With reference to the University’s appointment of the Khon Kaen University President Nomination Committee, as per Khon Kaen University Order No. 8846/2566, of September 14, 2023, the Nomination Committee had carried out this duty in accordance with the relevant regulations and announcements, and had taken under consideration the screening of three nominees who are suitable to be appointed as KKU President and proposed the list of the nominees to Khon Kaen University Council. The three nominees are, in the Thai alphabetical order: Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D.; Prof. Monchai Duanchinda, Ph.D.; and Prof. Apirat Siritarawat, Ph.D. Khon Kaen University Council then scheduled the selection agendum of Khon Kaen University President on the 1^st meeting of 2024 on January 17, 2024 at Sarasin Room, Sirikunakorn Building. The steps and method of selection are as follows:

Step 1: Presentation of each nominee for 30 minutes, the order of which was obtained by drawing lots.

Step 2: Each University Council committee member voted, 1 member: 1 vote.

Step 3: Score counting and conclusion drawing.

The criteria follow Clause 18 of Khon Kaen University Regulations on Khon Kaen University President Selection of 2021 and the amendment, as follows:

Round 1 of resolution: the selected person as KKU President must receive over half of the total votes in the first round.

In case there is no one receiving over half of the total votes in the first round, there will be Round 2 of resolution to select between the first two nominees who receive the highest votes. The selected person must receive the highest votes, not lower than two thirds. If in the second round, the votes are still equal, then the Chairman of the University Council Meeting shall vote and the result is final.

Step 4: Announcement of the name of the selected person as the President of Khon Kaen University, and the University Council makes approval of this.

Dr. Narongchai Akrasanee, Chairman of Khon Kaen University said after the conclusion, “On behalf of Khon Kaen University, I now inform Khon Kaen University community about the nomination and selection of Khon Kaen University President, which has been carried out for over 4 months, following all of the regulations and orders, by the Nomination Committee. There was the application step and nomination based on the process set forth. The Nomination Committee made the conclusion and proposed 3 nominees, namely, Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D.; Prof. Monchai Duanchinda, Ph.D.; and Prof. Apirat Siritarawat, Ph.D.

After the list of nominees was proposed, each nominee made the presentation about what each wanted to happen in Khon Kaen University, what each would carry out and how, together with the strategies and the methods. Each nominee had 30 minutes for the presentation, which was very interesting. It is clearly seen that there is the future awaiting and there are things that should be done for the growth of Khon Kaen University.

After the presentations, the 25 University Council members then voted. The criteria have been set that if there is the nominee receiving more than half of the votes, voting will be for once and concluded. If there is no nominee receiving more than half the votes, then voting will be repeated for the second time.

After voting, 4 committee members counted the votes, and it turned out that Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., received more than half of the total votes. Thus, the resolution of Khon Kaen University Council is to appoint Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D. as Khon Kaen University President for another term.”

The atmosphere of the announcement was pleasant. The nominees and the University Council members and all attendants congratulated the newly selected President, who will guide Khon Kaen University towards being a world class research university. Dr. Narongchai Akrasanee, Chairman of Khon Kaen University then presented flower bouquets to the 3 nominees as the support for them to continue working for the university.

The next step is documentation and compilation of information to submit to the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation that will in turn, proceed with proposing the selected nominee for His Majesty the King’s appointment.

News: Jiraporn Pratomchai

[Thai]

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Researcher team of Khon Kaen University led by Assoc. Prof. Jureerat Daduang, M.D., Ph.D., succeeded in developing the NGAL (Neutrophil Gelatinase-associated Lipocalin) Urine Protein Test Strip, a kit that assists in screening for first stage disorders of ureter. The test only takes 15 minutes and the result can be read for the amount of NGAL protein in urine in nano-gram. The test kit precision is approximately 90%. With its small size, ease of use, people can now have access to renal disorder screening on their own, using 20 micro-liter of urine. If 2 lines appear, it means that the person should receive further diagnosis and medical treatment.

The latest news is that the NGAL Protein Test Strip has received the prize at the “Good” level from the 2023 Higher Education Innovation Contest, organized by the National Research Council, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. The prize included a trophy and cash award, presented in August this year.

Now, the NGAL Protein Test Strip is under the step of additional clinical tests. In the future, of the Test Strip can be produced commercially, people can have easy access to the screening of renal diseases. This means decrease of governmental expenditure in importing test kits and the load in caring and treating of patients with chronic renal failure.

Kidney diseases can be prevented by controlling the level of blood pressure and sugar, by refraining from eating tasty and salty foods, as well as by drinking adequate water and exercising regularly. Another recommendation is to refrain from continuously taking medicine in sets or herbal medicine for a long time. Medicine should be taken as prescribed by doctors or pharmacists only.

News: Watchara Noichompoo

[Thai]

The post KKU researchers come up with NGAL Protein Test Strip that detects disorders of kidney in 15 minutes – an invention for self-prevention of renal failure appeared first on KHON KAEN UNIVERSITY.

November 7, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. to 14:00 p.m. – Khon Kaen University by the Division of Education Quality Development carried out the Sharing EdPEx & Good Practice Project. Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University chaired the meeting and clarified the objectives of the project before the event began. Asst. Prof. Saowalak Sukprasert, a National Quality Award Auditor and an Education Development for Performance Excellence Sub-committee member gave a talk on drawing lessons towards excellence and preparation for EdPEx300 (Education Criteria for Performance Excellence). The meeting, held at Sirikunakorn Room 3, 2^nd Floor, Sirikunakorn Building, was attended by more than 100 deans and administrators from all faculties.

Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University explained that EdPEx 200/300 is the education quality criteria towards excellent operations. It is the framework for developing the management and administration quality, which is internationally accepted on a wide scale and is the prototype of the national quality award (TQA). With cooperation from all faculties, the management and administration of Khon Kaen University should pass the EdPEx criteria, both at the faculty and the university levels. This means the conceptual framework for systematic organizational administration would be efficient, enabling the University to sustainably and rapidly develop. “For the faculties that have not passed the EdPEx 200/300, the meeting today is a good chance to learn from the faculties with good governance.”

Asst. Prof. Saowalak Sukprasert, a National Quality Award Auditor and an Education Development for Performance Excellence Sub-committee member talked about the success factors, the role of the Coach/ Facilitator, and the role of internal auditors. The talk also covered the education criteria for performance excellence (EdPEx), the criteria of which are the same as the National Quality Award evaluation used for the university and faculty levels. “Everyone knows that the criteria for the institution to consider are systematic operations that are put into real use, regular, with complete coverage. The operations can be followed up and evaluated for improvement. The improvement has impact on achievement in accordance with the expected directions and the outcomes of the improvement, whether these can lead to sustainability or not. EdPEx 200/300 at the faculty level is not difficult, but the University must be the mechanism that supports the faculties, by giving recommendations for the faculties’ continuous competency, and at the same time, the intensiveness of the internal auditors must be increased so that the results of the evaluation can be put into real use.

The event included lectures and talks by the representatives of faculties receiving EdPEx 200 and EdPEx 300, and the faculties passing TQC (Faculty of Medicine) and TQC Plus (Faculty of Dentistry) to share their experiences. There was a forum on “Good Practices for Developing Educational Quality towards Excellence by EdPEx Criteria” by the Deans of the faculties passing EdPEx 300 and TQC, namely, the Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy, and Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts.

The other forum on “Good Practices for Developing Educational Quality towards Excellence by EdPEx Criteria” by faculties passing EdPEx 200 – Faculty of Associated Medical Science, Faculty of Public Health, Faculty of Sciences, Faculty of Education, College of Local Administration, Faculty of Agriculture, and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. At the end, KKU President presented the certification of honors to the faculties passing EdPEx 200, EdPEx 300 and TQC.

News / Photos: Division of Education Quality Development and Jiraporn Pratomchai

[Thai]

The post KKU administrators share and learn lessons from EdPEx, a move towards educational quality excellence appeared first on KHON KAEN UNIVERSITY.

November 1, 2023 – Khon Kaen University administrators led by Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of the University; Asst. Prof. Acharawan To-phagngam, Assitant to the President for International Affairs; and administrators and representatives from the College of Local Administration. Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Nursing, International College, College of Graduate Study in Management; and Acting Director of the International Affairs Division attended the Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony between Khon Kaen University and Eastern International University, Socialist Republic of Vietnam (EIU) led by Mr. Nguyen Tan Loi, Chairman of the University Council, EIU. The ceremony took place at Sirikunakorn Room 5, 6th Floor, Sirikunakorn Building, Khon Kaen University.

Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University said, “Khon Kaen University is pleased to develop academic collaboration with the Eastern International University, Socialist Republic of Vietnam, especially in student exchange and training at Eastern International University and the Becamex Group. The exchange will enhance working skills and English language of the students. In addition, Khon Kaen University is collaborating with over 20 leading institutions in Vietnam, and during the last August, KKU administrators had a chance to visit and discuss with the administrators of EIU for development in academic and program collaboration besides student exchange.”

Mr. Nguyen Tan Loi, Chairman of the University Council, EIU, said, “On behalf of the Eastern International University, Socialist Republic of Vietnam, I am very pleased to meet with the administrators of KKU and sign the MOU today. EIU is the university that holds the strategic goal in education transformation, development of economy, industry, social and culture. EIU is happy to welcome students from Khon Kaen University, under the cooperative education program, for practicum at EIU in the near future. The MOU signing today means our strong academic collaboration. I am grateful to all the faculties and organizations that have contributed to this collaboration.”

The MOU signing is aimed at developing academic, research collaboration, exchange of students, training, and cooperative education program.
After the MOU signing ceremony, EIU delegation met with Dr. Narongchai Akrasanee, Chairman of Khon Kaen University Council and Mr. Surapon Petch-vra, Vice Chairman of the University Council to discuss the policies in administration of the two universities.

In addition, on November 1, 2023 – EIU delegation met with administrators of the College of Local Administration and on November 2, 2023, the delegation met and discussed with the Faculty of Nursing, the International College, the College of Graduate Study in Management and the faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy for the academic collaboration activities in the future.

News: Prawsaeng Siripanuwat, International Affairs Division
Edited by Patrateera Thumthan, International Affairs Division
Photos: Sakhin Khaochaimaha, International Affairs Division

[Thai]

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Thursday September 28, 2023 – Khon Kaen University and Khon Kaen Province held the helmet distribution event for students of Khon Kaen University to promote the “365-day safe ride and drive” program. The event took place at the first floor area of Sirikunakorn Building, Khon Kaen University.

At the event, Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University welcomed Khon Kaen Governor, and added that Khon Kaen University has continuously carried out work on prevention and decrease of road accidents, through public relation for perception, setting safety measures, enhancing safe drive and ride culture among students and staff, and developing innovations related to traffic safety on Khon Kaen University campus.

“Khon Kaen Province, by the Governor, has announced the agendum: “365-day safe ride and drive in Khon Kaen” and today gave 500 helmets to Khon Kaen University students. This is a good opportunity that would enhance safe motorcycle riding behavior and key deployment in lessening severity of injuries and loss of lives and assets of the students. Khon Kaen University is grateful to Khon Kaen Province and all who joined the helmet giving today. Welcome all with pleasure.”

Assoc. Prof. Piansak Pakdee, Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relation reported that the announcement of Khon Kaen Province of the agendum: “365-day safe ride and drive in Khon Kaen”, and 100% helmet use with the target group being school and university students aged 15-22 years; is in accordance with the safety policy of Khon Kaen University. KKU has campaigned through various activities to promote and build conscience in the prevention of injuries from road using of students and staff.

Khon Kaen University has made a survey on the need of helmets with students from all faculties. 574 answered that they needed a helmet. Khon Kaen Province therefore donated 500 helmets to KKU students. At the event, 90 students as representatives of all came to take their helmets.

Mr. Kraisorn Kongchalad, Khon Kaen Governor who presided over the helmet giving today explained about the “365-day safe ride and drive in Khon Kaen” that has been continuously implemented for 2 months. Besides giving information related to traffic laws, Khon Kaen Province also distributes helmets in order to prevent accidents. All through these two months, it was found that the injury statistics and death rate really decreased at around 50%. It is expected that the number would continue to decrease during the last month of the project.

“If motorcyclists wear helmet at least the injury will not be severe and loss would not happen. I hope that the helmet will protect students’ lives, and they would ride safely. Thanks KKU President for the warm welcome and for cooperating with the Province in the 100% helmet use policy.”

At the event, President of Khon Kaen University and Khon Kaen Governor gave prizes to Mr. Withawat Namkhammoon and Mr. Noppon Changchai, 2^nd year students from the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts majoring in Communication Art Design, who won in the Poster Competition for Campaign, Public Relation and Prevention of Road Accidents under the theme “100% helmet use” organized by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Ministry of Interior.

Withawat and Noppon said that after their professor had told them about the project, they decided to join and received advice from their professor about the laying technique and the design of poster until they won the prize. One piece of work was a Pop Art design integrated with Isometric, while the other had the outstanding point in the use of colors, red and green, to communicate about traffic. These two colors also stand out by themselves.

“We hope that our posters will make people see the importance of helmet wearing in their daily life, for the helmet is the safety of everyone.”

Administrators of Khon Kaen University and Khon Kaen Province then gave the helmets to student representatives. A 3^rd year student from the Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy said that a lot of KKU students use motorcycle on campus. During the rainy season, if they have something to protect them from accidents it would be very good. Besides giving the helmet, the University also organized activities related to traffic law and trained students on safe riding. The student then thanked the University for seeing the importance of students’ safety.

News: Panit Khatnak

[Thai]

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