News

Walailak University (WU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Cooperative Education with 33 enterprises in the Koh Samui district to jointly develop students' skills to become proficient in practical work, fully prepared for real work environment, and supply the workforce for the tourism sector.

On September 6, 2024, Assistant Professor Dr. Padungsak Suksa-Ard, Vice President of WU, signed the 2024 MOU on Cooperative and Work Integrated Education (CWIE) with 33 leading hotels, enterprises, and agencies in Koh Samui. The MOU focuses on developing students' practical skills, preparing them for real work environments, and supporting the workforce needs of the tourism industry.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Assoiate Professor Dr. Charun Bunyakan, Vice President of WU, Dr. Attanan Tachopisalwong, Director of the Center for Cooperative Education and Career Development (COOP), as well as WU executives, faculty, staff, and representatives from the partnering enterprises. The event took place at the Nora Room of the Nora Buri Resort & Spa in Koh Samui.

 

Assistant Professor Dr. Padungsak stated that the primary goal of this MOU is to jointly enhance students' practical skills, ensuring their readiness for real work environments, particularly within the tourism sector. WU focuses on producing graduates with “Academic Excellence and Professional Skills,” making them ready for employment upon graduation. This goal is achieved through both academic preparation and an 8-month cooperative education program.

This collaboration will benefit students from various programs, including Hospitality Industry, Professional Culinary Arts, Accountancy, English, Chinese, Digital Marketing and Branding, Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Health, and Architecture and Design. Future expansions will include additional programs and students.

 

Assistant Professor Dr. Padungsak added, "To ensure that WU’s graduates meet society's expectations and enhance competitiveness in this era, the university has extended the cooperative education program to 8 months and believe that this will bring significant benefits to students, enterprises, and faculty, fostering collaboration and academic development. Ultimately, this will prepare the country to compete globally, particularly in Koh Samui, a renowned international tourist destination."

 

Translated by Nattanan Rukdanklang, Intern, Division of Corporate Communication  
Edited by Settaboot Onphakdee, Division of Corporate Communication