On April 3, 2025, Mr. Surapon Petch-vra, Vice Chairman of the Khon Kaen University Council, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Denpong Soodphakdee, Vice President for Education and Digital Affairs, along with deans and representatives from various faculties and departments of Khon Kaen University, participated in the Lao Digital Week 2025. The event, held from April 2–6, 2025, at the National Convention Center in Vientiane, Lao PDR, aimed to highlight KKU’s role and capabilities in digital technology at the regional level. This participation was part of a strategic collaboration with the Ministry of Technology and Communications of Lao PDR, a key partner in advancing digital innovation in the region.
The event, themed “Strengthening and Sustaining Lao PDR’s Digital Infrastructure”, focused on three pillars: Digital Government, Digital Society, and Digital Economy. It brought together high-ranking officials, academics, educational institutions, private companies, and technology experts from various countries. The opening ceremony was presided over by Mr. Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of Lao PDR, with ministers from neighboring countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, China, Cambodia, and Russia, in attendance.
During the opening ceremony, Prof. Dr. Boviengkham Vongdara, Minister of Technology and Telecommunications of Lao PDR, emphasized the transformative power of digital technology, stating, “Digital technology is advancing rapidly and has become a driving force for the economy and society. Emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), are revolutionizing every sector, and Lao PDR cannot afford to lag behind. Therefore, the country must accelerate its technological development to improve the quality of life for its people and boost the national economy.” He also acknowledged Khon Kaen University’s significant contributions to human resource development and digital innovation in both countries.
KKU’s Innovations on Display
Khon Kaen University showcased several groundbreaking digital innovations at the event, including:
- The “AI Wao Ja” application and an AI-powered CPR robot, developed by the College of Computing.
- A smart irrigation system from the Faculty of Agriculture.
- STEM learning tools and systems thinking resources from the Faculty of Education.
- A VR model of horse anatomy from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.
In addition, KKU organized academic activities such as workshops and panel discussions on AI and startups. These sessions featured experts from the Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy, College of Local Administration, Graduate School of Management, and the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, who shared knowledge and exchanged experiences with participants.
Strengthening Regional Collaboration
The collaboration between Khon Kaen University and the Ministry of Technology and Communications of Lao PDR underscores the close ties between the two nations in terms of language, culture, and economic connectivity. This partnership serves as a milestone in fostering academic and technological networks in the Greater Mekong Subregion, contributing to sustainable development in alignment with the university council’s goals and KKU’s strategic vision.
Khon Kaen University’s active participation in Lao Digital Week 2025 not only highlights its regional leadership in digital innovation but also reinforces its commitment to driving sustainable progress in the Mekong region.
