On 12 May 2026, Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, led a senior delegation to visit National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) in Hsinchu, Taiwan. The delegation included key representatives from the Faculty of Engineering: Associate Professor Ratchaphon Suntivarakorn, Ph.D., Dean; Professor Kanchana Sethanan, Ph.D., Chair of the Industrial Engineering Programme Subcommittee; Associate Professor Panithet Sureeyatanapas, Ph.D., Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies and International Affairs; and Dr. Kritsanarach Nitisiri, Assistant Dean for Student Development and Alumni Relations. The visit focused on discussing academic collaboration, joint research initiatives, and international student development.
The KKU delegation was warmly received by Professor Galit Shmueli, Vice President for Global Affairs at NTHU. National Tsing Hua University is globally recognised as a premier institution, particularly in the fields of Humanities, Engineering, Physics, and Semiconductors. In the THE World University Rankings by Subject 2026, NTHU’s Engineering programmes are ranked between 151–175 globally. Located in Hsinchu, the heart of Taiwan’s high-tech and semiconductor industry, the university maintains exceptionally strong ties with global industrial leaders.
Associate Professor Ratchaphon Suntivarakorn, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, stated that the discussions focused on establishing concrete cooperation, specifically in creating researcher networks. Furthermore, the meeting explored opportunities for KKU students to participate in internships and Cooperative and Work-Integrated Education (CWIE) programmes within Taiwan’s advanced technological environment. These initiatives are designed to enhance the capabilities of Thai students, ensuring they are competitive on the global stage.
This strategic visit reflects the commitment of Khon Kaen University and its Faculty of Engineering to expanding partnerships with world-class institutions. By fostering collaborations in education, research, and innovation, the University aims to address the rapid shifts in future technology and industrial demands.
The partnership with NTHU marks a significant step in Khon Kaen University’s mission to become an international hub for learning and innovation. Through these high-level engagements, KKU continues to enhance its academic excellence and global visibility, ultimately contributing to the development of a highly skilled workforce for the future economy.
News/Photos: Faculty of Engineering, Khon Kaen University
