The Graduate School of Biosphere Science of Hiroshima University hosted a two-day visit of six professors from the Department of Cooperatives Science, Faculty of Economics, Kasetsart University from September 23-24, 2016.  The group was led by Prof. Pairoj Limsriskulwong, Department Head, and composed by Dr. Pornchai Supavititpattna, Deputy Head for Administration, Dr. Pornprapa Kikuchi, Deputy Head for Student Affairs, Associate Prof. Dr. Vijitsri Sanguanwongse and Dr. Preecha Sitdhikornkrai who are committee members of the Master of Arts Program in Cooperative Economics at Kasetsart University and Dr. Chanchi Petchprapunkul, Qualified Special Professor.

Professors from the Department of Cooperatives Science of Kasetsart University paid a courtesy call on Dr. Yukinori Yoshimura, Dean of the Graduate School of Biosphere Science (center, in white shirt)

While in Hiroshima University, the group was hosted by Prof. Dr. Masahiro Yamao, Associate Prof. Dr. Kenji Hosono and Dr. Michiko Amano of the Laboratory of Food Production Management.  The group conducted lively discussions with the faculty members and students of the same laboratory on topics of mutual interest such as collaborative activities and student exchanges.  Later, the group visited the vegetable and fruit market of JA (Japan Agricultural) Cooperative in Saijo to meet local farmers.

Visitors from Kasetsart University sharing a light moment with professors and students of the Laboratory of Food Production Management led by Dr. Masahiro Yamao (center, standing)

Kasetsart University professors on a short visit to the Saijo JA farm market organized by Dr. Kenji Hosono (extreme right) and Dr. Michiko Amano (third from right)

In the afternoon of September 23rd, Dr. Petchprapunkul presented a well-attended seminar on the use of logistic regression to identify the entrepreneurial capability among members of Thai agricultural cooperatives towards the management of their farms.  In that seminar, the speaker stressed the importance of the role of entrepreneurship for economic growth and financial self-reliance.  Incidentally, Dr. Petchprapunkul is the author of the popular English language reference book, Performance of Agricultural Marketing Cooperatives in Thailand published by Lambert Publishing Company in 2012. 

Dr. Chanchai Petchprapunkul emphasizing an important point during his seminar presentation in the presence of students and staff of the Graduate School of Biosphere Science

After the seminar, there was a brief introductory session on the new international program at Kasetsart University leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Cooperatives Economics and Social Organization.  The new program is slated to be implemented starting in 2017.

(all photographs are provided by Dr. Pornprapa Kikuchi)