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Year: 2022

Thammasat University signs research license agreement with ANTITOXIN GMBH

Posted on by Thammasat University

Assoc.Prof. Gasinee Witoonchart, Rector of Thammasat University presided over the signing ceremony of the research license agreement for “scFv Monoclonal antibody specific to the Di a blood group antigen generated by phage display technology and Anti- Di(a) Antibody method” to ANTITOXIN GmbH from Germany.

Lukas Quidenus, CEO of ANTITOXIN GmbH founded in 1966, is a company specializing in blood grouping for immunology. Mr. Lukas has shown interest in the research of Thammasat University that is compatible with the blood results of Thai and Asian population which is different from European population.

In the inspection process through this research, blood transfusion will therefore ensure the recipient receive more compatible blood and helps reduce risks and it is safer. This collaboration with ANTITOXIN GmbH will enable a research team led by Prof.Maj.Gen.Dr.Oythip Nathalang and Asst.Prof.Dr. Jeerapong Thanongsaksrikul, Lecturer of Biomedicine Program, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, to expand research results for commercial development.

This collaboration is considered the development of deep tech in biomolecular science of Thammasat University for launching market internationally which allows the development of public health and the health of global population in the future.

Unique international students project marathon

Posted on by 5100spbstu

Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU) has developed a unique learning format within the framework of international educational programs – a Students Project Marathon based on joint students project activities. It is a format of interaction between partner universities, consisting of the development of joint projects by students, postgraduates, and professors.

The Project task meets current scientific and technological topics, is in demand by the industry, and corresponds to the key directions of the world science development. The project results are evaluated by members of the expert commission – professors of both universities, representatives of customers, investors, and external experts.

The first International Students Project Marathon started in 2019, the final forum was held at Polytechnic University, where participants from SPbPU and its strategic partner Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) presented their projects to experts commission. In total, six international teams took part in the innovative international project in 2019. Students, postgraduate students, young scientists, and teachers for many months have been working on serious problems from various research spheres. As one of results of implementation of Students Project Marathon-2019, the scientific group, which implemented a research project in the field of material science, published a number of joint publications, participated in international conferences, and still continuing their joint work in the field of Friction Stir Welding. Several master students from this group became PhD students and now prepare to be supervisors of the new projects next year.

Students Project Marathon continued despite the pandemic and new participants from all over the world joined the Project. In 2020 and 2021 new projects were launched and not only in technical fields (energy technologies, material science, electronics, and telecommunication), but also in the field of Humanities. More partners joined the Students Project Marathon, such as strategic partner of SPbPU, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM, Spain), University of Cadiz (UCA, Spain), and Amity University of Kolkata (India). In 2021 the marathon remains almost the only way to acquire new competencies and international experience.

“We can say that the Students Project Marathon has been ‘put to the test’ by the coronavirus pandemic. We received strong support from our foreign colleagues and partners – universities in Spain, Austria, Brazil, and other countries. The past year has shown that the marathon can adapt to almost any format of interaction without losing effectiveness,” commented Lana Kalikina, coordinator of the Students Project Marathon at SPbPU.

TAU appointed as council member to China-ASEAN research consortium

Posted on by Office of External Linkages and International Affairs

Expected to participate in the digital economy integration of countries in the new Western Land-Sea Corridor (WLSC), the China-ASEAN (Association of SouthEast Asian Nations) Big Data Industry-University-Research Alliance designated Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) as the only council member from the Philippines.

Representing TAU is Dr. Christine N. Ferrer, Director of the Office of the External Linkages and International Affairs (ELIA), who attended the Think Tank Network Council Meeting and launching ceremony of the said research alliance on 16-18 November 2021 and was assigned as the Vice Chairman of the council.

Dr. Ferrer shared that TAU’s involvement will benefit its Information Technology (IT)-infrastructure as experts from prominent Chinese companies such as Huawei and China Mobile and the world leader in research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, pledged to extend technical assistance to member institutions. “We will also explore possible linkages for faculty and student mobility and research collaboration,” she confirmed.

Established by Guangxi University and China-ASEAN Information Harbor Institute of Big Data Research in Beijing and Nanning, the coalition aims to set up an institution solely devoted to advance Industry 4.0 data analytics and contribute to the construction of China-ASEAN Digital Silk Road.

TAU, IT-related enterprises, and Higher Education Institutions from China and the ASEAN are encouraged to team up in a number of projects consisting primarily of big data development, joint research, and knowledge-sharing.

Thammasat University hosts regional U2T HACKATHON for central Thailand

Posted on by Thammasat University

Thammasat University hosted the regional U2T Hackathon for the central Thailand to promote brainstorming skills to find innovative solutions that respond to the local context according to the integrated sub-district economic and social upgrading project (University to Sub-district, with an Aim to Strengthen the Country’s Taproots) at the regional level for 2021 under the theme “Solutions to drive the foundation economy” in 4 areas: 1) Creative Economy 2) Technology/Health Care 3) Circular Economy and 4) Art. and Culture.

Assoc.Prof. Gasinee Witoonchart, Rector of Thammasat University, said that The competition for the central region hosted by Thammasat University allows cooperation of institutional network in the central region among the employees to brainstorm and deliver creative ideas based on the actual problems and practical needs for innovative solutions that meet the local context through Community-integrated Learning. These activities are considered excellent activities in the digital society that allows new innovations. Besides competition, it is also a good opportunity to help participants to share knowledge, learn and receive advice from experts with experience in both technology development and business in each subject area. This is a great opportunity to improve and develop the obtained skills for the real use.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sasitorn Taptagaporn, Dean of the Faculty of Public Health Thammasat University, added that the objective of U2T Hackathon 2021 is to develop employee skills to be able to understand problems, think analytically, and brainstorm and deliver creative ideas through the Design Thinking process based on problems or needs in the central region of Thailand and through the Problem-based Learning process. In addition, this will enable them to develop innovative solutions through Hackathon activities in the Educational Institutions Network for central Thailand and lastly, to support and promote the integration of cooperation between higher education institutions and communities in the central region.

The competition was open for applications and the first round of selection during May-June 2021. A total of 112 teams from 18 educational institutions have applied for this competition within 753 sub-districts of 18 provinces of the operational area. Each team consists of graduates, students, general persons, representatives of community enterprises/entrepreneurs, wisdom inheritor and community leaders. In addition, coaching activities were organized so that participants could apply their knowledge to enhance the project for the qualifying phase of 40 teams. The final round is the best teams in the central region was held during 7 – 9 July 2021 via online application, Zoom, and through live broadcasts on FACEBOOK LIVE STREAM : FPH Thammasat to represent the central region in the next national competition.

5 teams that have been selected as the representatives of the central region will participate in the national round and received the honor plaque and a prize money 50,000 baht per team. 5 teams consist of 1) Plant Pot from Samut Sakhon Community College 2) Transformed Fruit from the National Institute of Development Administration 3) Ban Tontan Handicraft: Giant Fishing Trap from Rajamangala University of Technology Suvarnabhumi 4) Ab Zab Kang Krajan from Phetchaburi Rajabhat University 5) See U Banglamphu Lang from Chulalongkorn University. This allows them to use their ideas as the guide for the site development according to the guidance of mentors and community leaders for 3 months to develop a “prototype” or to study the possibility of the project before selecting top 5 ideas to drive the foundation economy in the national competition in November 2021 to further expand project and develop as the community innovative entrepreneur. The winners will win the prize of 100,000 baht per team and receive honor plaque.

On the world map with coronavirus research

Posted on by ahmadibrahim

Scientists worldwide are scrambling to characterize the Omicron variant; particularly to learn how contagious, how vaccine resistant, and how severe the diseases it can cause could be.

B.1.1.529, the coronavirus variant that would later be designated as Omicron, presents over 30 mutations on its spike protein – the outer covering targeted by vaccines and the natural immune response.

Such high mutations had not been observed in other strains. It distinguishes Omicron from those of the virus that first emerged in late 2019 – a time since when, more than 20 variants have been identified and tracked by the World Health Organization.

Omicron’s spike proteins could render it less vulnerable to neutralization by either vaccine-generated antibodies or natural immunity from past COVID-19 infections. Unlike in the Lambda and the Mu variants, early signs point to the need for swift attention on the Omicron’s mutations.

Even before it was named, Omicron had gained such attention from COVID researchers; among them, Oxford researchers led by Dr Suresh Kumar of Management and Science University (MSU) and MSU student of Bachelor in Bioinformatics (Hons) Thiviya S. Thambiraja; both at MSU Malaysia’s Faculty of Health and Life Sciences (FHLS).

Their research, just accepted by the Journal of Medical Virology, ‘provides valuable insight into the Omicron and the Delta variants and the mutations that drive them’. It has appeared as a spotlight paper on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, highlighted on the Australian Government’s COVID-19 Critical Intelligence Unit brief report, cited in the Ontario Public Health Evidence Brief risk assessment report, and presented on various online news portal.

The work, a comparative computational study of spike protein between Omicron and Delta variants of SARS-CoV-2, found that the Omicron variant had a higher affinity for human ACE2 – angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, which is the protein that provides the entry point for the coronavirus to hook into and infect human cells.

The first to report Omicron’s potential for higher transmissibility as compared with Delta’s, this research provides a large amount of information that could help further investigations into how quickly Omicron could spread and how damaging it can be.

NTU “KhPI” participates in program of popularization of science

Posted on by National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute»

In our rigorously developing world we must think globally based on scientific platform, which in turn allows us to solve difficult problems and make tough decisions. To achieve this multifaceted goal at the Faculty of International Education National Technical University of “Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute” (NTU “KhPI”), practically-oriented educational programs based on the scientific interest of international students and combining knowledge in various areas with using innovative teaching technologies, have been developed.

The objectives of the activities to popularize science among international students of NTU “KhPI” are as follows: obtaining systematic knowledge about scientific discoveries and developments of scientists from the world and Ukraine; acquaintance with various scientific directions and research; the formation of business ethics for the implementation and practical use of scientific developments.

In 2021 in order to effectively implement the above-mentioned, the following activities were carried out:

– online round table, devoted to the International Day of Science. International students took part in the round table, who prepared interesting reports about their scientific work and studies at our university, talked about the development of science in their native countries and in Ukraine, and also shared their plans for future scientific activity at NTU “KhPI”. Within the framework of the round table, the Center for the popularization of science among international students was opened, where students can get acquainted with the specialties and scientific activities of our university, as well as take part in scientific experiments;

– online round table dedicated to career scientific guidance and adaptation of international students “Education. Science. Success” (more than 60 participants from 12 countries). The main task of this event is to provide practical assistance to international students in solving the problems of choosing a future specialty, participating in research projects, and much more.

Participants (international students): Dur Ahmet Enes (Turkey), Tunch Emre (Turkey), Altanbayar Erdenebayar (Mongolia), Du Xizhou (China), Abediju Mariam (Iran), Dou Kai (China), Varol Idil (Turkey), Wan Sі (China), Twilight Ilkim (Turechchina), Zenati Sanae and Muhlis Yalciner (Turkey) and others. Moreover, a youth scientific community of NTU “KhPI” international students has been created. Round tables for international students, held by the Department of Natural Sciences, are bright events where students make their reports to the audience in an interesting, interactive, visual form, which creates an atmosphere of celebration and excellent mood;

3) meetings with leading scientists and visits to leading departments of the university (within the research scientific theme of “Popularization of science among international students”) with demonstration of scientific achievements and startups of our university;

4) participation in the international scientific and theoretical conference “Ukraine and Society: humanitarian and technical development and social progress, 2021”. Participants (international students): Yokozawa Shizuma (Japan), Sakib Muhammad Arsal (Pakistan), Wang Sinue (China), Twilight Ilkim (Turechchina), Dou Kai (China).http://repository.kpi.kharkov.ua/handle/KhPI-Press/52300

All these activities play an important role in forming the new worldview of foreign citizens living in Ukraine based on peaceful, appropriate use of scientific achievements, care for the environment and the development of new scientific directions.

We invite to study at the National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» – a prominent educational and scientific center of Ukraine. We guarantee a high quality of education, appropriate working and relaxation conditions during the whole period of studying.

Pushing TU to be “the Pillar of the Modern Medicine of ASEAN”

Posted on by Thammasat University

Assoc. Prof. Gasinee Witoonchart, Rector of Thammasat University, together with Assoc. Prof. Kammal Kumar Pawa, M.D., Vice Rector for Administration (Pattaya Campus), and Asst. Prof. Nattadon Pannucharoenwong, Ph.D., Assistant Rector for Administration (Pattaya Campus) welcomed Dr. Apichart Thongyu, President of the Eastern Economic Corridor-Human Development Centre (EEC-HDC), on the occasion to discuss strategies implementation, attract investment into the Medical Service Hub of ​​Thammasat University, Pattaya Campus (EECmd), reduce investment barriers and emphasize on building collaboration between the public and private sectors. The Eastern Economic Corridor Office of Thailand or EEC expects that the area of ​​Thammasat University comprehensive medical center, Pattaya Campus, will have an investment value of up to 70 billion Thai baht. In which EEC entitled Thammsat University, Pattaya Campus as the “Pillar of the Modern Medicine of ASEAN”.

Assoc. Prof. Gasinee Witoonchart, Rector of Thammasat University, said that the university is in the process of reviewing the plan, developing policies, regulations and administrative structure of Thammasat University, Pattaya Campus to maximize flexibility in area development. With Thammasat’s reputation of academic excellence, the development of the Pattaya Campus area will be in compliance with the direction that the university has set and in line with the development policy of the EEC. The university will be the mainstay in the development of a targeting industry in comprehensive medical care in which Thammasat University will later discuss this matter with the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI).

Dr. Apichart Thongyoo, President of the EECHDC committee, said that being the Eastern Economic Corridor Special Promotional Zone for Medical Hub or EECmd of Thammasat University, Pattaya Campus, Thammasat University is therefore regarded as the pillar of the modern medicine which is not only at the national level but the potential that can be expanded to the ASEAN level. This is because there are limited number of large hospital in the Eastern Special Development Zone (Chachoengsao, Chonburi and Rayong). From visting areas where COVID-19 has spread during the period after the outbreak within the industrial plants especially in Rayong province, it is very difficult to operate a field hospital due to the limitation on supporting hospitals. Therefore, Thammasat University initiated a comprehensive medical policy and in terms of being a special economic zone as well, it is one of the strengths that will be able to carry out related work smoothly with the ability to use the EEC law in both medical and academic according to the policy set by the university.

Lastly, Assoc. Prof. Kammal Kumar Pawa, M.D., Vice Rector for Administration (Pattaya Campus) concluded on 5 main things that the university will need to proceed in an urgent phase:

  1. Plans for organizing curriculum, short courses and academic services according to the university policy and in accordance with the needs of the area.
  2. Manpower planning in accordance with the economic development of the country.
  3. Rules and regulations, especially public-private partnership (PPP).
  4. Scholarship Student Plan, a production of human personnel involved in the development of a comprehensive medical industry and is a guideline for the private sector to collaborate in the development.
  5. Discuss with the Pattaya City Mayor about the system of smart sub-district health-promoting hospitals to prepare on the connecting of the public health system with Thammasat University Hospital, Pattaya Campus as the main medical service in the area.

UMP researchers develop SCAV self-driving bus for campus residents

Posted on by Universiti Malaysia Pahang

With diverse expertise in the engineering and technology field, researchers from Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) are currently developing a smart bus with a computer system to move on its own without a driver (self-driving).

The Smart Campus Autonomous Vehicle (SCAV) is equipped with various sensors and smart technology computers to move from one destination to another by itself through the control of a computer system equipped with on-campus traffic information.

The development process is in the final stages with 80 percent completion and is now focusing on high-specification algorithms and technology in the bus. Some pilot tests are also carried out before it can be fully operational as a facility for campus residents, which is expected to be completed in 2022.

The bus concept was introduced as a future vehicle contributing to environmental sustainability and improving the public transport system. The bus will go through a mapping process to get information on the environment en route. The information will be sent to a computer system to identify the position of the self-driving bus. Several types of sensors are used, among others light detection and ranging (LIDAR), inertial measurement unit (IMU), cameras and several other sensors to obtain information about the environment of this self-driving bus route.

The researcher will also develop more detailed software and research to make the system more stable in more extreme conditions or uncontrolled environments. Predicting complex situations is very important in the development of self-driving buses. This is the most crucial factor for this bus to be test-driven and boarded by users.

UiTM and Tokyo NODAI sign MoU

Posted on by Dr Zul Adlan

Universiti Teknologi MARA Malaysia (UiTM) expands its international collaboration by signing an MoU with the Tokyo University of Agriculture (Tokyo NODAI), conducted on December 6th, 2021.

The objectives of this signing ceremony are that the two universities could start visioning the knowledge, technological advancement, and viable resources sharing, focusing on integrated and smart solutions to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs) in every aspect. This strategic partnership would be beneficial to reaffirm, strengthen, and leverage their comparative advantages to support high-quality and impactful research, education, and culture through effective and accountable governance, digitalization, resilience to energy and environmental challenges, women’s empowerment and good infrastructures.

The Rector of UiTM Pahang Branch expressed his gratitude for the commitment of both universities in taking a step further for the collaboration.

“The collaboration will have positive repercussions on promoting a knowledge-based economy, increasing the nation’s employment rate, improving innovation excellence, and attaining global recognition. This effort is also in line with UiTM Strategic Planning’s agenda towards becoming a globally renowned university of Science, Technologies, Humanities, and Entrepreneurship by 2025. These aspirations can be accomplished through conveying knowledge and instilling moral values in graduates who are capable of producing content and knowledge for the benefit of the society, industry, and nation.”, he added.

Moreover, Tokyo NODAI agrees that this collaboration could bring enormous benefits for both universities through the active involvement of students and staff in research and innovations as well as academics and cultural perspectives.

UiTM and Tokyo NODAI embarked on the collaborative journey earlier this year with the organization of two exciting events, namely “Continually striving to advance agriculture: Return student to the farm, a hope for the world” on January 26th, 2021, and “Virtual colloquium for education and research collaboration” on September 29th, 2021. The MoU signing event further solidifies the relationship, which is hoped to mutually benefit and enhance the exchange of knowledge and research collaborations for both institutions.

The signatories were UiTM Pahang Branch’s Rector, Professor Ts Dr Mohd Ilham Adenan and Professor Dr Hiroya Ohbayashi as the Dean of Faculty of Regional Environment Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture. The ceremony was witnessed by UiTM Pahang Branch’s Deputy Rector, Associate Professor Dr Wan Mohd Nazri Wan Abdul Rahman (Research & Industrial Linkages), Associate Professor Dr Nazirah Ramli (Academic Affairs), Dr Mohd Kamal Azman Jusoh (Student Affairs), and Nor Yusnita Mohamed Yusoff (Bursary). Also present in the virtual ceremony was the Head of Faculty of Globalization from Tokyo University of Agriculture, Professor Dr Iwao Uehara.

This initiative is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) No.17, which focuses on strengthening and revitalizing the global partnership.

HKAPA hosts digital conference

Posted on by Communications Office

Under the pandemic, performing arts universities and conservatories are taking on a proactive and agile approach in shifting into newer modes of teaching and learning.

They have to generate innovative strategies and insights to overcome the new challenges and take into consideration the role of technology in reshaping performing arts.

The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts organised a 3-day digital conference “Harnessing A 21st Century Approach to Performing Arts: Technology, Practice, Education and Research” on January 20 to 22, 2022, bringing together global leaders and academics in the field to explore creative innovations in performing arts and share pedagogical practices.

The virtual event provided a multidisciplinary exchange platform for global performing artists, scholars, researchers, educators, and students to re-imagine performing arts education and research in the post-COVID world.

https://virtualconference2022.hkapa.edu