We are thrilled to celebrate Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanchai Panthongviriyakul, President of Khon Kaen University, who has been honored with the outstanding Alumni of the Year Award from the Australian Alumni Association Thailand (AAA) for 2024. This accolade recognizes alumni who have made significant contributions and inspired many. The award ceremony took place on October 4, 2024.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanchai, a graduate of the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in Melbourne, was recognized for his leadership. His work has had a profound impact on the medical field and society in Northeast Thailand.
During his time in Australia, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanchai trained in pediatric nutrition at the Royal Children’s Hospital from 2006 to 2008. As a Visiting Academic at Murdoch, a world-renowned research institute affiliated with the University of Melbourne, he gained invaluable knowledge in caring for pediatric patients with intestinal failure and those needing liver transplants. This expertise has been instrumental in advancing medical care at Khon Kaen University, which previously lacked such treatments.
Upon returning to Thailand, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanchai applied his Australian experience to enhance pediatric care and develop organ transplant systems, including kidney, liver, and bone marrow transplants. This transformation has positioned the University’s Hospital as a leading medical center in Northeast Thailand and the Mekong region. The establishment of over 10 Centers of Excellence at the university further underscores its growing reputation for handling complex medical cases.
As Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanchai was pivotal in developing a medical curriculum that received international accreditation from the World Federation of Medical Education (WFME). This achievement allows Khon Kaen University medical graduates to work globally. Under his leadership, the Faculty of Medicine was ranked among the top 300-400 globally by QS University Ranking by Subject from 2014 to 2016.
In his role as President, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanchai has championed the Medical Hub project for Northeast Thailand, aiming to create a center equipped with cutting-edge technology and research capabilities. This initiative not only elevates healthcare in the region but also benefits neighboring countries in the Mekong area.
Beyond his medical achievements, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanchai has been instrumental in promoting practical research and innovation, such as developing sodium-ion batteries for energy storage and reducing global warming, as well as creating nano-fertilizers that significantly reduce fertilizer use and environmental impact.
Under his leadership, Khon Kaen University has excelled in education, research, and community service. The university is ranked 97th globally by THE Impact Ranking and within the 801-1000 range by QS World University Ranking, making it one of Thailand’s top six universities.
Expressing his gratitude, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanchai said, “I am deeply thankful to Australia for the opportunities that broadened my perspective and allowed me to contribute meaningfully in Thailand. I am honored to receive this award from the Australian Alumni Association and will continue to strive for greater impact.”
At the same event, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Darunee Jothityangkoon, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, also received the Regional Leadership Award. A graduate of The University of Western Australia, she was recognized for her significant contributions in the region. This award highlights the global impact of Khon Kaen University’s faculty.
The entire Khon Kaen University community proudly congratulates these distinguished awardees on their remarkable achievements.