Thailand Consults U of S on Planning

Posted January 17, 1997


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
97-01-05-AG

Thailand consults U of S on planning

Saskatoon, SK, January 17, 1997 -- University of
Saskatchewan President J.W. (George) Ivany today signed a
memorandum of understanding with Pairash
Thajchayapong, President of King Mongkut's Institute of
Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL) which will see U of S
experts act as consultants in the planning of physical
facilities and academic programs for the new KMITL
campus in the Chumphon province of Thailand.

KMITL is the largest national university of science and
technology in Thailand. It offers programs in engineering,
architecture, agriculture, science and industrial education.
The new campus in Chumphon is designed to extend
academic development and opportunities to the students in
rural areas and act as a centre for research and technology
transfer to meet the development needs of Thailand's
western seaboard region.

KMITL asked experts at the U of S to act as consultants on
the new campus after a September 1996 visit to Saskatoon
by President Thajchayapong. During his visit, Mr.
Thajchayapong was impressed by the interaction between
the U of S and Innovation Place, as well as by the
agriculture biotechnology work done in departments such
as the Crop Development Centre and the Prairie Swine
Centre.

KMITL is hoping to emulate the strong ties to business
found at the University of Saskatchewan. The goal is to set
up a campus that will work collaboratively with industry
and provide opportunities to rural students, said Dr. John
W.B. Stewart, Dean of the College of Agriculture.

For more information, please contact:

Dr. John W. B. Stewart
Dean, College of Agriculture
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-4050