BANGKOK, Thailand—Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sutkhet Nakasathien, vice president for research and creation at Kasetsart University, has been elected as the Chair of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) Governing Board. Dr. Sutkhet will serve in this position from 2023 to 2025.
As chair of the SEARCA Governing Board, Dr. Sutkhet will lead the highest policymaking body of SEARCA. The Governing Board is composed of representatives from each member country of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) who were nominated by their respective Ministers/Secretaries of Education and appointed by the SEAMEO Council. The SEAMEO Secretariat (SEAMES) director and the SEARCA director serve as ex-officio members.
The SEARCA Governing Board plays a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the Center. Additionally, the Board conducts an annual review and evaluation of SEARCA's programs, financial resources, and operations to ensure sustained growth and excellence in its work for agricultural development.
"Dr. Sutkhet's election as chair of the SEARCA Governing Board not only recognizes his outstanding leadership at Kasetsart University but also underscores his dedication to advancing agricultural education and research on a regional scale," Dr. Glenn Gregorio, SEARCA Center director, said.
He added that SEARCA congratulates Dr. Sutkhet on his new role and eagerly anticipates the positive impact his leadership will bring to furthering SEARCA's mission and vision.
Under Dr. Gregorio's leadership, the SEARCA Governing Board also witnessed the election and commendable tenure of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chew Fook Tim, country representative of Singapore, and Dr. Jose Camacho, Jr., country representative of the Philippines, as SEARCA Governing Board chair.