Dear colleagues,

         On behalf of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Mahidol University and the Council of the Graduate Studies Administrators of Public and Autonomous Universities (CGAU), it is our great pleasure to extend a warm invitation to you to participate in the 2^nd ASEAN Plus Three Graduate Research Congress (AGRC) which will take place on February 5-7, 2014 at the S31 Sukhumvit Hotel. The event is proudly organized to celebrate the occasion of the 50^th anniversary of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Mahidol University. The theme of the 2^nd AGRC in 2014 is "Research and Innovation in ASEAN Plus Three". It aims to bring together graduate students and faculty from ASEAN plus Three countries and from a variety of disciplines to present their research. It offers graduate students an opportunity to gain valuable professional experience by presenting their work in a formal and intellectually supportive environment. It also fosters greater understanding among graduate students and faculty of the various disciplines' approaches to and methods of research. The conference will provide a platform for networking with colleagues and for catching up with old acquaintances. In conjunction with this conference, the 2^nd Forum of the Deans of ASEAN Plus Three Graduate Schools will also be organized in order to create a network of collaborative graduate education among the ASEAN Plus Three countries.

         The audiences will experience and enjoy not only to a journey through the latest developments of the research and innovations, but also the actual journey in Bangkok, Thailand. As the political, economic, cultural, culinary, and spiritual capital of Thailand, Bangkok features both old-world charm and modern convenience, at times served up in an apparently chaotic manner, but always with a gracious smile. Invariably, every Thailand holiday includes a visit to the kingdom's capital city, Bangkok, or Krung Thep, "the city of angels" as it is known to its inhabitants. Many tourists who travel to Bangkok are immediately overwhelmed by the sheer size of the city and the vast number of attractions Bangkok has to offer. Today, while the city is up to speed with modern times, the grandeur and glory of its illustrious past still prevails. Be it dazzling temples, spectacular palaces, a world-famous floating market or colourful Chinatown, each of these famous places has an intriguing story to tell. On behalf of the organizing committee, we would like to express our strong belief the participating in the 2^nd AGRC 2014 will be an experience to remember.

         Looking forward to welcoming you in Bangkok in February 2014.