COLA KKU Hosts Northeast Public Administration Network to Foster Academic Excellence and Regional Development

15 September 2025
15:30

The College of Local Administration (COLA) at Khon Kaen University (KKU) recently hosted the second annual meeting of administrators from public administration and political science institutions in Thailand’s Northeast. The gathering, held on September 12, 2068, at the Pullman Khon Kaen Raja Orchid Hotel, aimed to strengthen collaboration and exchange knowledge among leaders in public affairs and policy.

The meeting brought together deans, vice deans, program chairs, administrators, and faculty members from various institutions, including the Faculty of Political Science at Ubon Ratchathani University, the College of Politics and Governance at Mahasarakham University, the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Khon Kaen University, the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Nakhon Phanom University, the Faculty of Social Sciences at Mahamakut Buddhist University, and the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Nong Khai Campus, Khon Kaen University.

The productive discussions focused on enhancing teaching, research, academic services to society, student development, network strengthening, and adapting academic disciplines to a changing world. Key outcomes from the meeting included:

Establishment of a Northeast Public Administration and Political Science Institutions Network: This network will serve as a platform for cooperation and exchange among member institutions.
Student Capacity Building Programs: Plans were made for initiatives such as International/National Summer School Programs, English language skill development camps, AI skill development and competitions in public affairs and policy, and camps or conferences for presenting research by young researchers. The network will also facilitate domestic and international cooperative education exchanges.
Research Collaboration: Forums will be organized for faculty and graduate students to brainstorm and design research topics in public affairs, politics, and public policy, with a view to seeking funding.
Esan Policy Advocacy Forum: This platform will be created to present policy findings and innovative public policy proposals from various institutions to policymakers, political parties, national/local politicians, research funders, and the public.
Joint Hosting of Academic Conferences: Institutions will collaborate on organizing future national and international academic conferences.

This second annual meeting underscores the importance and power of the network in collectively driving change and development in the Northeast region through shared knowledge and common goals.