General News

On Friday, 9 October 2026, Dr. Attanan Tachopisalwong, Director of the Center for Cooperative Education and Career Development, Walailak University, welcomed a delegation from Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) at the Khao Luang Meeting Room, Walailak University. The delegation was led by Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Umi Fazara Md Ali, Director of the Centre for International Engagement (CIE) and Senior Lecturer in Chemical Engineering, accompanied by Ir. Ts. Dr. Allan Melvin A/L Andrew, Senior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, and Ms. Wardah Hanim Md Nor, Assistant Registrar at the Centre for Industrial and Governmental Collaboration.

The visit aimed to strengthen the longstanding partnership between Walailak University and UniMAP and explore opportunities for expanding international collaboration in Cooperative and Work-Integrated Education (CWIE), particularly through inbound and outbound cooperative education programmes. Building on the successful implementation of student exchanges and cooperative education activities in Engineering, Business and English programmes, the discussions explored opportunities to extend collaboration to additional academic disciplines, including Hotel and Tourism Management, as well as Health and Safety programmes. These potential areas of cooperation are expected to broaden opportunities for students to gain international experience and develop professional competencies in diverse fields.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to highlight the achievements of three UniMAP students who completed a three-month practicum at the School of Engineering and Technology, Walailak University. The students presented their projects, demonstrating their academic knowledge, technical expertise, and practical research skills developed through their cooperative education experience.

The three students and their research projects were as follows:

Mr. Mohammad Faizul Asyraf Bin Hamdan, Mechatronic Engineering, presented his project entitled “Real-Time Exergy Optimization of a Photovoltaic-Thermal (PVT) System Using Physics-Informed Neural Networks,” under the supervision of Asst. Prof. Dr. Kamon Thinsurat.

Ms. Teoh Ke Xin, Chemical Engineering, presented her project entitled “Biohydrogen from Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME),” under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kessara Seneesrisakul.

Mr. Thanosh Murugan, Mechatronic Engineering, presented his project entitled “Application of Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINN) in Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) Control with AI Integration,” under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suratsavadee Koonlaboon Korkua.

The presentations provided a valuable platform for academic exchange, allowing the students to share their research findings, receive academic feedback, and demonstrate the outcomes of their practical training. The experience also highlighted the importance of academic supervision and international collaboration in enhancing students’ research capabilities, technical skills, and professional development.

The meeting was attended by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Monthian Setkit, Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology, Dr. Nat Wannawas, Assistant Dean for International Affairs, School of Engineering and Technology, and staff members of the Center for Cooperative Education and Career Development.

The visit reaffirmed the commitment of Walailak University and UniMAP to sustaining and expanding their international cooperative education partnership. Through continued collaboration, both institutions aim to create more opportunities for student mobility, interdisciplinary learning, research engagement, and professional development, further strengthening their strategic partnership in international CWIE.