Written by Ms. Supawadee W. 60070177

           King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL) is a research and educational institution in Thailand. There are several faculties at KMITL, include the faculty of Information Technology or IT. In 2018, there are more than 300 of the people who passed into the faculty of information technology. I randomly interviewed some of the freshmen about how they feel about the faculty of IT, why they decided to study IT and the difficulty of subjects that they have studied till now. This will show the opinions of IT freshmen.
The Faculty of Information Technology is located in the King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang. The faculty has been built for 16 years and there are three majors; Information Technology, Data science and Business analytics and Business Information Technology. The Data Science and Business Analytics, and Business Information Technology major have just opened in 2017. More than 500 people graduated with bachelor’s degrees from the Faculty of IT. The interviews with freshmen of the Information Technology Faculty were made in August 2018. The faculty has provided high technology, which will support the study in the practical ways for the students.
From the random interviews with IT freshmen from the three majors, there are various answers that they chose to study at this faculty. More than 45% said that they chose this faculty because they can find work easily as now most of the businesses are supported and work with technology. There are some students who have transferred from other faculties or from other universities to the Faculty of Information Technology. Some of them said that because they don’t like the faculty or they think that the faculty is not the way so they decided to find another faculty and some of them decided to come here because they have some basic about coding and programming so it may be easy to study IT and they don’t have to start from zero. There are 10% of the students that said is because their family wanted them to study here. The main point that people decided to study IT because of the work in the future. Most people know that now the world goes so far with the technology and they adapt everything to be advanced with the technology.

             What can be thought of the Information Technology Faculty? Most people will think that this faculty contains intelligent students or the type students who will stay in the lab with the computer all day all night and are quiet people. But this is just an outside look. The Information Technology Faculty does not only contain intelligent or quiet people. This faculty is like a family and it can be said this faculty is small but full of knowledge about technology.

          Some of the interviewees said this faculty focuses on the studies of technology, writing programs, database creation, and students analysis and learn computer knowledge to use with various technologies. Some people said that “ this faculty is good in technology and everyone has to know how to write programs and students are diligent”. This faculty emphasized the study of technology and teaches how to write programs, create videos with sound effects and many things about the code.

              Every student will have a practical time to improve their skills to be more advanced. This has made some people think that this faculty just has quiet people but that is not true. Everything needs time to practice to be good in the same way as writing a program. Writing one line of code is not easy, as it has fix format and in the coding program format has more than 20 formats we ‘learn more and create more’. Writing code is not hard, but it needs practice.

                The faculty of Information Technology has an activity for freshmen since they have past to be a part of IT family. From the start and the admission to the semester for first-year students, the faculty provides an activity called TobeIT and Preprogramming before the first semester. This activity helps the students to learn about a basic program and have experiences in writing code. This activity is a type of knowledge in learning programs. There are fun activities that have been created by the second year students and this will be in the first semester. There are unite camps, finding the QR code from the second, third and fourth-year students and the last day. Which activity do you like and what do you think about the activity that provided for freshmen? Most of the interviewees think the same that “ the activity created for freshmen to know more about IT and to know the seniors and TobeIT and Preprogramming help a lot in the first semester because they have been taught the basics of the program”. The opinion of the interviewees is the right way with the faculty.
In this year the faculty accepts more students so it creates some problems in the faculty cafeteria and car parking. As the faculty rents some space for aviation engineering while waiting for a new building, the two faculties have to use the same parking and now the information technology faculty admits more students and the problem is that it does not have enough parking space. The faculty cafeteria is also a big problem because of the limited space and there are three faculties that use this cafeteria. Waiting in a long line to buy foods and makes most people don’t get their food and attend classes late.

             What do the freshmen think about the problem? The freshmen who do not drive may not have this problem about parking but more than 50% of the freshmen have a feeling that the cafeteria is not big enough for these many students, some of the students decided to not have lunch and go buy some snacks to deal with hungry in the afternoon class. This is the problem for the faculty to solve, to provide more space in the parking area and in the cafeteria. It should find more food shops to come and open more.
The faculty has three majors and the styles of teaching are not the same. The Information Technology major teaches in Thai. It seems more difficult than the two major because this major has been opened as the first major. It has clear syllabi.

               The Data science and business analysis major learn something about business. As this is a new major it may have something that still needs changes. The business Information technology major is the new international major in the faculty that learn more about business and a bit of programming but is not as hard as the other two major because this is a type of BBA in the kind of technology. This faculty technology devices are suitable for the study and have everything.

“ Not thing in the world is hard unless you try, Not thing can be done in one day. Everything needs time to do.”
This is the true for writing computer programs.

Written by Ms. Supawadee W. 60070177

On Friday 14 September 2018, the second-year students and the faculty members of the Faculty of Information technology, KMITL visited the University of Malaya and had a formal talk with the professors at the faculty of Information Technology, and took a grand tour at the faculty. The main purpose for this day was the MoU signing ceremony with UMCH. The 2 academic institutions are joining together for the faculty development and student exchange.
We got up at 6:00 a.m, the local time, and packed our luggage and went down to have breakfast at 7:45 a.m and we checked out at 8:00 a.m because we had to arrive at the University of Malaya at 9:00 a.m. Unfortunately, we had some problems because we went to the wrong faculty. But, we could find our way to get to the faculty of Information Technology on time. We were warmly welcomed with tea and some snack.
We sat down and waited for the time to go to the research collaboration meeting with the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University of Malaya at the cubes, FSKTM to discuss about an extension of the expired MoU and the activities that Prof. CK Loo did with KP in Thailand from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Then we took a look at the lab which keeps software and the faculty’s lounge where students can study and relax. We had a fabulous lunch at the faculty. After we had finished lunch at 13:00, we visited Prof. CK Loo’s living lab and saw UMCH Technology and a smart restaurant which has a robotic waiter that the faculty created. However, it’s not fully finished they have to further develop and add functions.
The main point that we were here was the MoU signing ceremony with UMCH. This meant both universities from the Faculty of Information Technology from Malaysia and Thailand are joining together. We took a picture with Prof. Loo and had a little talk. And suddenly it just rained so we had to stay there for a while.
Before returning to Thailand, the guide took us to Putrajaya, a city in the south of Kuala Lumpur. It’s known for its late-20th-century architecture, including the Putra Mosque, made of rose-colored granite with a pink dome. Nearby is the immense, green-domed Perdana Putra, which contains the prime minister’s office complex. In addition, there are some restaurants there and the faculty gave us 25 ringgit, around 200 baht, to buy dinner.
That was our last day in Malaysia and after that, we had lunch at Perdana Putra

We had to go directly to the airport to go back to Thailand. We arrived at the airport at 18:00 for self – checking and got into the gate. We still had time to walk around the airport and waited for the time to get on the plane so we went to buy McDonald’s hamburgers and some gifts. Suddenly, we looked at the time and realized that it was almost the time of check-in, so we ran from the shop to the gate. We got on the plane at 20:15 and the plane took off at 20:30.
On the plane, they served us delicious roasted chicken with rice. We arrived at Donmuang airport at 23:50, Thailand’s local time, when it was raining heavily. Everyone went separately and went back to their home.
In summary, I would say this day was a fun trip and I had good experiences. This trip made all of us closer to each other.

Written by Ms. Supawadee W. 60070177

On Thursday 13 September, 2018, the second-year students and the faculty members from the Faculty of Information Technology went to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for a trip on the first day. This was a relaxing and enjoying day. We went to many popular places in Kuala Lumpur, took many pictures, and got to know more about Malaysia.
We have to wake up at 4:30 a.m. to get ready and had to arrive at Donmuang airport at 6:00 a.m. but we were late arriving at 6:30 a.m. because there was a traffic jam and we were confused with the path. After we had arrived at the airport and met others friends and some Doctoral students that would go with us to Malaysia, we exchanged money at the airport then we walked in for check-in and loaded the luggage. At 7:45 a.m we walk into the gate and got on the plane. The plane took off at 8:00 a.m after that we all felt asleep because everyone got up early.
We arrived at the Kuala Lumpur international airport at 10:00 a.m, according to the local time. After that, we had picked up our luggage, we walked out to see our guide to the bus and the bus is so cute as it has a cartoon print on it. Then the guide introduced himself and he told us about the rules that we must follow because this city is an Islamic city so it’s totally different from Thai culture.
All the rules are strict and they must be followed. First, men and woman cannot touch each other, except for husband or wife only. If you want to say hi you just speak out. Second, in Malaysia, they don’t eat meat as they are Islamic. Third, you can’t touch their heads, especially the kids, because they think it is rude to do that. Fourth, you must not use left hand to pick up something and pass to them as it means impolite and you should not invite them to drink because it is prohibited.
As the airport is far from the main city, it took 45 min to reach. We had lunch at 12:00 p:m at the restaurant and it has many things. They welcomed us so nicely and the foods were delicious. There were fried fish which most of us liked it very much and finished first.
After having lunch, the next place that we were going to was the Istana Negara Malaysia palace. This is the official residence of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the monarch of Malaysia. We took pictures in front of the palace and in front of the gate had 2 guards standing at the side and no one could so we just walk took pictures from outside. Next, we went to the chocolate Harriston boutique Malaysia. This is a Malaysian homegrown brand established by a family of dedicated chocolate makers who owns Harriston Signature, Harriston Boutique, and Harriston Artisan. The chocolate is unbreakable and is homemade. They show us that the chocolate doesn’t need to be frozen and when it falls it is not broken. The shop had a taster for the customer to taste the signature from the shop.
Next, we went to Merdeka Square, a square located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is situated in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. The Independence Square was formerly known as the Selangor Club Padang or simply the “Padang” and was used as the cricket green of the Selangor Club. We took pictures in the playground. Then we went to the ‘Petronas Tower’ which is also known as Petronas Twin Tower, the twin skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Inside the tower is like a mall that consists of the popular brand names and a restaurant. It has a place for taking photos at the connection between the two buildings. Then we had dinner at 6:30 p.m in the restaurant near the hotel. After we have finished the dinner, it was time for a rest, we came back to the hotel and we all dispersed to our rooms. We took time to clear ourselves and went to sleep.
In my opinion of the first day trip to Malaysia, I felt fun and different. It was not difficult in communication because they can speak English and understand us well.

Academic Year 2017
By Dhittaya Nuangchamnong
Location : Faculty of Information Technology at King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang(KMITL).

The Business Information Technology (International Program) at The Faculty of Information Technology, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang(KMITL) was created to meet the needs of IT labor market. This program will give students fundamental knowledge and skills relevant to IT as well as the skills needed for the practical application of IT to areas typically found in industry. Students will have a sound knowledge and systematic understanding on key principles of IT and Business. Students can pursue careers as Business IT analyst and designer, Information system developer or Business Analyst.

After we’ve studied in this program for one year, now we are the second-year students. I wanted to write some reviews of this new program, so I decided to interview the other friends who study with me to ensure that I’m going to get the information from many perspectives. 

There are 7 people who are the first generation majoring in Business Information Technology (BIT) which is the new major created in 2017 by The Faculty of Information Technology, KMITL. They have reviewed the program and expressed their feelings including the benefits that students will get from joining this program.

The first question is “How did you feel about learning in The Business InformationTechnology program over the past year?”

“Because BIT is the new program and we are the first generation with a few of people, I feel warm and comfy with few people and when we are in classes it’s like a private room. Another favourite thing is having a private locker.” — Nattarika Praew.
“I felt I was right that I decided to study here, I like that we have a few people and I think the subjects that we are going to learn are matched with the major’s purposes.” — Pathompong Pop.
“In my opinion, I’m happy with this major. It’s fun in relaxing classes.” – Theerut Hus.
“I’ve learned many new things from this major. Because this program has a small number of people and it’s new, so it may have something that is not perfect, but we are doing very well.” — Supawadee Bam.
“I think I like it. I feel that the society here is quite good. Learning is good and fun. I have tried many new things including opportunities to go abroad! It’s great.” — Pidchayanin Meen.
“I’m good at General Business subject! So I feel happy to study here.” — Pat Mark.

The second question is “From last year, what were your favourite subjects? Why?”

Hus and Preaw said that they like Problem solving in Information Technology (PSIT) subject which taught about solving technology problems by programming or coding. The programming language that we learned in this course is Python language.
“Every subject for me is the same. I do not have anything special. Because all subjects are difficult, not easy.” —Supawadee Bam.
“I like general business subject because I’m interested in business and I love how we discuss about business situation in class.” — Pidchayanin Meen.

The last question is “What did you expected to get from this program?”

Pop, Hus and Mark expected that they will get the full knowledge of IT and business. In order to be able to apply to work after graduation.
“I hope that I will be able to finish my studies and look forward to gaining more knowledge in the future.” — Supawadee Bam.
“I want to do my best till graduation and I hope to get a scholarship for Master’s degree.”— Pidchayanin Meen.
“BIT is an international program. I hope to gain knowledge of English. I want to speak English. I would like to bring my knowledge about business and how to do business with technology to use in real work.” — Nattarika Preaw.

From the interview above. This program is quite satisfying for those who want to attend. Students learn not only IT and Business, but also English. The English language is important for today’s work. Studying in this program is very fun and IT content is not difficult.

In the conclusion, This new curriculum can meet the need of students who interested in Business Information Technology. Students will get fundamental knowledge and skills of both IT and Business including opportunities to go aboard. The atmosphere in the classroom is very good because this program has a very small number of people, all the teachers and staff here are very friendly which make students feel comfortable and able to enjoy learning in this program. Students have to speak, ask questions and answer questions in English. This will improve student’s English skills ,so students will be confident in speaking English.

Reference : http://bit.it.kmitl.ac.th

Ms.Nattarika Srichan, Business Information Technology, IT KMITL

21 September 2018

Students from the Faculty of Information Technology, KMITL, who have been selected to join Sakura Exchange Program in Science in Japan have gained invaluable experiences at National Institute of Technology, Kurume College.

I had an oppertunity to interview Mr.Kasidis Choawvasin, a student from the second year of the Faculty of information Technology majoring in Information technology of King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang. He was one of the four exchange students.

What is the Sakura Exchange Program in Science?

This program is Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science. On the trip, we called “Sakura Exchange”. It is the overseas field trip to Japan for a week. My faculty announced this program. “I decided to join it a little bit. Just in case, I will be selected,” said Kasidis. And I wanted to see new things so I joined. First I had to send my transcript and went to have an interview. After that, I just waited for the announcement. When I knew that I was selected, I left everything behind and ran to do a new passport because the old one had expired.

What about the cost?

For the cost, the plane tickets, accommodation, foods and fares, the program paid all. It’s good, right?

Who did you go with?

We went with Professor Anantapat Anuntachai, 3 second-year students from the Faculty of Information Technology and 3 students from the Faculty of Engineering.

How many days did you go?

We went for 7 days on 16 – 23 June 2018.

What did you do there?

The main thing was they let us go to study and take a field trip in their institute. They have laboratories such as the image processing lab, IT lab, and the lab of engineering that teaches about steel smelting. The college’s name is Kurume National Institute of Technology. It looks like a vocational college. It focuses on practical applications of Technology.

Do you think Thailand is different from Japan?

Very different. Where we went to is not in the city. It is out of town. So I don’t know the difference between both. But the obvious thing is the people. Japanese are more orderly than Thai people. The trash can be hard to find. It’s a very rare item. Even without the trash can, they do not throw trash on the streets. The road surface is very smooth and clean. The facilities for disabled access, such as the yellow lines on the street are designed to be used by blind people as a guide to navigate to intersections, road crossings, entrances to stairs, subway and train platforms. Impressively, the bus comes on time as shown on the board. The payment system is fast even when there are many people on the bus. Many things in Japan are linked to the card. It’s cashless, just touch. Everything of transport uses the card to pay. However, in Japan, they do not give up seats on the bus or train to the elderly. It is an insult to them that they can not take care of themselves.

What did you get back for this trip?

It shows that Japanese people at our age have more skills than us because they actually do, not just learn in the lecture classes. I was inspired to do the old project that is not finished. Japanese people have high technology and they can use it in basic things in daily life.

Actually now, I am doing a project about smart things which I got an inspiration from the trip such as IoT in our home. But many things are beyond my ability to do like the cashless card.

If I want to join the Sakura Exchange Program in Science, what should I do?

Waiting for the announcement from the registration office of our faculty. Our registration is very fast about the scholarship.

Sakura Exchange Program in Science is an interesting scholarship. You will discover new experiences about information technology, friendship from new friends and life style in Japan. Don’t miss to check out this program between April and May at the office of registration at IT Faculty. Just prepare your profile and academic transcript.

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton