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The MOU signing ceremony between WU and SKSU at the Chorpradu Chamber, WU.

Walailak University (WU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU), Philippines. The collaboration focuses on research, faculty and student mobility, the exchange of materials and scientific information, joint conferences, and the development of dual-degree programs.

The signing ceremony took place today at the Chorpradu Chamber, WU Hospital, with lecturers and staff from both universities in attendance. The five-year MOU was signed by Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President of WU, and Dr. Jesusa Ortouste, OIC President of SKSU. The partnership is already in action, with researchers from SKSU collaborating with WU’s School of Languages and General Education on three research projects.

Professor Dr. Sombat remarked that this ceremony marks the beginning of a long-term partnership between two universities that share common values, regional influence, and a strong commitment to advancing higher education.

“Like WU, SKSU plays a pivotal role in advancing education and research in its regions. Both of our institutions understand the importance of promoting innovation, conducting impactful research, and preparing our students to compete on the global stage,” he said. 

“This collaboration will allow us to strengthen our shared goals, particularly in the areas of research, academic exchange, and raising the quality of education in the region. Together, we will produce graduates who are not locally relevant but also capable of contributing on a global stage,” said Professor Dr. Sombat.

Since mid-2016, under Professor Dr. Sombat’s leadership, WU has transformed significantly and gained increased global recognition. This year, WU is ranked joint sixth in Thailand and 1201-1500 worldwide in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings. In its contribution to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, WU ranks third globally for Stewardship and fourth for Outreach, according to the THE Impact Rankings 2024 report. 

The university also emphasizes a student-centered approach and holds the highest number of HEA Fellowships in Thailand and Southeast Asia for teaching and learning practices based on the UK Professional Standards Framework. Additionally, 90 percent of WU’s publications are of the highest quality, published in Q1 and Q2 Scopus-indexed journals.

On this occasion, Dr. Jesusa Ortouste expressed her gratitude to WU for the warm welcome and encouraged both institutions to engage actively in joint activities. She also invited President Sombat and WU executives to visit SKSU for the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement.

SKSU representatives also expressed interest in school-level collaborations, including research on oil palm and construction materials with WU’s School of Engineering and Technology, nursing practices and student internships with the School of Nursing, and research on antimicrobial resistance and student exchange programs with the School of Pharmacy. 

After the event, the SKSU delegation was given a tour of WU Hospital, Kla-D Farm of the School of Agricultural Technology and Food Industry, and the laboratories of the School of Engineering and Technology, and the delegation will tour the City of Nakhon Si Thammarat tomorrow.


Dr. Jesusa Ortouste, OIC President of SKSU (left), and Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President of WU (right), at the MOU signing ceremony, Chorpradu Chamber, WU


SKSU and WU representatives at the welcoming event at the Honor Hall


SKSU and WU representatives at the welcoming event at the Honor Hall