SEAFDEC/AQD Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center | Aquaculture Department
by Development Communication
The new SEAFDEC Secretary-General Dr. Kom Silapajarn visited SEAFDEC/AQD last 25-26 February to familiarize himself with the department programs, facilities, and personnel.
Dr. Silapajarn replaced Dr. Chumnarn Pongsri who completed his six-year term as SEAFDEC Secretary-General last September 30. Prior to his nomination, Dr. Silapajarn served as Director of the Coastal Fisheries Research and Development Division, Department of Fisheries (DOF) Thailand. Travelling with Dr. Silapajarn was Ms. Nualanong Tongdee, Information Program Coordinator of SEAFDEC.
SEAFDEC/AQD Chief Dr. Felix Ayson toured Dr. Silapajarn and Ms. Tongdee around the Dumangas Brackishwater Station, the Igang Marine Station, and the Tigbauan Main Station and introduced them to the study leaders and heads of various offices.
“It has been 33 years since the last time I came here in AQD. I was here in 1983 to attend a training course on brackishwater pond culture,” said Dr. Silapajarn during his speech to SEAFDEC/AQD staff. He expressed his gratitude to SEAFDEC/AQD for all the help and support when he was still a young researcher.
Dr. Silapajarn shared that he was impressed with the facilities that SEAFDEC/AQD has especially the Igang Marine Station. “IMS is the most beautiful research station I have ever seen,” he said.
Dr. Silapajarn also appreciated the effort of SEAFDEC/AQD in organizing the Regional Technical Consultation on EMS/AHPND last 22-24 February. He said that it is important to address the issues concerning aquatic animal health management especially since it affects all SEAFDEC member countries.
Moreover, Dr. Silapajarn reminded everyone about the 50th anniversary celebration of SEAFDEC next year and said he is looking forward to the involvement of SEAFDEC/AQD in the occasion.
In response, Dr. Ayson revealed that as part of SEAFDEC’s anniversary, SEAFDEC/AQD is planning to come up with a directory of training alumni in 2017. He explained that this book will show the contribution of SEAFDEC/AQD in the aspect of human resources capability for aquaculture.
Dr. Ayson also looks forward to have Dr. Silapajarn in SEAFDEC/AQD’s activities in the future. “For sure this will not be the last time we will see Dr. Kom. I hope he will be able to come back here this July for AQD’s anniversary celebration,” he added.
