June 23, 2022 – Khon Kaen University held a welcoming ceremony to welcome the new class of students, 2022 – Mr. Surapon Petch-vra, Vice Chairman of Khon Kaen University Council honored the event by giving a special speech, while Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of the University delivered the welcoming address to the students, who were divided into two groups, 2,500 attending the morning session and another 2,500 attending the afternoon session, totaling 7,500 KKU freshmen this year.
The event began at 10:00 a.m., with a mini-concert from the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, followed by a presentation video that introduces Khon Kaen University, welcoming performances by KKU administrators with a fun Thai song, which really impressed the freshmen. The next performance was a drum and song from the Thai classical dance of the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts.
Mr. Surapon Petch-vra, Vice Chairman of Khon Kaen University Council said in his special talk: “In the past when I stepped into a university for the first time, I saw a banner with the words written on it: I’m young, I’m silly, I’m surprised, therefore I come to see the meanings and hope to collect as much as I can. At the end I got only a piece of paper.” There was a next banner that says, “Young ones, where are you from? What are you looking for at this university?” After seeing these, it made me contemplate on them. Now, before I ask what you will get from this university, let me congratulate the 59th class of KKU students. I hope that the class will not wither like a flower bouquet but will continue to bloom or grow. Khon Kaen University is the 5th in rank of over 150 Thai universities. It is something to be proud of. What is worrying is that life in a university is different from before. There are many things that are not similar to life in the high school. It is like you reach a vast ocean. Some will feel lonely, and you should find some friends. However, in the next 4-6 years, even though you complete the education, you must not end your learning. What is a university? A university has the duty to incubate students, teach you to have knowledge, think and acquire skills. But it is not only knowledge. We may see a company president who completed only Grade 6, but his employees hold doctorate degrees. This means the thought and skills are more important than knowledge. As a representative of the University administrators, I assure you all that KKU will not stop progressing. We are ready to confront all challenges and make KKU grow.”
Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of the University welcomed the new students and congratulated them for passing the entrance examination into the university. Entering the university is the first success, all students must attempt a lot to reach the goal. Here, the university has a lot of resources for students to learn and acquire skills that enable you to work for the country and the society. “I hope you lead your life with conscience. At present, KKU has changed the paradigm from teaching to learning paradigm, to build skills for each student. The concern is that students should be careful in your living. Do not get involved in drugs and alcohol. If you feel lonely, think about your friends and teachers. I hope you all the success and hope that you reach your goal in 4 to 6 years from now.”
A new student from the Faculty of Associated Medicine, Nong Chen (Left) and Nong Chol (Right) said that they came to visit KKKU once and felt that the campus was shady, famous and so wanted to study here. What impressed them is that the seniors look after them well. The Dean, the President, and administrators are friendly. The welcoming ceremony was creative and they enjoyed it.
The freshmen welcoming ceremony 2022 ended with a performance called Suwankalaphruek. This was followed by the session of oath making by the new students, performance by seniors from the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts.
The event was held under precautions against the spread of the disease. There were two sessions, in the morning and in the afternoon, where 2,500 students attended in each session. Altogether, there are about 7,500 freshmen this year.
News / Photos: Communications Division, KKU
