News

Executives from Walailak University participated in the Governance Conference 2024: Transformation in HE - Governing with Humanity, organized by Advance HE on 4 December 2024. Held in Birmingham, UK, the event provided valuable insights into the evolving landscape of governance in higher education, with a particular focus on integrating humanity into governance practices during times of change.

The distinguished delegation from Walailak University included: Mr. Teerachai Chemnasiri, Chairman of the Walailak University Council; Khunying Supatra Masdit, Distinguished Member of the University Council; Prof. Dr. Soonton Manesawat, Distinguished Member of the University Council; Mr. Boonchu Prasopkijtavorn, Distinguished Member of the University Council; Prof. Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President of Walailak University; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suwit Wuthisuthimethavee, Vice President; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Surin Maisrikrod, Vice President; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Urai Jaraeprapal, Vice President; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siwarit Pongsakornrungsilp, Vice President; and Asst. Prof. Dr. Patnarin Supakorn, Director of the Center for International Affairs.

During the conference, Mr. Teerachai Chemnasiri, Chairman of the Walailak University Council, served as a panelist in the session titled How do different countries and cultures govern with humanity during times of change? He was joined by an esteemed panel, including Alison Johns, CEO of Advance HE; Professor Thomas Collins, Chair of Dundalk Institute of Technology, Ireland; and Laura Maska, Managing Director of Aegean College, Greece.





Dr. Teerachai’s presentation on Walailak University’s evolution, from its establishment in 1992 to its current status in 2024, received high praise. He outlined the university’s growth through four key historical periods: the first era (1980-1998), focused on planting the seed; the second era (1999-2006), marked by blossoming hope; the third era (2007-2015), shaped by challenges; and the fourth era (2016-2024), defined by transformation and global expansion. 

The conference also included three breakout sessions: Diversity of Governors in HE, which examined governance bodies in the UK and strategies to improve diversity in decision-making; Measuring What Matters, a discussion on performance reporting to higher education institutions in the UK and Australia; and an ESG Interactive Workshop, exploring the role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies and potential future changes in this critical area.