On 10 August 2026, Walailak University, the host institution of the Upper Southern Higher Education Network, in collaboration with the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), organized a meeting to review progress reports and conduct site visits for the Education Quality Development and Local Development Project through Higher Education Institutions as Mentors for Fiscal Year 2026. The meeting was held at the Marlin Hotel, Mueang District, Surat Thani Province.
The meeting was attended by Asst. Prof. Dr. Phattanaphong Wanchanuek, representative of MHESI; Ms. Nadda Jehyorade, Director of the Driving and Development of STI Group 1; Dr. Nithima Naktong, representative of the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC); as well as representatives of the Chairs of the Upper Central, Lower Central, and Lower Southern Higher Education Networks, who participated as experts in reviewing project progress and conducting site visits.
On this occasion, Asst. Prof. Dr. Wichitpan Rongwong, Director of Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence, Walailak University, and Secretary of the Executive Committee for the Education Quality Development and Local Development Project through Higher Education Institutions as Mentors, Upper Southern Higher Education Network, welcomed the participants.
During the meeting, the panel of experts listened to a report on the progress of the Education Quality Development and Local Development Project through Higher Education Institutions as Mentors under the Upper Southern Higher Education Network. The experts also provided recommendations and suggestions to support the continued implementation and improvement of the projects.
In the afternoon, the panel conducted a site visit to the project “Development of Educational Board Games to Enhance Teachers’ Learning Design Competencies” at Patcharakitiyapha 3 Surat Thani School. Dr. Jirawan Thepchinda from Suratthani Rajabhat University, the project leader, presented the project’s implementation and provided information on its progress.
The project received a warm welcome from the school’s administrators, teachers, and students. During the site visit, participating teachers and students demonstrated the educational board games developed by the teachers for use in Mathematics classes for Grade 12 (Matthayom 6) students. The activity demonstrated how educational board games can be integrated into classroom instruction to enhance learning design and support students’ learning experiences.
The site visit reflected the Upper Southern Higher Education Network’s commitment to advancing education quality and promoting tangible local development through collaboration between higher education institutions, schools, teachers, and local communities. The initiative also highlights the important role of higher education institutions as mentors in supporting schools and strengthening educational development in local areas.
Written by: Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence
On 16 July 2026, the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence (RIIE), Walailak University, held the 6th Research Steering Committee Meeting of 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wichitpan Rongwong, Director of RIIE, chaired the meeting on behalf of the Vice President for Research and Innovation. Heads of research centers from the University’s academic schools joined the meeting.
First, RIIE introduced the draft Science, Research and Innovation (STI) Plan 2028–2032. The plan aims to align the University’s research strategy with Thailand’s national research and innovation priorities. The committee also discussed ways to increase research quality and encourage research that creates practical benefits for society.
Next, the committee nominated representatives for the AI Governance Council. The nominees came from three academic clusters: Science and Technology, Health Sciences, and Social Sciences and Humanities. The council will guide the responsible use of artificial intelligence in research and support effective AI governance across the University.
The committee also reviewed the nine-month research performance of each school and college. These updates will help the University plan future research funding and strengthen research performance.
Finally, the Digital Innovation Center introduced the Walailak University Research Support System (WU-RSS). The team demonstrated the system for research center directors and invited participants to share their feedback. The University will use these suggestions to improve the system before its planned launch during the 2026 fiscal year.
Written by: Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence
On July 3, 2026, the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence, Walailak University, participated in a royal blessing ceremony to commemorate the birthday anniversary of Professor Dr. Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Walailak, the Princess Krom Phra Sri Sawangkhawat Worakatthiyarajanari. The ceremony was held to express loyalty and profound gratitude for Her Royal Highness’s gracious benevolence.
The delegation was led by Assoc.Prof.Dr. Wichitpan Rongwong, Acting Director of the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence, together with the institute’s staff. The ceremony was held at the Natural History Museum, Walailak University Botanic Park.
The participation in this ceremony reflected the institute’s commitment to demonstrating loyalty, honoring the royal institution, and expressing appreciation for Her Royal Highness’s dedication and contributions to the advancement of science, research, healthcare, and education in Thailand.
Long Live Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Walailak.
With deepest respect and humble homage, The Acting Director and Staff of the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence, Walailak University
The Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence, Walailak University, sincerely thanks all participants for their cooperation and for providing photographs of the ceremony.
Written by: Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence
On Monday, 22 June 2026, from 09.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m., the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence, Walailak University, organized the 5th Research Steering Committee Meeting of 2026. On behalf of the Vice President for Research and Innovation, Assoc.Prof.Dr. Wichitpan Rongwong, Director of the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence, chaired the meeting, with heads of research centers from various schools participating.
The meeting focused on monitoring research progress and reviewing the eight-month research performance of each school and college. Discussions also emphasized encouraging academic units to pursue more research grants and strengthen international collaborations in order to enhance research capacity and expand global partnerships.
The initiative reflects Walailak University’s commitment to advancing research excellence, fostering international cooperation, and increasing opportunities for researchers to compete successfully at the global level.
Written by: Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence
