January 25, 2024 – Khon Kaen University organized the 60th anniversary celebration of the “60 years of creativity and development for the society”. The event featured presentation of over 500 glorification awards to personnel with evident work outcomes and the alumni with notable social contributions. Among distinguished attendants of the event were the Chairman of the University Council, the University Council members, former administrators, former presidents, former deans, Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China, Consulate-General of the People’s Democratic Republic of Laos, Consulate-General of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and Consulate-General of France, and KKU personnel, students, alumni, guests and news correspondents, totaling over 3,000 people. The event took place at the Golden Jubilee Convention Center, Khon Kaen University.
Dr. Narongchai Akrasanee, Chairman of Khon Kaen University Council led a forum on the topic of “KKU at 60th year: Meeting Opportunities and Challenges of “The New Isan”. “Isan has big cities with international growth. There are significant routes that connect with the neighboring countries, abundant resources, competent personnel of the private, academic and official sectors, agricultural raw materials the values of which can be extended, people with increasing interests in arts, traditions, and cultures of Isan, tourism spots, sports such as boxing and volleyball. With these reasons, there are opportunities and challenges in this part of the country, with Heavy Traffic as a lot of people will be traveling here. More transportation of items and goods will happen, with more values added from the service sector. People will be shopping, touring and becoming concern of their health. Therefore, Isan is ready in all dimensions to change from the bottom of a bag to a frontier central region. So how should Khon Kaen University set the policy on New Isan? I suggest the following concepts: Challenges for KKU – 1) education and culture, Isan plus model, 2) research on Ecology, Environment, Energy, and Technology for Healthcare, 3) creating Knowledge Network: KKU ++ academic institutions, and research center in Asia and Mekong region. The collaboration will lead to bigger growth.”
Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University then led the team of administrators on the stage to announce about the intention in development, administration, and propulsion of Khon Kaen University from now, as follows:
“On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Khon Kaen University, I’d like to say that the University is able to achieve this level because of the common visions that lead to collaboration and dedication of personnel, administrators, and lecturers from the past until today, together with collaboration from all sectors of the society.”
“Firstly, I’d like to emphasize the determination of Khon Kaen University in providing quality education for the people. Education is not only a tool for individual progress, but is also the foundation that creates and promotes the society to progress and grow.”
“Secondly, Khon Kaen University is confident and aware of the power in social dedication. Besides participation in Isan regional social activities, we are determined to cooperate with all regions of the country, of the world, especially countries in Mekong region. The 60th anniversary celebration of the University reiterates the role of the University in solving problems and development of all aspects including climate changes, public health, reduction of social gaps. We will use our resources, capacities, and power in every way for solution of problems growth.”
“Lastly, Khon Kaen University people are working with all sectors for greatest social benefits¸ with the spirit of unity in creating strong cooperation with governmental and private organizations.”
“Last but not least, I’d like to ask everyone here, staff, lecturers, and students to be aware of and express your determination in announcing the intention of Khon Kaen University; that we will work with our fullest capacity towards academic excellence, with strong determination to develop the society and enhance social collaboration. We will join in creating progress of Khon Kaen University of the Northeast, Thailand, Mekong region and the world society. Our determination will bring more success by the next decade, making Khon Kaen University widely and sustainably accepted.”
The event was also attended by a number of students, who thanked Khon Kaen University for the educational opportunities and promised to pay attention in their studies in order to become a good citizen in the future.
Miss Arisa Nakornjan, a 1st year student of the Locality Conservation Teacher Project, majoring in pre-school and primary education, Faculty of Education, thanked for the opportunities to fulfill the dream of a poor girl who is the expectation of the family. She said she will pay attention to her studies and will transfer the knowledge to her future students and will become a good citizen of the country.
Mr. Kunakorn Tiwakorakot, a 5th year medical student, who was awarded the Sri Kalaphruek Prize of 2022 said, “I came from Bangkok to Khon Kaen with worries about the differences of the place and culture. But I found that Khon Kaen University is not second to other universities in terms of program development, research and academic. KKU is a leading research university that does not only give me knowledge but also happiness. KKU is the hope of everyone. I can say that I’m proud to be graduated from Khon Kaen University and will use my knowledge and ability to help the community.”
In the morning, KKU Buddhist people came to Sirikunakorn Building for food offering to monks. Ajarn Natsamol, Tanakulrungsarit, Assistant to the President for Special Affairs said that there are many activities to celebrate the University’s 60th anniversary. The morning session is food offering to 10 monks. “We have invited Luang Po Intawai Santussako from Na Kham Noi Forest Temple to preside over the ceremony, to be the chairman of the ‘Pha Pa’ merit making and to give scholarships to KKU students. Luan Po donated 1 million baht for this purpose and the donated amount from other people amounted to over 4 million baht.”
There is the blood donation activity. The Special Affair section scheduled blood donation every 3 months. This month it was on January 25, 2024. It was a good occasion to make the merit on the occasion of the University’s 60th anniversary. The blood, 30,400 CC from 76 donors will be used for patients who need it.
Mr. Thammathat Jaroensuk, a 1st year student of the faculty of Engineering said that he learned about the activity from social media and intended to donate blood as part of the 60th anniversary celebration. This was the 6th time he had donated blood and hoped that the blood would be used fro the patient who really needed it.
The final activity was the free concert by Jetset’er, a group of artists from White Music at the Golden Jubilee Convention Center. A lot of students came to enjoy the concert until half of the Hall was filled. The concert was fun and made all happy with the popular songs.
The artists of Jetset’er gave the interview after the concert that they were honored to perform at KKU and congratulated the University on the 60th anniversary. They also hoped that they could return to play here in the future.
Two first year students, Apissara Chanathong and Tatsanee Thongin, majoring in accountant said that they were happy to join this good activity. They were fcs of Jetset’er and so were excited that the University invited this band to play. It was great fun to listen to the favorite band with friends both from their faulty and others.
News: Jiraporn Pratomchai