17/07/2026
Kasetsart University Welcomes Delegation from the University of Southern Queensland, Australia
On Thursday, 16 July 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at Meeting Room 9, 2nd Floor, the Golden Jubilee Administration and Information Center, Kasetsart University, Associate Professor Chamaipak Maiklad, Ph.D., Vice President for International Affairs, together with Assistant Professor Dr. Sombat Khaowprateep of the Department of Farm Mechanics, Faculty of Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen Campus; Assistant Professor Amphorn Sriyabhaya., Ph.D., Dean of Faculty of Sports and Health Science; Associate Professor Chanate Malumpong, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Research, Academic Services, and International Relations, Faculty of Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen; Assistant Professor Jutiporn Thussagunpanit, Ph.D., Assistant Dean for Research and Internationalization, Faculty of Agriculture; Assistant Professor Sombat Khawprateep, Ph.D., Department of Farm Mechanics, Faculty of Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen; Dr. Thanankhorn Jaiphong, Assistant Dean for Innovation and Social Impact Partnerships, Faculty of Engineering at Kamphaeng Saen; Associate Professor Prathuang Usaborisut, Ph.D., Head, Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering at Kamphaeng Saen; Assistant Professor Wanrat Abdullakasim, Ph.D., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering at Kamphaeng Saen; Mr. Pongphun Panmayura, Doctoral Student, Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering at Kamphaeng Saen; Ms. Kanokkorn Jeerawarangkoon, Educational Services Section, Graduate School; Ms. Jariya Pholprasit, Educational Standards Assurance Section, Graduate School, and staff from the International Affairs Division, welcomed a delegation from the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ), Australia, led by Professor John Bell, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Research), and Professor Ren Yi, Pro Vice-Chancellor (International). The visit provided an opportunity for both universities to discuss expanding collaboration in academic affairs, research, and student mobility.
The purpose of this visit is to continue and expand the cooperation under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by both universities, focusing on developing collaboration in student exchange, promoting student mobility under the New Colombo Plan Mobility Project, establishing a Joint Seed Funding Scheme to support joint research, and promoting multilateral research collaboration between Kasetsart University, the University of Southern Queensland, and partner institutions in the People's Republic of China, in order to create an international research collaboration network.
The meeting commenced with a presentation of Kasetsart University’s introductory video. Associate Professor Dr. Chamaipak Maiklad, Vice President for International Affairs, then delivered the welcoming remarks and provided an overview of the University, including its newly established faculties, namely the Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Nursing, and Faculty of Pharmacy. She also reaffirmed the University's commitment to strengthening and expanding academic collaboration between the two institutions. In response, Professor John Bell, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Research), expressed his appreciation for the warm hospitality and congratulated Kasetsart University’s newly appointed executive management team. He also introduced the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ), Australia, and reaffirmed UniSQ’s commitment to fostering student mobility between the two universities, both now and in the future, as well as promoting broader academic and research collaboration.
The two universities also exchanged information on their respective research strengths and strategic priorities. The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) is recognized for its expertise in agriculture and the environment, climate science, plant health, sustainable agricultural systems, agricultural engineering, and advanced materials, which closely align with Kasetsart University's strengths in teaching and research, particularly in agriculture, engineering, and science. These complementary areas provide a strong foundation for developing collaborative research projects, promoting faculty and researcher exchanges, and creating broader academic opportunities for students from both institutions. Furthermore, both parties discussed several avenues for expanding future collaboration, including extending partnerships to additional faculties and campuses of Kasetsart University, particularly the Sriracha Campus and Chalermphrakiat Sakon Nakhon Province Campus; enhancing collaboration through competitive research grants; initiating trilateral partnerships among Kasetsart University, the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ), and partner institutions in the People's Republic of China; and jointly developing academic programs, such as the Agri-Engineering (2+2) Program, Cotutelle PhD Program, Joint Degree, Joint Research Program, and Short-term Internship Program.
Kasetsart University and the University of Southern Queensland have a long-standing academic collaboration under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on March 2, 2023. This collaboration encompasses various activities, including student exchange programs under the New Colombo Plan Mobility Program and networking through international events. This meeting builds upon Professor Ren Yi's official visit to Kasetsart University in December 2025 and represents another significant step in advancing cooperation in education, research, and innovation to create mutually beneficial outcomes at the international level.
The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) is one of Australia's leading public universities, recognized for its excellence in applied teaching and research. The university has established particular strengths in agriculture and environmental sciences, climate science, agricultural engineering, advanced materials, and sustainable agricultural technologies through its specialized institutes and research centres. These centres are dedicated to driving innovation and translating research into practical solutions for industry and society, both nationally and internationally. UniSQ's research excellence closely aligns with Kasetsart University's academic mission and research capabilities, creating a solid foundation for expanding future collaboration in education, research, and innovation.
At the conclusion of the meeting, representatives from both universities exchanged commemorative gifts and participated in a group photograph in a warm and friendly atmosphere before the meeting concluded at 12:00 p.m. The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of Kasetsart University and the University of Southern Queensland to strengthening their strategic partnership in education, research, and innovation through student and staff mobility, collaborative research initiatives, and international academic networking. These collaborative efforts are expected to generate new knowledge, foster innovation, and contribute to sustainable development for the mutual benefit of both institutions and the global community.