Mr. William Sparks, Thailand Country Director/ Chief of Winrock
On October 11, 2024, Acting President of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, welcomed representatives from the USDA Thailand Regional Agriculture Innovation Network (RAIN), also known as Winrock International Institute for Agricultural Development. Led by Mr. William Sparks, Thailand Country Director/Chief of Party, the delegation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with STOU. The MOU signing ceremony took place at the STOU Administration Building.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, signed the MOU with Mr. William Sparks, witnessed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Acting Vice-President for Academic Services, Cultural Preservation, and International Affairs, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Janenarong Tiensawang, Dean of the School of Agriculture and Cooperatives, along with Faculty Members and the Winrock team.
This signing establishes a cooperative network with Winrock International, a leading internationally recognized organization in social development, agriculture, and environmental conservation. Their goals include creating opportunities for
the economically disadvantaged, conserving natural resources, and developing sustainable agriculture.
This collaboration focuses on research in climate-smart innovations and information technology in Nonthaburi Province, aiming to increase productivity, reduce costs, and increase farmers’ income. It also includes academic services and the transfer of climate-smart technology and innovations to farmers in Nonthaburi Province and neighboring areas.
After the ceremony session, the WINROCK team visited the Urban Agricultural Learning Center in STOU, led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Buntarika Nuntha, Deputy Dean of the School of Agriculture and Cooperative and Asst. Prof. Dr. Parichat Dittakit, Director of the Department of Rajamangalaphisek Education Park and Faculty Members of the School of Agriculture and Cooperative.
