EDUCATION

Mahasarakham is located in the northeastern region of Thailand. Mahasarakham University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in three academic groups: social sciences, pure and applied. and science and health sciences Its mission is to organize teaching and learning, aiming to produce graduates with quality standards, and research development. and innovation towards excellence, providing academic services to communities and society to enable communities and society to be self-reliant in a sustainable way and to conserve, restore, protect, disseminate and develop the arts, culture and traditions of Isaan.

         In response to this growth, it covers the Khamriang campus area. There are approximately 3,617 staff and 47,344 students enrolled at this main campus. Mahasarakham University has 17 faculties and 2 colleges. By 2023, there will be 95 programs, with courses embedded in sustainability and courses with sustainability performance certificates as part of the 55 courses curriculum.

Researchers at MSU Invent Hot Air Oven for Academic Community Service Project

Researchers from Mahasarakham University (MSU) have invented a hot air oven for academic service in the community under a training project titled “Transfer of Knowledge on Hot Air Oven Technology to Entrepreneurs for Development and Enhancement” for the fiscal year 2024. This project aims to provide more options for consumers and improve convenience and longevity in food storage. The hot air oven was invented by Assoc.Prof. Kiattisin Kanjanawanishkul, lecturer in Mechatronics Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering, MSU, along with a research team with expertise in the project. The project is managed by the Research, Innovation, and International Relations Division, Faculty of Engineering, MSU.

Background of the Community Academic Service Project

One major issue with agricultural products is that when production is high it leads to market glut, where supply exceeds demand, causing prices to fall to a level where it’s no longer worth the investment. One solution is to process agricultural products to add value and extend their shelf life. Drying is a common method, which reduces moisture to prevent microbial growth and prolong preservation. Although solar drying is the most economical method, it is time-consuming and requires direct sunlight, making it weather dependent. Therefore, a hot air oven is advantageous as it saves time, is consistent at drying, and operates anywhere, anytime. Additionally, the temperature can be adjusted and maintained up to 90 degrees Celsius. The oven ensures clean drying without contamination from external pollutants, including flies and pests. This led the Research, Innovation, and International Relations Division to organize a project to inform entrepreneurs and farmers on hot air ovens in order to increase their income, strengthen their business, and serve as a foundation for future growth.

Why Choose to Provide Knowledge on Hot Air Ovens to the Community?

Currently entrepreneurs and farmer groups in the Khwao Rai subdistrict, Kosom Phisai, produce and sell fresh and frozen beef. However, to offer more choices to consumers and to provide more convenient and longer-lasting preservation, the entrepreneurs, along with the Research, Innovation, and International Relations Division, exchanged ideas and concluded that providing knowledge about hot air ovens to the entrepreneurs would be beneficial. This knowledge could be applied to drying beef, such as making sun-dried beef, thereby expanding the consumer base, making preservation more convenient, and extending shelf life of their produce.

How Does the Hot Air Oven Work?

The basic principle of the hot air oven is to use a heater to generate heat for the air inside the oven, and then use a fan to blow this hot air, ensuring it circulates evenly throughout the chamber. The hot air flows over the products that need to be dried, removing moisture and providing uniform temperature control during drying. The oven features a temperature sensor and controller, allowing users to set the desired temperature. The controller reads the temperature from the sensor and adjusts the heater’s operation to maintain the desired temperature. Additionally, there is a timer that users can set to ensure automatic shutoff once the drying is complete.

Features and Advantages of the Hot Air Oven

The oven can be used for a variety of products including vegetables, fruits, and meat. It operates continuously, reducing drying time compared to solar drying and eliminating dependence on weather conditions. Users can set temperatures between 40 to 90 degrees Celsius, with consistent temperature control throughout the process. The oven is designed for easy cleaning, with racks made of food-grade 304 stainless steel, and has a clear glass door for product visibility.

Challenges and Obstacles in Operation

The Research, Innovation, and International Relations Division has been organizing projects of this nature continuously. An important aspect is understanding the characteristics of the products that entrepreneurs wish to dry, the drying methods, and the entrepreneurs’ needs. For this project, there were no significant problems or obstacles and the entrepreneurs were very satisfied with the results achieved.

Future Development Opportunities for the Hot Air Oven

Future plans include reducing drying time, and using cameras or sensors to monitor the products and automatically adjust temperatures accordingly. This would help achieve appearances or characteristics that meet market or entrepreneur preferences.

How Can We Develop Stronger, More Self-Sufficient Communities?

Farmers in the community produce large quantities of agricultural products and have the potential to increase their output. However, fluctuating prices in sales channels lead to uncertain incomes for farmers. Therefore, “to increase farmers’ incomes, it is necessary to process agricultural products to create new products or flavors, thereby increasing the number of sales channels,” a larger consumer base, and longer shelf life. However, many farmers still lack the knowledge or equipment necessary for processing. Thus, bridging the gap between farmers and knowledge from the university is crucial. Therefore, the Faculty of Engineering is committed filling this gap in farmers’ knowledge by organizing informative projects on drying produce with hot air ovens, with the strong expectation that this will enable farmers to increase their income, expand their customer base, and continuously develop new products.

MSU Research and Development Unit for Smart City Solution (RDSC) Wins “Best Education Partner Award 2024”

Assoc.Prof. Tarawut Boonlua, Head of the Research and Development Unit for Smart City Solution (RDSC) at the Faculty of Architecture, Urban Design and Creative Arts, MSU, represented the university in presenting academic achievements on “Development of a Digital Twin for the Management of Teaching and Learning to become Mahasarakham Smart University, Thailand” at the 2024 GEOSPATIAL INTELLIGENCE SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE. The event took place on June 25-26, 2024, at the China National Convention Center, Beijing.

On this occasion, the Faculty of Architecture, Urban Design, and Creative Arts, MSU, received the “Best Education Partner Award 2024” from SuperMap Software Co., Ltd., for the academic collaboration Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between SuperMap Software Co., Ltd. and RDSC.

Source: Faculty of Architecture Urban Design and Creative Arts, MSU

Thai article: หน่วยวิจัยและพัฒนาสู่เมืองอัจฉริยะ (RDSC) มมส คว้ารางวัล Best Education Partner Award 2024

The Faculty of Fine and Cultural Arts, Mahasarakham University, organized the 2nd International Festival of Art and Cultures (IFACS2).

                  Assistant Professor Dr. Peera Phanluktaw, Dean of the Faculty, stated that the project aims to fulfill the faculty’s mission of promoting academic advancement, research, creativity, and the development of skills in Isan, Thai, and international arts and culture. This is achieved through diverse and effective knowledge exchange processes. The success of the first festival in 2024 served as a strong motivation for organizing this second edition.

                 The festival provides a platform for the exchange of knowledge and the presentation of academic work, research, and creative outputs in the fields of Isan, Thai, and international arts and culture. It aims to contribute to sustainable development at both regional and international levels, while fostering understanding of cultural diversity in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—particularly in reducing inequality and promoting inclusive societies.

                  Furthermore, the event encourages collaboration in arts and culture among academic institutions, artists, and organizations across the Northeastern region and internationally. This collaboration is expected to lead to the creation of meaningful works and sustainable development.

The Faculty of Fine and Cultural Arts, Mahasarakham University, organized the 3rd International Conference on Art and Culture for Sustainable Development (ICACSD3rd) under the theme “Integration of Art and Culture.”

                The opening ceremony was presided over by Associate Professor Dr. Prayook Srivilai, President of Mahasarakham University, with Assistant Professor Dr. Peera Phanluktaw, Dean of the Faculty of Fine and Cultural Arts, delivering the opening remarks and outlining the objectives of the event. The conference served as a platform for the exchange of academic knowledge, research, and creative works in art and culture among faculty members, students, and researchers from leading institutions both in Thailand and abroad.

                Moreover, the conference aimed to elevate traditional arts and indigenous wisdom of the Greater Mekong Subregion by integrating them with modern knowledge to create added value. This initiative supports the development of the creative economy and sustainable communities. It also fosters the creation and expansion of art and cultural networks at the local, national, and international levels, promoting regional economic growth while respecting cultural diversity and encouraging shared social responsibility.

The Student Dormitory Services and Staff Housing Division, under the Buildings and Facilities Office of Mahasarakham University, organized the “MSU CHILL MARKET & MUSIC”

                      Event as part of the orientation program for new dormitory students for the academic year 2025.

The “MSU CHILL MARKET & MUSIC” featured a variety of engaging activities, most notably live music performances by several talented bands, including Fluke Watchira, ROOZ CAT, PREGUY, ORANGE CAT, REBORN, and DRUMMAJOR, who brought vibrant energy and entertainment to the event.

                     Additionally, there was a Student Market Zone, where students showcased and sold their products and creative works—an initiative aimed at promoting entrepreneurial learning and generating income during their studies. The event also included a Street Food Zone, offering a wide selection of delicious food and beverages, creating a lively atmosphere that perfectly matched the student lifestyle.

Mahasarakham University organized the project “Heet Duean Ha: Song Nam Phra and Worship of Phra Phuttha Kantharawichai Abhisamaya Thammanayok.”

                University executives, faculty members, staff, and students formed a procession carrying offerings, flowers, and lustral water starting from the 50th Anniversary Multipurpose Building of the Faculty of Education. The procession featured traditional dance performances by students from the Faculty of Fine and Cultural Arts and a long drum parade by students from the College of Music.

                The offerings were carried to the Phra Phuttha Kantharawichai Abhisamaya Thammanayok Shrine to make merit and support the preservation of Buddhism. The ceremony included the chanting of Buddhist scriptures to celebrate the Buddha image, followed by a sequence of rituals: the ceremonial bathing of the Buddha image at the shrine and the formal invitation of the Buddha image to receive the lustral water at the ceremonial ground in front of the shrine.

Mahasarakham University participated in the sticky rice alms-giving ceremony of the Tai Yor community at Ban Tha Khon Yang,

             Mahasarakham University participated in the sticky rice alms-giving ceremony of the Tai Yor community at Ban Tha Khon Yang, held along the Chi River at Wat Sawang Waree. The religious ceremony was presided over by the Venerable Phra Sarakham Muni, Deputy Chief Monk of Maha Sarakham Province, while Mr. Wiboon Waewbandit, Governor of Maha Sarakham Province, led the lay participants. The event was also attended by government agencies and local community members in the area.

Mahasarakham University organized the “Songkran Tradition Continuation Festival 2025”

          Mahasarakham University organized the “Songkran Tradition Continuation Festival 2025” with executives, staff, and students participating at the forest garden area beside the Boromrajakumari Building. The event aimed to preserve and uphold the beautiful Thai traditions, which are a vital part of the national identity. It also served to promote love, unity, and good relationships among the university’s executives, faculty members, staff, and students.

The All-Thidsa Molam Band, MSU, Participated in the Thai Festival in Hanoi 2025

           The “All-Thidsa Molam Band,” a contemporary morlam band from the College of Music, Maha Sarakham University (MSU), participated in the Thai Festival in Hanoi 2025, highlighting and promoting Thai arts and culture. Their participation in the festival was the result of a selection of Thai morlam artists by the Royal Thai Embassy in Hanoi in collaboration with the Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization). The aim of the event was to promote and disseminate the uniqueness of Thai arts and culture to international audiences. This aligns with the country’s key policy of promoting Thailand’s “soft power” and achieving international recognition.

The Institute for the Study of Isan Arts and Culture, Maha Sarakham University, welcomed a group of monks who attended a meeting to drive operations and implement policies of the Department of Religious Affairs, Ministry of Culture, for fiscal year 2025, organized by the Maha Sarakham Provincial Cultural Office.

                   On this occasion, the monks visited various exhibitions within the institute, including the Phra Buddha Kantharawichai Apisamai Thammanayok exhibition, the Isan Folk Artists and National Artists exhibition at the Champasri Art Gallery, the Mekong Basin Woven Textiles exhibition (MSU Textile Museum), the Isan Sounds exhibition, the Ancient Documents exhibition, the Isan Mantras exhibition, the Astrology exhibition, and the CLMVT exhibition. Staff from the institute served as speakers and guided visitors through the exhibitions within the institute.

The Isan Arts and Culture Research Institute, Mahasarakham University, visited Wat Phra Lao Thep Nimit for the project to research and preserve the power of community wisdom through ancient documents.

               The Isan Arts and Culture Research Institute, Mahasarakham University, organized and recorded digital copies of palm leaf manuscripts as part of the project to research and preserve the power of community wisdom (soft power) through ancient documents at Wat Phra Lao Thep Nimit, Phana Subdistrict, Phana District, Amnat Charoen Province. This is the fourth temple under the responsibility of the Isan Arts and Culture Research Institute. The project involved donated cloth for wrapping palm leaf manuscripts. After the project was completed, the abbot led the donors and donors in a procession of the Dhamma scriptures around the ubosot (ordination hall) and performed a ceremony to offer the Dhamma scriptures within the ubosot (ordination hall). The palm leaf manuscripts were then stored in the Wat Phra Lao Thep Nimit Folk Museum.

Mahasarakham University organizes a folk music festival, presenting the Likay “Slap Rak Slap Bodies” (Likay Slap Rak Slap Bodies).

                The College of Music is organizing a folk music festival, showcasing valuable folk music and art. The performance, titled “Slap Rak Slap Bodies,” is a performance by third-year students in the Bachelor of Music (B.A.) program, majoring in folk music. The goal is to promote and preserve folk performing arts in Thai society, and provide students with an opportunity to showcase their musical and performing talents through creative storytelling, blending traditional performing arts with contemporary concepts. The event also aims to encourage audiences to learn about and appreciate the value of folk music, a long-standing cultural heritage.

Mahasarakham University held the “Heet Month 4, Bun Phawet Tradition” event for the fiscal year 2025, a grand event. The ceremonial grounds were recreated as the Himmapan Forest, inviting Phra Upakut and parading him into the city. The event also featured the “Tak Bat Khao Phan Kuen” ceremony, continuing the beautiful traditions of the Isan people.

                 Mahasarakham University held the “Heet Month 4, Bun Phawet Tradition, Fiscal Year 2025” event at the Mahasarakham University Museum. The grounds were recreated as the Himmapan Forest, continuing the 12 and 14 Heet traditions of the Isan people. Numerous important ceremonies included the ceremony of inviting Phra Upakut from the water, the Phra Upakut procession, the Phawet procession into the city, the 10,000-Malai-Saen sermon, and the Tak Bat Khao Phan Kuen ceremony. The event was attended by a large number of faculty, staff, students, and the general public. This event not only preserved the beautiful traditions of the Isan people, but also fostered unity and promoted the preservation of Buddhism.

Mahasarakham University organized the “Heet Duan 4, Bun Pha Wet Tradition, Fiscal Year 2025” project at the Mahasarakham University Museum.

                   The event included the Phra Upakut Invitation Ceremony, the Pha Wet Sandorn Invitation Ceremony, dance performances honoring Phra Maha Upakut, the Pha Wet Sandorn Procession, the Malai Muen – Malai Saen sermon ceremony, and a Dharma sermon. The objective of this event was to preserve and continue the twelve Heet Duang Khong Sip Si traditions, including the Bun Pha Wet traditions of the Isan people, ensuring their continued existence within the local community. This event also strengthened relations between the university and the community, and supported efforts to preserve and conserve local arts, culture, traditions, and wisdom.

Mahasarakham University held the official opening ceremony of MSU Space, an outdoor arts and culture plaza.

                   The renovation of MSU Space aims to expand the activity space for students to utilize creatively and in a variety of ways. The focus is on promoting learning and developing students’ potential outside the classroom, developing a university environment conducive to student learning, while prioritizing comfort and safety in space use. Furthermore, the project aims to create a creative space to enhance students’ potential and abilities in various fields.

Maha Sarakham University organized a project to preserve arts and culture and promote Buddhism on Makha Bucha Day under the activity “Worshiping the Phra Borommathat Na Dun and promoting folk music performances to the public, Maha Sarakham University, 2025.”

          The president of Mahasarakham University presided over the ceremony, lighting incense and candles to worship the Triple Gem, paying homage to the Buddha, observing the precepts, and offering robes to the Phra That as a tribute to the Buddha and the Phra Borommathat Nadun. He also offered requisites and Thai offerings to the monks. Phra Khru Sophon Chetiyaphirak, the abbot of Nadun District, delivered a sermon. Mahasarakham University also brought the Isan rubber drum ensemble from students of the College of Music and a dance procession from students of the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts and Cultural Studies (who won first place in the long drum competition, Category A, at the 29th “On Son Long Drum Chao Wapi” event in 2024). They performed to pay homage to the Phra Borommathat Nadun.

Mahasarakham University organized MSU Culture Day 2025 to promote cultural diversity.

            Under the theme “Cultural City,” the event took place in the Confucius Culture Building Conference Room at Mahasarakham University. Associate Professor Dr. Prayuk Sriwilai, Acting President of Mahasarakham University, presided over the opening ceremony. Professor Dr. Anongrit Kaengrang, Vice President for Research and Innovation and Acting Dean of the Graduate School, presented an overview of the event’s objectives. Mr. Lin Haoye, Director of the Confucius Institute at Mahasarakham University (Chinese Division), delivered a welcome speech. Mr. He Yongtao, President of the Chinese Students, represented international students in delivering a speech of appreciation. A large number of Thai and international faculty, staff, and students attended the event.

The Pong Lang folk music band, the Dance and Folk Music Club (Khen Band), Maha Sarakham University, participated in the 23rd Higher Education Arts and Culture Festival.

              Mahasarakham University has introduced the Pong Lang folk music band, presenting a performance honoring Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, and a “Toey Chom Muang Mahasarakham” performance to encourage visitors to Mahasarakham Province. The Higher Education Arts and Culture Fair was established to promote and preserve Thai arts and culture, which are rich in diversity across the country. Each region has its own unique charm and appeal, attracting visitors to experience dance, music, and fine arts. Originally named the “University Arts and Culture Promotion Fair,” it was originally called the “University Arts and Culture Promotion Fair.”

Maha Sarakham University participated in the annual Boon Beik Fa and Red Cross Fair 2025, paying homage to Mae Phosop.

Maha Sarakham University participated in the ceremony to worship Mae Phosop at the annual Bun Beik Fa and Maha Sarakham Provincial Charity Fair 2025. In addition, Maha Sarakham University brought students from the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts to perform a dance to worship Mae Phosop to continue the beautiful local traditions.

The Office of Academic Resources, Mahasarakham University, held a reception, “Tum Home Hug Paeng Phalang Sarakham,” to welcome participants of the 15th PULINET National Conference (PULINET 2025)

           The Office of Academic Resources, Mahasarakham University, held a reception, “Tum Home Hug Paeng Phalang Sarakham,” to welcome participants of the 15th PULINET National Conference (PULINET 2025), under the theme “Beyond Library: Knowledge Infinity Through the Future.” The event, held from January 15-17, 2025, took place at the Chalermprakiat Building on the occasion of Her Majesty the Queen’s 5th Cycle Birthday Anniversary (April 2, 2015), at Mahasarakham University.

          The event featured traditional arts and culture performances, including musical performances, an opening ceremony featuring the “Peacock Dance,” “Bai Sri Dance,” and “Fon Sarakham Ram Plearn.” Awards were also presented for the best costume and the university with the most submissions. A special performance, “Pu Tulkham: Yoi Yon Fon Pu,” a cover dance competition, and numerous prizes were also presented, creating a fun and memorable experience for attendees.