On August 22, the "Kobe University Alumni Association in Thailand" was launched in Bangkok, Thailand, as the 6th overseas alumni association. Kobe University encouraged the union of the two existing alumni associations (one organized by Japanese graduates living in Thailand and the other by Thai graduates), which have both been in existence for many years.
The kick-off ceremony was attended by over 60 people including 50 Japanese and Thai alumni. Representatives from partner universities in Thailand, the Japanese Embassy in Thailand, the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science in Thailand, the Japan Foundation in Thailand and the Japan Student Services Organization in Thailand were also on hand. From Kobe University, Dr. NAKAMURA Chiharu, Vice President/Director in charge of International Exchange and Regional Partnership; Dr. TANAKA Yasuhide, Vice President/Director in charge of Education; Alumni Relations and Attached Schools, Dr. NAKANISHI Yasuhiro, Director of Kobe University International Student Center Office; members of the Office for the Promotion of International Exchange of Kobe University and the Kobe University International Student Center Office were in attendance.
Following the congratulatory speech by the guest of honor, Vice President NAKAMURA introduced an overview of the education and research, international exchanges, especially the academic research exchanges concluded with Thailand. This was then followed by an introduction of the "KU-Net" (Kobe University Network) system by Vice President TANAKA. This system is meant to strengthen ties between alumni domestically and internationally. He also stressed the point that the university will continue to actively support alumni associations.
Elections were then held for the formation of the steering committee for the association. Mr. WADA Eiichi (a graduate of Faculty of Engineering of Kobe University in 1978) and Mr. Somkiti Synsukpermpoon (a graduate of Graduate School of Science and Technology of Kobe University in 1991) were chosen to be Co-Chairman. The two Vice Presidents handed an official flag of the alumni association to the two Chairmen. All attending graduates joined in the reading of the declaration statement after which the "Kobe University Alumni Association in Thailand" was successfully launched.
Another delightful news to add to this event was the attendance of Mr. Praphan Hetrakul, a 78 years old alumni who was the first foreign student to enter Kobe University after World War II. He entered the School of Business Administration in 1953 during the postwar disorder and reconstruction of Japan. After five years of study, he returned to his home country and is still working as the Chairman of Yakult (Thailand) Co., Ltd. Everyone present were impressed by his dignified intelligence and eloquent Japanese as they listened to his story about the good old days.
Kobe University will continue to improve and expand its overseas alumni network by strengthening its ties with alumni associations all around the world.
