On 15 July 2010, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn was presented with the “Fulbright Caring Leader Across Cultures Award” by Ms. Alina Ramonowski, Deputy Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of State, in honour of Her Royal Highness’ dedication to the peoples of different cultures, serving as an excellent example to the world community at large. The presentation was held during the “International Symposium on Caring Leaders across Cultures” in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Fulbright Program in Thailand, presided over by Her Royal Highness and co-hosted by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the U.S. Department of State, and the Thailand-United States Educational Foundation (TUSEF/ Fulbright Thailand), at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
On this occasion, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn congratulated the Fulbright Program in Thailand for its 60th anniversary and expressed her appreciation for the Award. Her Royal Highness also delivered a keynote address on “Caring Leaders across Cultures”, stating that a leader should be one who is responsible, generous, and determined to seek solutions to problems. Her Royal Highness expressed her admiration for the Fulbright Program’s contribution towards building a harmonious world and emphasized the importance of creating new leaders in the future.
On the same occasion, Foreign Minister Kasit stated that the 60th Anniversary of the Fulbright Program in Thailand marks another extraordinary achievement in the 177 years of Thai-U.S. relations. Fulbright Thailand has become an important mechanism in strengthening the close bond between Thailand and the U.S., both at the state and the people-to-people level, through greater understanding and mutual respect between Thais and Americans. He also added that this special understanding has ensured the U.S.’ continued and constructive engagement with Thailand and Asia.
Foreign Minister Kasit further stated that while technological advancements have brought people of different cultures closer, there remain tensions, conflicts, and disputes between nations and even within nations. However, Her Royal Highness’ tireless dedication and hard work have demonstrated the true qualities of a great caring leader, and have become a source of inspiration for all of us to follow.
The International Symposium was attended by approximately 250 participants consisting of individuals and organizations that work closely with the Foundation, representatives from the public, private and academic circles from both Thailand and the U.S. as well as Thai and American Fulbright alumni. Furthermore, Mr. Surin Pitsuwan, Secretary-General of ASEAN, and Mr. Stuart Dean, President of General Electric Group in ASEAN, also participated as panelists in the Symposium.
For further information, please contact the Press Division, Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tel.02-6435170, Fax.02-6435169, E-mail: div0704@mfa.go.th