President Shigeru Saito of University of Toyama paid a courtesy visit to King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok, National Metal and Materials Technology Center, and King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi in Thailand.

From July 9 to 11, 2024, President Shigeru Saito and his delegation of University of Toyama (UT) visited the following esteemed institutions in Thailand for the purpose of signing academic exchange agreements and promotion of international joint research.

1. King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (July 10)
2. National Metal and Materials Technology Center (July 10)
3. King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (July 11)

This visit was arranged with the cooperation of UT¡¯s Liaison Professor, Dr. Numpon Mahayotsanun, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok and it successfully marked the major step towards further promotion of international exchange.

The delegation members of UT are as follows.

1. Professor Shigeru Saito, President
2. Professor Isao Kitajima, Executive Vice President
3. Professor Kuniaki Dohda, Special Advisor to the President
4. Professor Toshiya Shibayanagi, Director of the Aluminum Research Center (ARC)
5. Professor Noriyasu Oguma, Dean of School of Engineering
6. Professor Hideki Ono, School of Sustainable Design
7. Professor Tomomi Shiratori, School of Engineering
8. Assistant Professor Tatsuya Funazuka, School of Engineering
9. Specially Appointed Assistant Professor Kengo Kato, Aluminum Research Center (ARC)
10. Mr. Takeru Nishio, Manager of International Affairs Division
11. Mr. Akira Yamada, Section Chief of International Affairs Division

On July 10, UT¡¯s delegation visited King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB), a national university established in 1959 in Thailand. UT and KMUTNB have been conducting joint research in the field of aluminum research, led by UT¡¯s Special Advisor to the President, Prof. Dohda, Prof. Shiratori, and Asst. Prof. Funazuka of School of Engineering.

The ceremony began with opening remarks by Dr. Suchart Siengchin, President of KMUTNB and President Saito of UT. This was followed by introduction of both universities, then the highlight of the visit, the formal signing of the MoU. After that, a meeting was held to discuss for the promotion of international joint research, starting with research presentations by aluminum researchers from both universities, followed by active exchange of opinions.

Later in the day, UT¡¯s delegation moved to Thai National Metal and Materials Technology Centre (MTEC), a national research institute established in 1986 for the purpose of research and development of metallic materials in Thailand. UT¡¯s Special Advisor to the President, Prof. Dohda and MTEC have been conducting joint research for years.

The meeting started with opening speech by Dr. Toemsak Srikhirin, Executive Director of MTEC and President Saito of UT. After the introduction of both institutions, UT¡¯s delegates carried presentations on aluminum research of UT. Then, participants from both sides exchanged positive opinions for the further collaboration in aluminum research between two institutions. This meeting was followed by the visit to the cutting-edge research laboratories of MTEC, where even more active exchange of opinions and questions occurred between researchers of both institutions.

The next day, UT¡¯s delegation visited King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), a national university established in 1960 in Thailand. Prof. Shibayanagi, Director of ARC, has been talking over potential international joint research between ARC and KMUTT in the field of aluminum research, and this visit was made in order to discuss more in detail to pave the way for the international joint research as well as the formal signing of the MoU.

The visit began with the tour at research laboratories of KMUTT and UT¡¯s researchers were keen to learn about the research environment and equipment there. This was followed by the formal meeting, which started with the opening remarks by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suvit Saetia, President of KMUTT and President Saito of UT. Then, UT¡¯s participants presented on their aluminum research and discussed with participants from KMUTT for the realization of future international joint research. Furthermore, the MoU between ARC and Faculty of Engineering of KMUTT was formally signed by both universities.

After the meeting, UT interviewed local Thai students who have shown interest in taking a doctoral program at UT. It was a great opportunity for both UT and candidates to learn about each other and confirm mutual interests in a friendly atmosphere.

It can be expected that this visit will enhance the global presence of aluminum research of UT.