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Walailak University has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with 33 leading organizations across Thailand to enhance its eight-month Cooperative and Work-Integrated Education (CWIE) program, reinforcing its commitment to producing graduates who meet the evolving needs of industry and the labor market.

On June 8, 2026, Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President of Walailak University, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperative and Work-Integrated Education (CWIE) with executives from 33 leading organizations based in Bangkok and its surrounding areas. The partnership aims to strengthen students’ professional competencies through hands-on workplace learning and prepare graduates with the skills and experience required by employers. University executives and representatives from participating organizations attended the signing ceremony as witnesses in Ballroom 3 at the Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel, Bangkok.



Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Dr. Sombat highlighted the university’s proactive approach to producing high-quality graduates for the workforce. A key component of this strategy is implementing an eight-month cooperative education program, which provides students with sufficient time to adapt to workplace culture and develop advanced professional skills through meaningful, challenging assignments.

“We believe that eight months is the optimal duration for students to gain in-depth expertise in their chosen fields and become truly work-ready upon graduation,” said Professor Dr. Sombat. “This aligns with the university’s mission to develop highly competent graduates who can contribute to the country’s economic development.”

The initiative has attracted strong support from 33 leading organizations across various industries. Participating partners include five-star hotel groups, publicly listed companies, major players in the IT and logistics sectors, and global shipping companies.



Mr. Ekdanai Seedala, a representative from Allnex (Thailand), praised Walailak University students for their strong academic foundation and eagerness to learn. He noted that students consistently demonstrate the ability to respond effectively and efficiently when assigned important projects-qualities that are highly valued by employers.



Meanwhile, Mr. Panuwat Attaprapas and Dr. Phatnattachat Chatsiraphon, executives from GIS Group, emphasized that the eight-month cooperative education model creates mutual benefits for both students and employers. The placement allows students to experience the full cycle of workplace operations, encounter real-world challenges, and develop problem-solving skills that cannot be acquired through classroom learning alone. At the same time, organizations gain valuable opportunities to assess students’ capabilities before considering them for future employment.

Walailak University is recognized as one of Thailand’s leading institutions in cooperative education. The university first introduced the program in 2001 and expanded the placement period from four months to eight months beginning in the 2019 academic year. Today, the university maintains a network of more than 2,700 partner organizations in Thailand and abroad. In fiscal year 2026 alone, more than 2,500 Walailak University students are participating in cooperative education placements.