Opening Ceremony Speech (2005) by IBC Rector Dr. Somboon Duangsamosorn

The most important objective in setting up the International Buddhist College is to teach and train young Buddhists in the Buddhist society at home and overseas to be knowledgeable and qualified young Buddhist ambassadors or Dhammadutas who are well versed in the Buddha's teaching and possess  up-to-date knowledge to serve the human society in an effort to bring about peace and happiness in the world. Young men and women and those who are interested in Buddhist Studies, if eligible, are all welcome to join IBC's academic programmes. The education that our students will receive is meant to  be holistic in outlook which includes knowledge of the various branches of Buddhism and its practices.

Since its inception, the IBC Council members, Administrators, Faculty members, staff and students have been working relentlessly for the growth of International Buddhist College. It was a moment of great pride when IBC was officially inaugurated by H.E. Piyabutr Cholvijarn, Vice Minister for Education, Ministry of Education on Sunday July 17, 2005 and with His Excellency's blessing IBC is continuing to thrive.

At the moment, a Bachelor of Arts in Buddhist Studies is offered with preparations underway for the Master's Degree in Buddhist Studies as well. In addition, Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in secular courses are planned in the future while International Buddhist College and Than Hsiang Institute, Penang, Malaysia will sign an agreement on academic cooperation under which Certificate Programmes of Buddhist Studies will be the first of many more academic programmes to follow. International Buddhist College can be said to be the common property of all the Buddhists, and the continuous support and contribution by its well wishers, to develop the college is highly appreciated. As a consequence IBC is firmly committed to the education of its graduates to become Buddhist leaders, ethically sound, professional trained and fluent in English, able to communicate with the rest of the world, in short our mission is to produce Buddhist ambassadors who are ready and capable to serve the human society anywhere in the world.