Khon Kaen University kicks off the New Year with a groundbreaking vision to become the “Best Place to Work” and the “Great Place to Live.” With a national award for outstanding traffic engineering management already under its belt, KKU is setting the stage for a transformative journey that prioritizes safety, sustainability, and quality of life for its community.
This ambitious initiative, spearheaded by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Choopong Thongkamsamut, Vice President for Physical Ecosystem and Environment, is part of KKU’s strategic plan for 2025–2028. The plan focuses on four core principles—Safety, Handy, Beauty, and Green—to create a harmonious, future-ready campus.
“The President of Khon Kaen University has tasked us with making KKU a place that is great to work, study, and live. To achieve this, we must focus on these four principles,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Choopong.
The Four Pillars of KKU’s Transformation
1. Safety: Building a Secure Campus for All
KKU is leading the way in campus safety with cutting-edge technology and data-driven policies. Initiatives include: Smart Gate systems and AI-powered management tools; A Smart Security Center to monitor and analyze high-risk areas; Comprehensive traffic safety programs, including driver training, helmet use campaigns, and speed reduction measures.
These efforts aim to transform KKU into a Smart City, ensuring a safe and secure environment for students, staff, and visitors.
2. Handy: Enhancing Functionality and Accessibility
KKU is breathing new life into its iconic buildings, such as the Faculty of Engineering building and the Sirikunakorn building, while upgrading administrative facilities. These renovations aim to preserve the university’s heritage while improving functionality and accessibility for all.
3. Beauty: Creating a Welcoming, Aesthetic Campus
The university is reimagining its landscape with a focus on green, pedestrian-friendly spaces. Key projects include: Transforming main roads into walking and forest-friendly zones; Leveraging research from faculties like Agriculture, Engineering, and Architecture to enhance the campus environment.
These efforts aim to make KKU not just a place to study and work, but a visually inspiring and welcoming community.
4. Green: Leading the Way in Sustainability
As part of its commitment to becoming a Green University, KKU is tackling environmental challenges head-on: Planting trees and reducing waste through innovative separation and recycling programs; Utilizing food waste for research and pollution prevention; Installing solar panels, upgrading wastewater treatment systems, and reducing energy consumption to achieve carbon neutrality.
A Vision for the Future: Strategic Plan 2025–2028
As KKU celebrates its 61st year, the university is embracing multidimensional changes with a forward-thinking strategic plan. Collaborative projects with stakeholders will drive this transformation, ensuring a sustainable, high-quality life for everyone on campus. KKU invites its community to join this journey of innovation and sustainability, making the university a model for livability and environmental stewardship. Together, let’s make KKU the “Best Place to Work” and the “Great Place to Live.”