On May 19, 2025, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), in collaboration with Suranaree University of Technology (SUT), successfully co-hosted the “Workshop to Enhance the Capacity of ASEA-UNINET Thai University Coordinators” at the Mandarin Hotel in Bangkok.
The workshop brought together more than 30 representatives, including Thai university coordinators from across the country. It served as a platform to share strategic insights, foster deeper collaboration, and strengthen Thailand’s role in the ASEA-UNINET academic network.
Morning Session: Knowledge Exchange and Strategic Brainstorming
The event opened with welcoming remarks by
Dr. Laksamon Samanseen, Director of the International Affairs Division, MHESI, and
Dr. Mullika Sungsanit, Vice-Rector for Engagement, Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Suranaree University of Technology.
Following the opening, the workshop featured an informative “NC Talk” on the topic “Enhancing Capacity of ASEA-UNINET University Coordinators”, delivered by Dr. Mullika Sungsanit, who also serves as Thailand’s National Coordinator for ASEA-UNINET. Her talk offered valuable insights into fostering international academic cooperation between Southeast Asia and Europe, and strategies for strengthening institutional engagement.
The participants then took part in a brainstorming session, organized into three small groups, each focused on a specific topic to help shape future directions for Thailand’s engagement with ASEA-UNINET:
- Group A: Enhancing Institutional Engagement and Visibility of ASEA-UNINET: Strategies to Inspire Researchers and Students
- Group B: Revitalizing ASEA-UNINET Alumni Engagement: Unlocking the Power of Lifelong Connections
- Group C: Expanding ASEA-UNINET’s Regional Footprint: Building Strategic Alliances in ASEAN
As a co-host institution, Suranaree University of Technology (SUT) was represented by:
- Dr. Mullika Sungsanit, Vice-Rector for Engagement, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Asst. Prof. Dr. Wipawee Usaha, Director of the Center for International Affairs (CIA)
- Miss Sarathip Rodmek, Center for International Affairs’ s officer (CIA)
Afternoon Session: Thai Alumni of Austrian University First Meeting in Thailand
In the afternoon, the focus shifted to the “Thai Alumni of Austrian University First Meeting in Thailand”, held at the Austrian Embassy in Bangkok. The event was chaired by Professor Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul, Permanent Secretary of MHESI, and jointly organized by MHESI, Prince of Songkla University, and the Austrian Embassy in Bangkok.
Distinguished attendees included:
- H.E. Mr. Wilhelm Maximilian Donko, Austrian Ambassador to Thailand
- Ms. Pattarat Hongtong, Thailand’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna
- Dr. Royol Chitradon, Chair of the Thai-Austrian Alumni Network
Each speaker highlighted the crucial role of alumni in advancing long-term academic and research collaboration between Thailand and Austria.
With more than 70 participants, the meeting offered a unique opportunity to celebrate longstanding academic ties, promote future collaboration through the Ernst Mach Grant – ASEA-UNINET, and encourage mentorship and engagement between alumni and current students.