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Walailak University (WU), with the support of the Australian Embassy in Thailand and the Regional Universities Network (RUN) in Australia, is set to expand research and educational collaboration with regional Australian higher education institutions. Beginning with Charles Sturt University, the initiative aims to extend to all seven regional universities under RUN.

An Australian delegation visiting WU from 4 - 6 March 2025 includes Ms. Freya Kaine, Counsellor (Education and Research) for Vietnam and Thailand at the Australian Embassy in Thailand; Ms. Watinee Kharnwong, Director of the Department of Education at the Australian Embassy in Thailand; Mr. Alec Webb, CEO of the Regional Universities Network, Australia; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ivor Stuart, Fisheries Ecologist at the Gulbali Research Institute, Charles Sturt University; and Ms. Chelsea Schlink, Director of Business Development at the Gulbali Research Institute, Charles Sturt University.

Associate Professor Dr. Surin Maisrikrod, Vice President of WU, who presided over the collaboration discussion held yesterday at the Chorpradu Chamber, WU Hospital, highlighted the university’s strong commitment to advancing research and enhancing education quality. As one of Thailand’s 19 Global and Frontier Research Universities, as categorized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, WU prioritizes research that benefits society while fostering internationalization both “at home” and “abroad” to align with global academic standards.

Vice President Surin emphasized that internationalization is “the only way” forward, underscoring WU’s strategic initiatives, including implementing the internationally recognized United Kingdom Professional Standards Framework for teaching and learning, promoting English as a Medium of Instruction, and facilitating collaborative activities for students and staff with international institutions.

 

 

On this occasion, Ms. Freya Kaine, Counsellor at the Australian Embassy in Thailand, expressed her appreciation for WU’s projects that have made meaningful contributions to communities. She highlighted the strong educational ties between Australia and Thailand, stating: “Australia and Thailand have a really strong educational relationship. We are lucky enough to have over 23,000 international students from Thailand in Australia and over 160,000 Australian alumni in Thailand. That shows just how much connection already exists.”

Ms. Kaine also pointed out that Australia and Thailand share common challenges, including fisheries management, climate change, and the advancement of new technologies to support local communities. Additionally, she reaffirmed the Australian government’s commitment to fostering new research collaborations between Australian and Thai regional universities, recognizing Southeast Asia as a key partner.

During the discussion, WU’s schools and colleges proposed various potential collaborations with their Australian counterparts, including the School of Pharmacy for internship opportunities in Australia; Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College for the development of double degree programs and student and staff mobility initiatives; the School of Allied Health Sciences for student exchanges, both inbound and outbound; the School of Nursing for nursing practice opportunities in Australia as well as joint seminars; the School of Management for the development of double degree programs and joint research projects; the School of Education for student mobility programs, joint online activities, and research such as AI in education; the School of Languages and General Education for joint activities such as English edutainment and research in languages and the environment; and, lastly, Walailak University International College for one-semester student exchanges.

 

 

Earlier on Wednesday, the WU Center for Academic Services, led by Assistant Professor Dr. Amonsak Sawusdee, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ivor Stuart from Charles Sturt University’s Gulbali Research Institute, shared knowledge on sustainable fisheries, aiming to enhance food security and preserve marine biodiversity. The event brought together over one hundred students, researchers, and staff.

Following this visit, the WU Center for International Affairs will serve as the central hub for connecting WU’s schools and colleges with regional universities in Australia, with continued support from the Australian Embassy and the Regional Universities Network.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

News by Settaboot Onphakdee, Division of Corporate Communication