Education News

On November 26, 2024, a delegation from Walailak University (WU), led by Dr. Suthasinee Sangkhum, Assistant to the President for Global Engagement, paid a courtesy call to H.E. Otaka Masato, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of Thailand, at the Japanese Embassy in Bangkok. The delegation included Asst. Prof. Dr. Wachiraporn Poungjinda, Assistant Dean for International Affairs of the College of Graduate Studies, and Dr. Kamontip Klaibanmai, Associate Dean of the School of Education and Liberal Arts (SELA).  

The WU delegation also met with Mr. Takamasa Tanimura, First Secretary, and Ms. Nuttawan Tanpaibule, Japan Information Service Officer. These discussions served to enhance mutual understanding and explore areas for academic collaboration and cultural exchange.  

The primary objectives of the visit were to present Walailak University’s achievements and its readiness to strengthen international partnerships. The delegation introduced the initiative to develop a Japanese Language Degree Program and sought advice on potential partner institutions in Japan to establish a double degree program. Additionally, discussions explored cooperative education opportunities for WU students in Japan and Japanese companies in Thailand, as well as potential student and lecturer exchange programs.  

An important part of the discussions also centered on organizing an online webinar. This event would feature Mr. Takamasa Tanimura and Ms. Nuttawan Tanpaibule and provide WU students with detailed information on Monbukagakusho: MEXT Scholarships, JICA initiatives, and other educational support programs available to Thai students.  

During the meeting, Ambassador Otaka highlighted various scholarship opportunities under the Monbukagakusho: MEXT Scholarships, including undergraduate and graduate programs, short-term Japanese language and cultural exchange initiatives, advanced research opportunities, and teacher training programs. 

This courtesy call demonstrates Walailak University’s commitment to advancing global engagement and fostering academic collaborations that benefit its students, faculty, and the wider international community.