News

Walailak University (WU) is preparing to launch a Double Degree program in Environmental Health following the renewal of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPCE) under (PolyU).

The proposed program, jointly developed by WU’s School of Public Health and CPCE, is currently under preliminary consideration. Designed to address global priorities in environmental sustainability, public health, and climate resilience, the initiative represents a significant step in expanding the University’s international academic pathways and cross-border degree opportunities.

The MoU renewal was formally signed on 24 February 2026 by WU President Prof. Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong and CPCE Dean Professor Peter Yuen. 

A central pillar of the collaboration is the development of flexible 2+2 articulation pathways, alongside Double Degree and Top-up Degree programs. Through CPCE’s academic framework, WU students may progress toward degrees conferred by PolyU, thereby enhancing access to internationally recognized qualifications and strengthening global academic mobility.

Beyond Environmental Health, potential areas of cooperation include Business Administration, Accountancy, Hospitality and Tourism, Information Technology, Engineering, and other health-related disciplines. The 2+2 model will be aligned with the Thai higher education context while reinforcing graduate competitiveness in an increasingly international labor market.

The renewed partnership also advances cooperation in quality assurance systems, preparation for international accreditation, and professional certification standards. It also opens pathways for joint high-impact research initiatives, researcher exchanges, and collaborative grant applications.

In addition, the partnership has emphasized practice-oriented education and interdisciplinary competencies through Work-Integrated Learning exchanges, joint internship programs, executive training courses, and curriculum development in emerging fields such as Digital Business, Health Innovation, and Environmental Management.

During the discussion, CPCE also shared insights into PolyU’s global university ranking strategy, which focuses on strengthening high-impact research output, attracting leading international scholars, deepening research–industry collaboration, expanding international partnerships, and maintaining excellence in academic standards.





Information and photos courtesy of the Center for International Affairs.