On Wednesday, August 28, 2024, Khon Kaen University proudly hosted the 125th Siharaj Coffeehouse Forum, an event designed to foster collaboration and strengthen ties among community service networks. The forum, held at the Rub Kwan Room, Bayasita Hotel, was attended by representatives from over 20 organizations, with more than 70 participants in attendance.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanchai Panthongwiriyakul, President of Khon Kaen University, welcomed the attendees, expressing his delight in reconnecting with key partners. He emphasized the university’s commitment to evolving its strategic initiatives in response to the rapidly changing global landscape. In addition to its core missions of education and research, KKU is spearheading the “New ISAN” initiative, which aims to position the university as a driving force in regional development. This initiative focuses on four key areas: establishing KKU as an Education Hub for future learning, promoting art and culture through Soft Power, enhancing Southeast Asian tourism connectivity, and advancing KKU’s status as a leading Medical Hub.
“Khon Kaen University is involved in numerous high-impact activities,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanchai. “These include our CSV (Creating Shared Value) community services at Khon Kaen Railway Station, the Si Than Festival, and the Khon Kaen International Marathon, now celebrating its 20th year as the first international marathon in the northeastern region. We warmly invite everyone to participate in these events and become a part of our vibrant community.”
Ajarn Natsamol Tanakulrungsarit, Vice President for Legal and Communications at KKU, highlighted the significance of the Siharaj Coffeehouse Forum as a cornerstone of the university’s strategic outreach. “This forum is instrumental in building and sustaining both internal and external networks,” she said. “Today, we celebrate over a decade of collaboration with our partners, working together to share knowledge and services with the public, communities, and society at large. Khon Kaen University remains fully committed to supporting and enhancing these networks.”
Looking ahead, KKU is set to host several major events, including the KKU CSV “Khon Kaen University Community Service Fair” on September 6, 2024, at Khon Kaen Railway Station. This event will bring together more than 40 organizations to offer services ranging from career development to health care. Another highlight is the Khon Kaen International Marathon 2025, which will mark the 20th anniversary of the region’s first international marathon. This year’s event, themed “Food ก็ Fun Run ก็ม่วน” (Food is Fun, Run is Joy), promises to be an unforgettable experience.
The forum kicked off with a warm, communal meal, setting the stage for lively exchanges of news, ideas, and upcoming initiatives from each participating organization. The event concluded with a lucky draw featuring special souvenirs, including “temperature-insulated bottles and mini power banks celebrating KKU’s 60th anniversary,” produced by UVOLT at KKU. The lucky draw added a touch of excitement and camaraderie, further solidifying the bonds among network members.
The Siharaj Coffeehouse Forum, established in 2009, is a collaborative initiative involving over 24 government and private sector organizations. The forum aims to create a network of mutual support, fostering a culture of cooperation, problem-solving, and interdependence. Each month, a different organization hosts the forum, providing a platform for exchanging ideas, information, and knowledge while strengthening relationships among participants.
