Category: International Partnerships

Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) executives—led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweewat Watthanakuljaroen, President; Asst. Prof. Dr. Songlak Sakulwichitsintu, Vice-President for Research, Innovation, Information Technology, and International Affairs; Asst. Prof. Dr. Worrawit Nakpan, Director of the Department of International Affairs; and Mrs. Rattip Phukkesorn, Head of Internationalization—participated in a series of events hosted by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Thailand.

22 July 2026 | Opening Ceremony of “Cultural Week of Morocco”

The delegation attended the grand opening at Emsphere Shopping Mall. Organized by the Embassy of Morocco in Thailand in collaboration with the Regional Craft Councils of Casablanca-Settat and Marrakech-Safi, the event ran from July 22–28, 2026, aimed at showcasing and promoting Morocco’s rich cultural heritage.

23 July 2026 | Moroccan Fashion Show

STOU executives attended one of the week’s major highlights at Column Bangkok Hotel. The show presented a collection that seamlessly blended traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, highlighting the traditional “Moroccan Caftan”—officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2025.

30 July 2026 | National Day Reception

The executive team joined the celebration of the 27th Anniversary of the Throne Day of His Majesty the King of Morocco, held at the Park Hyatt Bangkok Hotel.

These invitations reflect the strong and enduring bond between STOU and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Thailand, paving the way for further fruitful academic collaborations in the future.

From 3 – 6 July 2026, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweewat Watthanakuljaroen, President of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), along with Asst. Prof. Dr. Haruthai Panyavuttrakul, Dean of the School of Communication Arts, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Pathanin Sangaroon, Director of the Office of Documentation and Information, attended The ASAIHL Conference 2026 in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.

Held under the theme “Bridging Borders and Building Futures: Lifelong Learning for Sustainable Development and Digital Transformation in Asia,” the conference aimed to foster strategic partnerships, drive policy development, and build networks among higher education institutions, government agencies, and industries across Asia.

The event featured a blend of policy forums, keynote executive lectures, academic presentations, and networking sessions. The discussions centered on leveraging digital innovation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance lifelong learning, elevate higher education quality, and promote sustainable human resource development in the region. The core sub-themes included:

• Lifelong Learning for Inclusive & Sustainable Development
• Digital Transformation & Innovation Education
• Industry-Academia-Government Partnerships in Upskilling and Reskilling
• Community Empowerment through Lifelong Learning
• Policy, Leadership, and Governance in Lifelong Learning
• Lifelong Learning and the Future of Work in Asia

The ASAIHL Conference is held twice a year, serving as a global platform for member institutions to strengthen ties, exchange knowledge and experiences in teaching and research, and provide scholars and faculty members with opportunities to present their academic work at an international level.

BANGKOK, 26 June 2026 — The School of Liberal Arts at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), in collaboration with the International Literacy Association (ILA), the Thailand Literacy Association (TiLA), Chulalongkorn University, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Library Network, and the Thai Library Association under the Royal Patronage of H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, successfully co-hosted the international academic conference, Asian Literacy Conference 2026.

Held from 18-19 June 2026, at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), the conference centered around the timely theme “Multilingual Literacy in the Age of AI.” The event aimed to elevate and drive new directions for language learning and literacy advancement amidst the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies.

The international forum was officially opened by Asst. Prof. Dr. Songlak Sakulwichitsintu, Vice-President for Research, Innovation, Information Technology, and International Affairs, representing the President of STOU. Asst. Prof. Vasan Rattanapoka, Dean of the School of Liberal Arts, warmly welcomed international delegates.

This significant gathering was made possible through an extensive network of domestic and international scholars, coordinated by Emeritus Prof. Dr. Namtip Wipawin, President of TiLA and a member of the executive committee for STOU’s Ph.D. program in Information Science (School of Liberal Arts).

Highlights of the Two-Day Conference

18 June 2026 | Study Tour & Network Building

Delegates embarked on a study tour at the Office of Academic Resources, Chulalongkorn University. This was followed by a meeting of the International Development in Asia Committee (IDAC), which brought together literacy association representatives from across Asia, including Brunei, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand.

A key highlight was a special session by Mr. Sakil Malik, Chief Growth and Strategy Advisor for Childhood Education International, who shared insights on applying research to improve education and literacy at both community and organizational levels. The day also featured poster presentations from local and international researchers.

June 19, 2026 | Keynote & Panel Discussions

The second day focused on special lectures and academic presentations regarding multilingual literacy and AI literacy. A major highlight was the panel discussion on “Case Studies of Multilingual Literacy in the Age of AI,” moderated by Asst. Prof. Dr. Lugsamee Nuamthanom Kimura from STOU’s School of Liberal Arts.

Distinguished international speakers included Dr. Merlene Alon, Ms. Linda Warfel,
Dr. Rizalina C. Labanda, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Banjerd Jongapirattanakul, who exchanged diverse perspectives on reshaping literacy development in the current era of AI revolution. Co-hosting this prestigious international conference underscores the vital role of STOU’s School of Liberal Arts in fostering global academic networks. By promoting knowledge in literacy, lifelong learning, and educational digital technology, STOU continues to empower learners to thrive and work effectively in today’s fast-evolving digital and AI-driven society.

On Wednesday, 20 May 2026, at 6:00 PM, at the Rembrandt Hotel on Sukhumvit Soi 18, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweewat Watthanakuljaroen, President of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), together with Asst. Prof. Dr. Worrawit Nakpan, Director of the Department of International Affairs, attended the celebration marking the anniversary of the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), commemorated as Africa Day 2026. The event was held upon the invitation of H.E. Mr. Abderrahim Rahhaly, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco and Dean of the Group of African Head of Missions accredited in the Kingdom of Thailand.

Africa Day marks the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), the predecessor of the African Union (AU), in 1963. The celebration recognizes the progress Africans have made over the years while also reflecting on the shared challenges they continue to face in a changing global environment.

The event featured exhibitions showcasing the rich cultural diversity and distinctive identities of the African continent. Activities included live musical performances, displays of traditional national attire, as well as booths offering authentic African handicrafts and traditional cuisine.

On 20–24 April 2026, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweewat Watthanakuljaroen, President of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), led a delegation of faculty and researchers to the 28^th OU5 Bi-Annual Summit in Halong, Vietnam.

Accompanying the President was Mrs. Rattip Phukkeson, Head of Internationalization Development and STOU’s OU5 Coordinator, along with five distinguished researchers:

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nareerut Seerasarn (School of Agriculture and Cooperatives)
• Asst. Prof. Dr. Worrawit Nakpan (School of Health Science)
• Asst. Prof. Dr. Patthanan Bootchuy (Office of Educational Technology)
• Asst. Prof. Dr. Kajornsak Sitti (School of Political Science)
• Dr. Choneratt Suriyarangsun (School of Liberal Arts)

The OU5 group is a strategic alliance of five leading distance-learning open universities in the ASEAN region. The summit serves as a platform to enhance distance education, collaborative research, and pedagogical innovation. The member institutions include:

• Hanoi Open University (HOU) – Vietnam (Host for this summit)
• Open University Malaysia (OUM) – Malaysia
• University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) – Philippines
• Universitas Terbuka (UT) – Indonesia
• Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) – Thailand

A total of 35 participants, including university presidents, coordinators, and researchers, attended the meetings. The hosting duties rotate among the members, with the next summit scheduled for November 2026 in Magelang, Indonesia.

Before the main summit on 21 April 21 2026, Hanoi Open University hosted an international conference titled “Digital Economy in the Era of Artificial Intelligence.” During this academic event, Asst. Prof. Dr. Worrawit Nakpan, Director of the Department of International Affairs at STOU, was honored to serve as the Chairperson for the academic paper presentation sessions throughout the conference.

On Thursday, 26 February 2026, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) reaffirmed its commitment to global academic excellence by participating in the “Friends of Saskatchewan” event. The gathering, held in the Sukhumvit area, celebrated the enduring connections and professional contributions of Saskatchewan alumni and partners within Thailand.

Representing STOU were Asst. Prof. Dr. Songlak Sakulwichitsintu, Vice-President for Research, Innovation, Information Technology, and International Affairs, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Worrawit Nakpan, Director of the Department of International Affairs. The event served as a high-level networking platform, bringing together Thai educational leaders and a visiting delegation from the Government of Saskatchewan, Canada.

Dr. Songlak engaged with Canadian representatives to explore synergies in digital learning innovation and collaborative research. Both parties expressed a keen interest in Faculty Mobility, Joint Research Initiatives, and Knowledge Sharing.

The attendance of STOU’s leadership underscores the university’s strategic goal of positioning itself as a leader in international distance education through robust global partnerships. The “Friends of Saskatchewan” event has paved the way for future Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) that will further bridge the academic communities of Thailand and Canada.

On Wednesday, 25 February 2026, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) formally welcomed Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shinji Kikuchi from Chiba University, Japan.

The primary objective of this visit was to facilitate a knowledge exchange regarding instructional management and collaborative research with STOU’s School of Agriculture and Cooperatives.

Key discussion points included:

• Undergraduate Internships: Establishing frameworks for student practical training.
• Graduate Study Tours: Securing study sites and field visits for postgraduate students, specifically those majoring in Plant Production Management.
• Student Exchange Programs: Exploring reciprocal opportunities for students from both institutions to enhance their international academic experience.

Following the academic discussions, the delegation visited the Educational Broadcasting Production Center (EBPC). Led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Wachira Brahmawong from the Office of Educational Technology, the tour showcased STOU’s advanced production processes
for distance learning media.

This meeting marks a significant milestone in strengthening the academic partnership between STOU and Chiba University. It paves the way for future international collaboration in teaching, research, and specialized agricultural development.

On 22 January 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) advanced its international network by holding an online Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony for academic cooperation with the Green Africa Foundation (GAF) from
the Republic of Kenya. This partnership aims to promote knowledge exchange, capacity building, and mutual sustainable development.

The ceremony took place at the Educational Broadcasting Production Center (EBPC), at STOU Headquarters. The MOU was signed
by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweewat Watthanakuljaroen, President of STOU, and Dr. Isaac Kalua Green, Founder and Chairperson of the GAF,
with executives and representatives from both sides as witnesses. This collaboration focuses on joint operations in education, distance learning, agricultural knowledge exchange, and sustainable community development—rooted in the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy and adapted to each country’s context.

Furthermore, the event was supported by diplomatic and international cooperation agencies. Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and related organizations witnessed the signing and discussed future collaboration. Notable attendees included
H.E. Ms. Morakot Janemathukorn, the former Ambassador of Royal Thai Embassy in Nairobi, along with representatives from the Royal Thai Embassy in Nairobi, the Africa Division of the Department of South Asian, Middle East, and African Affairs, and the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA).

The presence of these diplomatic representatives underscores the significance of academic cooperation between Thailand and the Republic of Kenya at both the institutional and national levels. STOU aims to leverage its potential in distance education and academic expertise to support sustainable development based on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy and strengthen communities in the long term. This partnership marks a significant milestone for STOU in expanding its academic network into Africa, aligning with its strategy to be a leading global open university that utilizes technology and educational innovation to promote lifelong learning.

The International Affairs Office, in collaboration with the School of Political Science at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), recently organized a special lecture titled “Regional Peace and Security: Spirit of the Green March.”

On Monday, 24 November 2025, the event took place at the Video Room, Library and Learning Resources Center, STOU. The university was honored to welcome H.E. Mr. Abderrahim Rahhaly, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Morocco
to Thailand, as the keynote speaker. The Ambassador shared insights on regional peace and security through the lens of the “Spirit of the Green March.” Associate Professor Dr. Thaweewat Wattanakulcharoen, University Council Member and Acting President of STOU, presided over the opening ceremony and delivered the welcoming remarks.

In addition, Professor Mohammed Larouz, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at Moulay Ismail University, Morocco, joined the session via an online platform. He presented academic perspectives on Morocco’s history, politics, and its international role, further strengthening the mutual understanding of regional security between the two nations.

The lecture concluded with an interactive Q&A session, providing a platform for academic exchange and vibrant discussion among participants.

This initiative reflects the strong cooperation between the three partner organizations: Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco to Thailand, and Moulay Ismail University. It also serves as a vital platform for exchanging knowledge on politics, security, and international relations, benefiting university personnel, students, and the general public alike.