ChulaMUN2023) held in Chulalongkorn University on May 26-28, 2023. The winners included: Ms. Narapath Vittaya-Am-Nuaykoon (ICIR), Ms. Nichakorn Piriyathananukul (ICIR), Mr. Ibrahim O Dawoodjee (ICBI), Ms. Anchaleekorn Wiriyamankij (ICIR), Ms. Koshakorn Pakdeesatitvara (ICIR), Mr. Aditya Dutta (ICIR) (ECOFIN) and Ms. Shalina Nandwani (ICIR).
Students Receive Awards in MU-ICT Hackathon
Three teams from Mahidol University International College (MUIC) won awards in the Mahidol AI Hackathon 2023 held on March 18 – 19, 2023 at the Faculty of ICT, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus. Team Neo Librarians received an Honorable Mention Award while Mr. Shann Chongwattananukul from this team also won the Iron Man Award. Team Lorax won the Special Prize while Team Insomnia bagged the Surprise Award. The Hackathon challenged participants to develop a prototype AI-based book recommendation system within 24 hours.
MUN Club Wins 3 Awards
Ms. Narapath Vittaya-Am-Nuaykoon won the Best Position Paper (Legal Committee) while Ms. Koshakorn Pakdeesatitvara was awarded the Best Position Paper (UN Women) and an Honorable Mention during the Thammasat University Model United Nations 2023 (TUMUN2023) held on January 13-15, 2023. Both of them are members of MUIC’s MUN Club.
UNFPA Video Contest Winners
Ms. Nuntita “Nutti” Dontresanoh (International Relations and Global Affairs freshman), Ms. Pavanrat “Sanjana” Gambhir, Ms. Maneerat “Rhea” Gandhi, and Mr. Thet Htut Zaw (“Troy”), all Media and Communication sophomore students, won awards in the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Thailand’s “Clip Challenges with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Thailand” video clip competition.
The team’s video entitled “Equality Never Gets Old” earned the 5th Place award for Ms. Pavanrat while her teammates won Popularity Awards during the awarding ceremony on July 11, 2023 at the Pullman King Power Hotel in Bangkok.
MUN Club Bags 3 Awards in WHO Simulation
A team from the Model United Nations (MUN) Club won three awards during the World Health Organizations Simulation 2023 (WHOSIM2023) held on September 9-10, 2023 at Chulalongkorn University. Mr. Ibrahim Dawoodjee (ICIB) won the Best Delegate Award, while Mr. Jiratt Pluemthanom and Mr. Danuch Karnjanayothin (both ICIR) each received an Honorable Mention Award.
ICIC Student’s Essay Included in ASEF Book
Ms. Pichaya Neeranadpuree, a student from the Intercultural Studies and Languages (ICIC) program, had her entry to the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) 25th Anniversary Essay Competition included in its 2023 book publication. According to the newly-published author, her essay, “The Importance of Asia-Europe Ties: Promoting Diverse Cultures,” drew on what she has learned in class as well as her prior visits to art and cultural centers in both Asia and Europe. She expressed her thanks to Ajarn Kevin Hart for mentoring her, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Analiza Liezl Perez-Amurao, then HLD Chair, for facilitating her participation in the contest.
Debate Club 4th Placer in Vietnam Tourney
The Debate Club delegation won 4th Place in the Vin University Intervarsity Debate Competition held in Vin University, Hanoi, Vietnam on May 4-8, 2023. The debate team, composed of Mr. Ibrahim O. Dawoodjee (ICBI), Mr. Tate Lee (ICCS) and Ms. Krittiya Sagaekhao (ICBI), faced equally tough opponents from the United Kingdom, Singapore, Vietnam, and many others.
Top Prizes in Motion Graphics Contest
The collaboration between students of Communication Design Program (CDP) and Innovation and Education Technology Unit (IETU), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Chulalongkorn University (CU) culminated in a project entitled “Motion Graphics Creation for Innovative Information and Research on Pharmaceutical Sciences.” A competition was also held resulting in the CDP students’ projects winning 1st and 2nd Prizes during the screening and awarding ceremony held on April 5, 2023 at the Screening Room, Aditayathorn Building.
Macro Business Simulation Runners-up
Three Business Administration freshmen won 2nd Runner-up in the first Thailand National Macro Business Simulation (MBS) competition hosted by BBA, School of Business, Kasetsart University on March 4, 2023. The No Mayonnaise Please team was composed of Ms. Nichapa Chayaopars (International Business), Ms. Salisa Aphinyawutthikul (Finance), and Ms. Jiyun Kim (Business Economics). They faced 75 other teams from nine universities.
1st Runner-up in “Service Solution Design Competition 2023”
The Designomics team, composed of Science and Business Administration students, won as 1st Runner-up in the Service Solution Design Competition 2023. Nadthawee Promprasit, Shann Chongwattananukul, Peerawat Mongkolnimit, Kornchanok Lin received 25,000 Baht worth of scholarship grant during the awarding ceremony held on August 11, 2023, at Aditayathorn Building.
CDP Team Finalist in Fujifilm Design Contest
Peerapat Klarkit and Noppasuang Jotikasthira from the Communication Design Program (CDP) reached the finals in the Fujifilm BI Thailand Specialty Design Contest 2023 (Ignite Your Vitality by Revoria Press™ – Season 4). They received their certificates along with eight of their classmates who also joined the competition during the awarding ceremony on September 22, 2023 at IDSC Sun Tower B, Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road, Bangkok. The other competing CDP students were Pemika Lohakitsermsakul, Panisra Yensamut, Panisra Pattanangam, Apisara Thitibenjapon, Munazza Munabir, Rujirat Tosuwanwetch, Thanarada Buakleeb and Thanyapat Pattanavongthai.
MUIC Students Finalists in “SX 2023 Hackathon”
Ms. Dhitipond Taveevararuk (Communication Design major) and Mr. Nutpeera Pongmai (Food Science and Technology) each received a certificate and a cash prize for their entry “ADHD 101” which reached the final round in “SX 2023 Hackathon: Innovation for Social Inclusion.” The contest ran from September 29 to October 8, 2023 with the awarding ceremony held at the Idea Lab, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.
CDP Students’ Works in Bangkok Design Week 2023
A series of augmented reality (AR) projects made by 15 groups of Communication Design Program (CDP) students were showcased during the Bangkok Design Week 2023 from February 4 to 12, 2023. Dubbed “Tem x Pippo,” an AR adventure story created by Mr. Chakrapan Suwanphanich and Mr. Sriphong Phaholyut, each student’s project interpreted concepts such as self-love, safety in the city and the livelihood of the Charoenkrung area from a new generation’s perspective. The AR projects include “Neotopia: Crosswalk,” “Much in Love,” “MemoPlay Park,” “Ice Cream Rally,” “Mindmotiv,” and “Unimagic.”
Jetski Medalist Turns Pro
Two-time jetski champion Mr. Punyapach Iambang, a Finance student, turned pro this year for the “Pro-am Runabout Stock.” In the first race of the season in Khon Kaen province in April, Mr. Punyapach ended up in 6th position overall while in the Udon Thani part of the race, he finished impressively in 2nd Place among 15 pro riders.
IRGA Archer Selected for National Team
Mr. Saran Thanasarncharoen from the International Relations and Global Affairs (IRGA) program successfully claimed a spot in Thailand’s national archery team during the archery tryouts conducted by the National Archery Association of Thailand on July 15-16, 22-23, 2023 at the Sports Authority of Thailand, Bangkok. Later, he was able to compete in the Asian Archery Championship held on November 3-10, 2023.
Students’ Projects Displayed at CreaTech Exhibition
Two Communication Design students (Mr. Plu Thanasarnchinda and Ms. Natchaya Jitpinityol) and one from the Creative Technology program (Mr. Dennis Ananda Scheucher) had their works included in the “CreaTech: The New Reality” exhibition on the 5th Floor of the Thai Creative and Design Center (TCDC) / Creative Economy Agency (CEA) offices in Bangkok until October 29, 2023. The exhibition was set up to showcase works by professionals in the creative industry along with those made by selected students.
WORTHY CAUSES
Volunteer Camps in Saraburi, Prachinburi
Volunteering one’s services to society is a popular activity among MUIC students. The Volunteer Club organized several camps this year including one in Saraburi in February and another in Prachinburi in July. In the earlier camp, around 40 volunteers provided young pupils with educational and entertainment activities, earning much positive feedback. In the latter camp, 45 student volunteers helped build a playground and a waste disposal facility and also conducted fun learning activities for the young children.
Planting Mangrove Seedlings with “MUIC Go Green!”
To help save mangrove forests which are critical to a healthy environment, the Office of Student Affairs’ Student Development Unit mobilized 38 students and five staff members to the Khlong Khon Mangrove Forest Conservation Center in Samut Songkram province on May 21, 2023. The event was held for the participants to learn more about the mangrove ecosystem by attending a lecture, joining a viewing trip aboard a boat, doing shellfish collecting and participating in planting mangrove seedlings.
Blood Drive for Siriraj Hospital
Mahidol University International College’s (MUIC) Student Association, working closely with MUIC Student Affairs Section and Siriraj Hospital, held this trimester’s Blood Donation on June 15, 2023 at Charinyarasami Hall, 3rd Floor, Aditayathorn Building. Of the 100 people who registered, 71 were able to donate their blood.
Animal Lovers Club’s “Paw Patrol”
A total of 20 student participants joined the 3-day “Paw Patrol” organized by the Animal Lovers Club on January 17-19, 2023. The participants visited the Salaya Mahidol Dog Shelter inside the Salaya campus. Volunteers got the chance to bathe, walk, and play with the dogs in the shelter. At the same time, the dogs got the opportunity to socialize with people, helping them in correcting their fearful or aggressive behaviors. Money raised in the club’s fund-raisers was used to buy supplies for the dog shelter.
Do You Have a Green Thumb?
The Nature Lovers Club joined the Science Society Club in a project called “A Green Thumb” from February 2, 2023 to March 23, 2023. Participating students were taught how to make compost, putting them in plant pots along with alfalfa seeds. As the alfalfa grew fast, there was a competition on who can have the best-grown alfalfa in two weeks. Five winners were given 300 Baht each.
MUIC Observes Pride Month
The International Relations and Global Affairs (IRGA) Program organized “Gender Festival” from June 13 to 14, 2023, marked by workshops, panel discussions about the role of women, pride parade, exhibitions and others which featured prominent personalities. At the same time, the Student Association organized an “IC Pride Market.” The Dance Club presented a pride-themed performance on June 28 while the Sign Language Club held a “Pride Month Rainbow” from June 5 to 19. Meanwhile, the GENSCAPE Club brought 31 students to the Embassy of Sweden to attend “A Swedish Take on Diversity and Inclusion.”
MUIC MASTERY
THM Division in QS World University Rankings
The QS World University Rankings placed Mahidol University International College’s Tourism and Hospitality (THM) Division within the 101-150 bracket by Subject (Hospitality & Leisure Management 2023).
Safety and Wellness Awardee 6 Years in a Row
Mahidol University International College (MUIC) was given the Outstanding Award for Safety Academy and Good Wellness 2022 by the Department of Labor Protection and Welfare and also received the Award for Enhancement of Safety Practice of Research Laboratory (ESPReL) during a ceremony held on April 28, 2023 at Prince Mahidol Hall. This is the sixth year in a row that the college received the award. Dr. Laddawan Jianvittayakit, Associate Dean for Environment and Sustainable Development, received the award on behalf of MUIC.
Honorable Mention in MU Green Ranking 2022
Mahidol University International College (MUIC) received an Honorable Mention in the recently concluded MU Green Ranking 2022. The MU Green Ranking is an environmental performance score from the MU-Ecodata system and serves as a preliminary information for the university’s planning operations especially in supporting sustainable development.
“Happy Green Day” at MUIC
In observance of World Environment Day on June 2, 2023, the Energy Saving Committee of Mahidol University International College (MUIC) held “Happy Green Day.” Students, faculty and staff members enjoyed the event’s two main activities, “Happy Green Thumb” where various techniques of growing vegetables along with effective means of collecting waste were taught to the participants, and “Happy Green Market” where vegetables and plants were on sale. The event corresponded with Mahidol University’s Green University policy and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Partnership with Accor
To strengthen the academic and educational competencies of Mahidol University International College (MUIC) and the professional resources of Accor, the two organizations signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on October 27, 2023 at Movenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok on Wireless Road, Bangkok. The agreement covers four areas, namely, internship opportunities at hotels/resorts under Accor, career development and job opportunities at Accor, research and special project, and knowledge and experience enhancement.
MUIC Holds “1st Innovative College Event (ICE)”
The first-ever “Innovative College Event (ICE)” showcased the innovative and creative academic products of MUIC’s faculty members. Organized by the Research Promotion & Management (RPM) and Academic Services (AS) sections, the event was held on February 17, 2023 at Charinyarasami Hall, Aditayathorn Building. It was also meant to encourage collaboration as well as promote the college’s external research funding. In addition, the event advocated sustainability in connection with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and Thailand’s economic and social development plan.
BA Division’s 3rd Annual Business and Entrepreneurial Talk
The Business Administration Division organized the 3rd Annual Business and Entrepreneurial Talk at the Screening Room (A556), Aditayathorn Building on March 10, 2023, featuring notable business experts and successful alumni from different industries. With its theme, “The Changing World of Business and Its Impact on our Future,” the highlights included knowledge sharing on business challenges in the post-Covid 19 era, the road to business sustainability, and future jobs and desirable skill sets.
MOU with 36 Top High Schools in Thailand
Mahidol University International College (MUIC) received an Honorable Mention in the recently concluded MU Green Ranking 2022. The MU Green Ranking is an environmental performance score from the MU-Ecodata system and serves as a preliminary information for the university’s planning operations especially in supporting sustainable development.
ICIC Celebrates First-ever Cultural Week
The Intercultural Studies and Languages (ICIC) Program of the Humanities and Language (HLD) Division celebrated its very first Cultural Week, a three-day long event that featured guest speakers from and involvement of three embassies (the Federal Republic of Germany, the Embassy of Spain, and the Royal Bhutanese Embassy) and Michelin, a multinational corporation; a calligraphy workshop and musical performance, a research seminar, traditional games, poster exhibition, an independent project showcase, food-tasting, film viewing and lecture, and a career talk. Headed by then-HLD Chair Asst. Prof. Dr. Analiza Liezl Perez-Amurao, the division managed to jumpstart partnerships with said Embassies for future HLD-ICIC projects. A total of 517 students, faculty and staff members attended the various events from June 19 to 21, 2023.
UK Ambassador on Post-Brexit and SE Asia
His Excellency Mark Gooding, Ambassador of the UK to Thailand, was the guest speaker in a forum entitled “Post Brexit UK Policy in Southeast Asia” organized by the International Relations and Global Affairs (IRGA) program held on October 25, 2023. Amb. Gooding stressed the importance of Southeast Asia to the UK’s foreign policy and also emphasized the centrality of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the region’s affairs.
MUIC Partners with MUIDS to Stage “Biosynergy 2023”
Mahidol University International College (MUIC) partnered with Mahidol University International Demonstration School (MUIDS) in “Biosynergy 2023,” an event which highlighted the botanical field studies and experiments of Grade 10 students on October 24, 2023 at MUIC’s Auditorium. Almost 300 Grade 10 students from MUIDS participated in the event which was the culminating activity of the Biophilia Plant Kits, a subproject of the Biophilia Research Cluster of MUIC under its lead organizer Mr. Laird Allan of the Science Division.
MUIC, Touch Technologies Eye Collaboration
A potential partnership between Mahidol University International College (MUIC) and Touch Technologies Co. Ltd. are in the works which could lead to the internship of MUIC students in Touch Idea Hub and a collaboration on several innovative projects. Touch Idea Hub is a technology park in Bangkok whose specialties include technical R&D, product and service development, digital marketing, creative design, service and network engineering, and others.
THIRST FOR KNOWLEDGE
10 Students Train in Baking at Mandarin Oriental
The Tourism and Hospitality Management Division (THM) partnered with the School of the Oriental Hotel Apprenticeship Programme (OHAP) and came up with a month-long professional education program that trained 10 MUIC students. The event resulted in a comprehensive training in baking and pastry (chocolate, afternoon tea desserts, baking, and banquets) under the guidance of seasoned professionals from the esteemed Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok.
THM Club Organizes Mocktail Workshop
Twenty-four students underwent a training session on how to make mocktails on May 26, 2023 at Aditayathorn Building. Dubbed “Drink! Drink! Mocktail!” the workshop was a project of the THM Club and featured a guest speaker from Maruchot training school.
MUN Club Organizes “101 Workshop”
To train future and potential members, the Model United Nations Club held “MUN 101 Workshop” at the Seminar Room, MUIC Building 1 on October 6, 2023. This workshop session attended by 18 participants focused on foundational knowledge about Model United Nations proceedings, effective topic research and position paper preparation. The organizers managed to offer hands-on experience through a mock debate.
How to Ease Back Pain
The THM Club’s “Knock Off Back Pain,” featured a team of certified physical therapists who taught the participants how to deal with back pains through techniques that are both easy and simple. This activity, held at Aditayathorn Building, consisted of a lecture on the causes and effects of back pain and also a workshop session that taught the 33 participants how to perform physical massages and other movements to counteract back pains.
MUIC Hosts Resume and Interview Workshop
Around 50 participants attended the “MUIC Career Roadmap EP.1: Resume Power-Up and Interview Pro Tips” on September 27, 2023 where they learned much about resume writing techniques and interview strategies from an industry expert, Mr. Charlie Withayachamnankul, CEO & Co-founder of Resubae Recruitment Co., Ltd. The event was organized by the Office of Student Affairs.
Alumni Milestones
MUIC Alumni Enter Chula’s International Medical Program
Nine students from Mahidol University International College (MUIC) were recently accepted to the Chulalongkorn University International Medical Program (CU-MEDi) through the MUIC-Chula Graduate Entry Medicine Pathway. They have recently finished the Foundations in Medicine course and are currently on their first term in medical school this year. We were able to interview four of them. These students are Mr. Dhup Bhukdee, Mr. Abhishet Varama, Ms. Sakulrat Martpunyachon, Ms. Siriyakorn Chudhakorn, Ms. Virunpatcha Hengsadeekul, Mr. Sirapob Ruayfupant, and Mr. Tanapat Sathapornsermsuk, who are all from the Biological Sciences program, Ms. Siripreeya Phankingthongkum from the Chemistry program, and Ms. Kochakorn Weerachun from the Finance program.
Intern in Melbourne’s Largest Hospital
Mr. Chun-liang Cheng, a Biological Sciences alumnus (Class of 2018), was recently accepted as an intern in Monash Health, the largest hospital in Melbourne, Australia. A student of Monash University School of Medicine, Australia, his apprenticeship will start in 2024.
