I am delighted to share a development that marks a significant milestone in the academic collaboration between two esteemed institutions: Kathmandu University and Kasetsart University. On May 15, 2024, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed, marking a new era of cooperation and shared vision.
My personal journey with these universities makes this event particularly special. I was part of the first batch of Civil Engineering at Kathmandu University, which commenced in 2009. Despite the challenges and limited resources at the time, the program flourished under the visionary leadership of Prof. Ramesh Kumar Maskey, the founding Head of Department. The success of our batch, evident through its alumni’s performance in the industry, is a testament to the solid foundation laid during those early years.
In 2017, an opportunity crafted by Prof. Prachand Man Pradhan, then HOD of Civil Engineering at Kathmandu University and now Dean of Manmohan Technical University, along with Assoc. Prof. Suttisak Soralump of Kasetsart University, allowed me to pursue a Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering at Kasetsart University. The education and mentorship I received there, especially from my thesis committee, Assoc. Prof. Apiniti Jotisankasa (supervisor), Asst. Prof. Susit Chaiprakaikeow (Co-supervisor) and Assoc. Prof. Suttisak Soralump (Co-supervisor) were transformative, equipping me with fundamental skills that define my professional identity as a Geotechnical Engineer today.
Upon returning to Nepal, I had the privilege of serving as a Visiting Faculty at Kathmandu University in 2023, teaching two geotechnical subjects to undergraduate students. This opportunity was made possible by HOD of Civil Engineering, Assoc. Prof. Shyam Sundar Khadka, who also encouraged me to initiate collaborative research programs with Kasetsart University. Thanks to the supportive faculty at both institutions, we held productive discussions via Zoom and subsequent correspondences, culminating in the MOU signing.
As an alumnus of both universities, both of them hold a special place in my heart, and it is indeed a great pleasure to see them come together to achieve common objectives of excellence in research and collaboration. It is a step forward in creating more opportunities for potential individuals and enhancing the synergies between the two KUs.
Thank you to everyone involved in making this collaboration possible. May the synergies of the two KUs flow, creating a lasting impact on the academic and professional landscape.
Here’s to many more fruitful collaborations in the future!
