KHON KAEN – The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (HUSO) at Khon Kaen University (KKU) recently hosted a special academic event with a representative from the University of Leeds, UK, to enhance its internationalization efforts and discuss strategic partnerships.
The event, held on the afternoon of March 11, 2026, began with a special lecture titled “Sikh and Integration.” Professor Jasjit Singh, Pro Dean International and Professor of Religious and Global Engagement at the University of Leeds, delivered the presentation. He spoke about the cultural identity, beliefs, and social integration processes of the global Sikh community.
The hybrid lecture, offered both onsite and online, attracted over 80 participants, including faculty and students from KKU and partner institutions such as Mahamakut Buddhist University and Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University. The topic was noted for providing valuable insights into cultural diversity, a core theme in modern humanities and social sciences studies.
Following the lecture, Professor Singh met with the faculty’s executive team to discuss a key strategic initiative: the proposed establishment of a “University of Leeds English Language and Culture Centre” at KKU. The center aims to serve as a hub for learning English through a cultural context and to expand educational opportunities for students at KKU and within the wider Mekong sub-region.
In addition to teaching, the discussion also covered plans for joint research collaborations focused on sustainability. The proposed interdisciplinary research will address contemporary global challenges such as urbanization, migration, and societal futures, with plans to jointly seek international research funding.
This initiative aligns with the faculty’s 2026 fiscal year action plan, which prioritizes creating international collaborations and increasing international student exchange. A delegation of HUSO executives and social science faculty members is scheduled to visit the University of Leeds in the UK soon to further develop and finalize the operational details of these projects.
