ข่าวเด่น

Walailak University (WU) is advancing its commitment to educational excellence by signing Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with 55 leading secondary schools across 14 southern provinces of Thailand. The collaboration aims to elevate educational quality and establish a comprehensive “educational ecosystem” that seamlessly connects secondary and higher education, preparing students to become globally competent graduates through early access to university courses and future skills development.

On 21 January 2026, Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President of WU, presided over and signed the MOUs with administrators from the participating schools. The initiative focuses on connecting student development from the secondary level to higher education, equipping learners with international competencies through pre-university courses and future skills development.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Associate Professor Dr. Charun Bunyakan, Vice President for Academic Affairs in Humanities and Social Sciences, and Assistant Professor Dr. Pimlapas Pongsakornrungsilp, Dean of the School of Management, along with more than 100 administrators, faculty members, staff, and students. The event took place at Pattarathammaporn Chamber, Walailak University Hospital.

In his opening remarks, Professor Dr. Sombat emphasized that in today’s rapidly changing world, education can no longer operate in isolation. Building strong and systematic networks between secondary and higher education institutions is essential to laying a solid foundation for the development of high-quality human capital in Thailand.

He noted that the core objectives of the collaboration include expanding educational opportunities, providing career guidance, encouraging students to discover their interests, and nurturing their potential as digital-era entrepreneurs. The initiative also seeks to enhance students’ future employability by integrating secondary-to-tertiary learning pathways through short-term courses, skill accumulation, and advanced coursework. In addition, Walailak University is prepared to offer special admission quotas for high-potential students to enroll in quality programs offered by the School of Management.

“As a world-class university, Walailak University is fully equipped with distinguished faculty, experts, advanced learning technologies, and modern facilities. This collaboration will serve as a vital bridge, enabling Thai youth to access global-standard education and grow into a key driving force for the nation’s future,” said Professor Dr. Sombat.

 

Assistant Professor Dr. Pimlapas Pongsakornrungsilp added that the School of Management is committed to implementing policies that attract and develop high-quality students by building a robust educational ecosystem under the concept of “developing graduates who are competent, ethical, digitally skilled, and equipped with international-standard competencies.” 

She explained that the School emphasizes holistic student development, encompassing academic excellence, professional skills, moral integrity, ethical values, and adaptability in a business world undergoing rapid transformation driven by technology and innovation.

“Our teaching and learning have been carefully designed to genuinely meet the demands of the global labor market, with a strong focus on four key programs: Logistics Management, Tourism and Hotel Management, Professional Culinary Arts, and Digital Marketing and Branding. All programs integrate technology, international perspectives, entrepreneurial skills, and hands-on collaboration with business sectors both domestically and internationally,” she concluded.

The MOU will be effective for a period of four years from the signing date. This partnership marks a significant step toward establishing a foundation for lifelong learning and nurturing Thai youth to become “good people, capable professionals, and quality global citizens,” who will play a vital role in driving Thailand’s digital economy forward.