Presently, all parts of the world see the great importance of scientific and technological development, as it is the key propeller for upgrading and making high efficiency of the development of each country, especially when it comes to education and the incubation source of human resources and experts in innovation technology for the job market. The Office of Information Technology Administration for Educational Development (UniNet), Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) is thus collaborating with Khon Kaen University to hold the 43rd Workshop on UniNet Network and Computer Application (WUNCA) on Monday July 10, 2023 at the Convention Rooms 1 and 2, Avani Hotel and Convention Center, Khon Kaen.
Prof. Supachai Pathumnakul, Ph.D., Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation; Dr. Narongchai Akrasanee, Chairman of Khon Kaen University Council; Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University; Asst. Prof. Denpong Soodphakdee, Ph.D., Vice President for Digital; Asst. Prof. Prama Sastraruji, Director of the Office of Information Technology Administration for Educational Development (UniNet) were presented at the workshop opening ceremony, which was attended by administrators, personnel from the UniNet Network and Computer Application (WUNCA) from over 80 institutions and universities.
The 43rd Workshop on UniNet Network and Computer Application (WUNCA) had as its objectives to set the implementation plans for the activities to be carried out on the information network for educational development (UniNet), to disseminate information of the educational network and international research related to information network and content on the network, to plan research activities and development of the member institutions, and to collaboratively locate and apply new and up-to-date educational technologies. In addition, the workshop was also a venue for experts in international affairs to transfer their experience in the hardware and software technologies.
60 years of KKU – linking with the information technology network and upgrading Thai education system
The opening ceremony began by Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University giving the welcoming speech to the participants.
Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University said that it was an honor of Khon Kaen University to welcome over 80 institutions under the UniNet Network and Computer Application who came to learn and share and exchange experiences in their work on information network system for educational development.
“Holding the 43rd WUNCA today is our great pleasure, for this year is Khon Kaen University’s 60th Anniversary when we are celebrating our dedication in creating works in all missions and dimensions for social and national development. This opportunity is therefore important for Khon Kaen University to be able to be a part of the collaboration of the Information Technology Network for Educational Development, which is a strong network, and also to extend collaboration in a wider and firmer scale.”
Position of Thai education in the age of leaping technology
Prof. Supachai Pathumnakul, Ph.D., Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation said that the 43rd WUNCA is a special agendum of Khon Kaen University’s 60th anniversary. KKU hosted the event with MHESI’s Office of Permanent Secretary for collaboratively developing science, research and innovation of the country.
“Sending information on higher education institutions is in accordance with the ministerial law, which is governed by the 2019 Higher Education Act. The key element is that there are 2 parts of information management for application: the first being the information a university has to disclose to the public, with reference to the disclosable format and category of subject; and the second being the information a university has to submit to MHESI’s Office of Permanent Secretary for co-analysis. A university is able to use the information resource with MHESI. After the official announcement of the ministerial law in this respect, there is the time frame of 1 year for implementation in accordance with the ministerial law.”
“University administrators should support by creating lifelong learning space for all age ranges because at present MHESI sees great importance in manpower development. Manpower development answers the question of national competitive competency. Thus, universities are an area for people of all ages, who can come for both degree and non-degree purposes. A university should also be a place that develop people in digital, as this skill is now the important foundation for all occupations, no matter if they are in agriculture, medicine, energy, or art. At the same time, lifelong learning will never exist without education technology. Educational technology will be supportive as it will create differences from traditional learning. Digital knowledge will make a university a true learning place for people of all ages.”
After this, Prof. Supachai Pathumnakul, Ph.D., Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation and Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University joined to perform the opening ceremony by scanning the QR Code from the Mascot in the center of the stage. This was also for donation of 6,043 baht payable through the KKU Payment Hub, which is the central payment system of Khon Kaen University. The name and the amount of donation then appeared on the screen. This session was exciting impressive for everyone. Next, participants joined in scanning the QR Code and donating money, making the opening ceremony really fantastic.
After the opening ceremony, there was the transfer ceremony of the host for the 44th WUNCA, which will be held at Chiangmai University. The next session was a special talk on Digitalization by Design by Dr. Narongchai Akrasanee, Chairman of Khon Kaen University Council; and a forum on Cyber Security moderated by Assoc. Prof. Tanachat Noomnon, Ph.D., a member of Khon Kaen University Council; and participated by Dr. Kitti Kosawisut, the Honorary Advisor of the Thailand Banking Sector CERT (TB-CERT); Ajarn Prinya Hom-anek, Chief Executive Officer of ASIS Professional Center, Co. Ltd.; Air Chief Marshal Jaded Khuhakongkit, Assistant to the Secretary of the National Cyber Security Committee; and Dr. Kitt Tianmanopajai, Assistant to the President for Digital.
The Workshop on UniNet Network and Computer Application (WUNCA) is held on July 10-13, 2023. For more information, visit: https://wunca43.uni.net.th/wunca/pages/home
News: Rawiporn Saisaenthong
Photos: Atthapon Hampong, Boriphat Thasi
