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Walailak University has offered a total of 66 scholarships - 33 for doctoral programs and 33 for master's programs - to Indonesian students in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Bangkok and the Indonesian Students’ Association in Thailand (PERMITHA). This initiative aims to develop human resources and strengthen educational and cultural cooperation between the two nations, marking the celebration of Walailak University’s 33^rd anniversary.

The collaboration was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the university and the embassy. The MoU was signed by Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President of Walailak University, and His Excellency Mr. Rachmat Budiman, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Kingdom of Thailand. The ceremony took place at the Chorpradu Chamber of Walailak University Hospital on 14 February 2025.

Professor Dr. Sombat highlighted Indonesia’s significance as Walailak University’s largest international partner, accounting for 17 percent of the university's global agreements. He recalled that His Excellency’s visit to Walailak University in July 2023 marked the inauguration of the Indonesian Festival and the Indonesian Corner, both of which have strengthened cultural ties and fostered meaningful people-to-people connections.

“As we continue to further strengthen our academic ties with Indonesia and in celebration of Walailak University’s 33rd anniversary, we are delighted to extend postgraduate scholarship opportunities to Indonesian students through the Embassy of Indonesia in Bangkok and PERMITHA.

“We believe that this not only reinforces the partnership between Walailak University and Indonesian institutions but also contributes to broader educational and cultural cooperation between the two nations,” said Professor Dr. Sombat.

His Excellency Mr. Rachmat Budiman expressed his honor and pleasure in returning to Walailak University, an institution known for its commitment to “academic excellence.” He emphasized that cooperation between Indonesia and Thailand should not be limited to Jakarta and Bangkok but should also extend to provincial governments, universities, business associations, and people-to-people exchanges.

“Signing the MoU between the embassy and Walailak University will facilitate Indonesian students coming to Thailand to study at Walailak University.

“And I hope that not only will the number of Indonesians coming to Thailand keep getting higher and higher, but also that the quality of our students who come to Thailand keeps getting better and better,” said Mr. Rachmat.



His Excellency Mr. Rachmat further emphasized that while the ambassador plays a small role in strengthening this bilateral relationship, students themselves have a crucial responsibility in demonstrating the excellence of Indonesian students.

“Students have their special role in showing the quality of Indonesian students, to show that they are capable and responsible for reaching their dreams.”

The MoU signed between Walailak University and the Indonesian Embassy aims to foster academic, cultural, and professional exchanges between the two nations. It seeks to enhance international education, develop human resources, promote research excellence, and facilitate student and faculty exchanges. For more information about the scholarships, interested students can contact the College of Graduate Studies, Walailak University.

During the event, an academic discussion session was held between WU representatives and Dr. Cyti Daniela Aruan, Education and Culture Attaché at the Indonesin Embassy in Bangkok. Additionally, Mr. Andika Wahyu Afrianto, President of PERMITHA, presented PERMITHA’s vision and mission, which focus on equipping students with the skills needed to excel in a global context.

Currently, approximately 900 to 1,000 Indonesian students are studying in Thailand, with 10 PERMITHA chapters across 13 universities and one autonomous body. It is hoped that the 11^th chapter will be established at Walailak University in the future.

  

 

 

 



News by Settaboot Onphakdee, Division of Corporate Communication