Deputy Municipal Clerk of Chiang Mai City and Vice Dean of Faculty of Architecture, Chiang Mai University Courtesy visit to Saga University, Saga Prefecture and Kashima City

Monchai Phongkiatkong, Deputy Municipal Clerk of Chiang Mai City (left) and Director TOYODA (right) (May 30, courtesy visit to Saga University)

 

On May 30th, Monchai Phongkiatkong, Deputy Municipal Clerk of Chiang Mai City in Thailand, along with four others, visited and held a meeting with Dr. TOYODA Ichihiko, Director of Research & Community Cooperation Affairs. The delegation also included Sant Suwatcharapinun, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Architecture at Chiang Mai University. Present during the courtesy visit were MISHIMA Nobuo, Vice President for International Affairs, SATO Kazuya, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, and Professor KOIJIMA Shoichi.

Saga University has been collaborating with Kashima City in Saga Prefecture since 2006 through a mutual cooperation agreement. As part of the regional collaboration project known as the “Kashima Program,” they focus on preserving and utilizing historical townscapes and disaster prevention. Each year, workshops are held in conjunction with Chiang Mai University, emphasizing community development based on Kashima City’s historical environment. Additionally, Saga University students participate in the Kashima Gatalympics, which originated in the city and takes place at the local Michi-no-Eki (roadside station) where Saga University Satellite is located. These efforts serve as a model for Chiang Mai City and Chiang Mai University, which visited Saga University and Kashima City to investigate and exchange ideas

During the courtesy visit, Director Toyoda extended a welcoming address to the delegation from Chiang Mai City and Chiang Mai University. He expressed hopes for further strengthening the relationship as a result of this visit. Deputy Municipal Clerk Monchai conveyed gratitude for the warm welcome, while Vice Dean Sant from the Faculty of Architecture expressed eagerness to expand meaningful exchanges through educational and research collaboration with our university in the field of urban development. Following the visit, lively discussions took place regarding Saga University’s initiatives in Kashima City. Professor MISHIMA from the Faculty of Science and Engineering discussed the connection between Saga University and Chiang Mai University through Hizen Hamashuku. Professor GOTO, also from the Faculty of Science and Engineering, presented findings from a study on residential environments in low-lying areas. Additionally, Associate Professor KIMURA from the Faculty of Agriculture shared insights on research related to the Ariake Sea conducted jointly by Saga University and Kashima City. These exchanges contribute to fostering cross-border cooperation between cities and universities, ultimately benefiting regional development. The visit serves as an opportunity for further growth in collaboration between Kashima City, Chiang Mai City, Chiang Mai University, and our university.

Furthermore, on May 31, the delegation visited Saga Prefectural Government and met with Vice Governor NANRI Takashi. On June 3, they paid a courtesy visit to Mayor MATSUO Katsutoshi. These visits aim to foster cross-border cooperation between Kashima City, Chiang Mai City, Chiang Mai University, and Saga University, contributing to mutual community development and regional promotion. As a next step, an exhibition showcasing research results is planned for August, organized by Chiang Mai City and Chiang Mai University. We look forward to further enhancing collaboration and making meaningful contributions to the region through these exchanges.

Chiang Mai City and Chiang Mai University delegation (left) with Director TOYODA (front row, center right) and Vice President Director Mishima (front row, right)

Monchai Phongkiatkong, Deputy Municipal Clerk of Chiang Mai City (center left) and Saga Prefecture Vice Governor NANRI (center right)

Monchai Phongkiatkong, Deputy Municipal Clerk of Chiang Mai City (front row, center left) and Mayor MATSUO of Kashima City (front row, center right), Chiang Mai City and Chiang Mai University (left) and Kashima City residents and SU attendees (right) (Courtesy visit to Kashima City on June 3)

<For inquiries regarding this matter, please contact>

International Planning Office, Research Promotion Division, Academic Research Department, Saga University

TEL 0952-28-8203

Social Cooperation Division, Academic and Research Department

TEL 0952-28-8958