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Published on November 22, 2007

CU lecturers will today vote for the candidate they believe should become the next CU president. The top three vote winners will then be interviewed by a selection committee chaired by Privy Councillor Kasem Watanachai.

The candidates' policies are significant because the next CU president will steer the country's oldest higher-education institute through one of its most crucial times.

Established in 1917, CU now ranks as the country's best university on the Webometrics ranking. The successor to current CU president Suchada Kiranandana, who will complete her term on March 31 next year, will likely have to make a crucial decision as to whether CU becomes an autonomous body.

The right vision and outstanding leadership, in addition to other qualities, will be required of the next president in order for CU to enjoy its continued reputation and success. Aside from this, Suchada's successor will have to efficiently manage the university's huge assets in one of Bangkok's prime locations.

The list of CU presidential candidates has been narrowed down to six: Pirom Kamolratanakul, dean of the Faculty of Medicine; Direk Lawansiri, dean of the Faculty of Engineering; CU vice president Kua Wongboonsin; CU vice president Suttiporn Jitmitrapab; Piamsak Menasveta, dean of the Faculty of Science; and Suntarapong Rapisunwan, a member of an ad-hoc committee vetting the Chulalongkorn University Bill.

Pirom, Direk, Kua, Suttiporn, Piamsak and Suntarapong received the highest number of votes from CU lecturers in the nomination round of voting.

About 49 per cent of CU's 2,727 lecturers cast their vote in the nomination round, which was held on November 13.

The Council of CU lecturers yesterday invited the six leading candidates to declare their policies. Among them, only Suntarapong clearly announced that he would not lead CU on the path to autonomy.

"We can promote efficient management without becoming an autonomous institute," he said.

Direk said he planned to promote research that would raise quality of life, and would involve all CU members in the process of transforming CU from a state university into an autonomous institute.

Piamsak said he would lead CU to academic excellence at the international level and ensure that CU graduates became a valuable resource for the country.

"The process towards autonomy will be conducted carefully," he said.

Pirom said if he became the next CU president he would push for increased academic excellence, research excellence and modern management.

"I plan to involve CU members in the effort," he said, while vowing to manage CU assets transparently.

Kua said he planned to ensure transparent and efficient management, as well as long-term financial security for CU.

"We will transform CU into an autonomous institute," he said.

Suttiporn also said that he would ensure transparency in the management of CU. "I plan to make CU a research leader. Our research should respond to business and social needs," he said.

 Anan Paengnoy

 The Nation