Khon Kaen University and Asia University are preparing a Memorandum of Agreement for a “1+1” Double Degree programme, allowing students to earn both an MEng in Industrial Engineering and an MBA.

Khon Kaen University (KKU), led by Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, recently visited Asia University (AU), a leading private institution in Taiwan, to discuss strategic academic collaborations. The delegation included Associate Professor Ratchaphon Suntivarakorn, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Engineering; Professor Kanchana Sethanan, Ph.D., Chairperson of the Industrial Engineering Programme Sub-committee; Associate Professor Panitat Sureeyatanapas, Ph.D., Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies and International Affairs; and Dr. Kritsanarach Nitisiri, Assistant Dean for Student Development and Alumni Relations.

The KKU delegation was warmly welcomed by Professor Jeffrey J.P. Tsai, President of Asia University, alongside Professor Ming-Lang Tseng, Chair Professor and Director of the Institute of Innovation and Circular Economy, as well as deans and senior executives from various faculties. During the meeting, both institutions presented their respective university overviews and engaged in discussions regarding future academic and research partnerships aimed at broadening their international networks across multiple disciplines.

A significant highlight of the visit was the preparation of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for a Master’s level Double Degree programme. Designed as a “1+1” model, students will spend one year studying at Khon Kaen University and one year at Asia University in Taiwan. Upon successful completion, graduates will be awarded two degrees:

• Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering (MEng) from Khon Kaen University

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Asia University

This initiative represents a vital step in developing international curricula that meet the demands of the modern industrial and business sectors. The programme is expected to begin admitting students in the near future.

Asia University is recognised as a premier private university in Taiwan, with particular excellence in Management, Artificial Intelligence, and Computer Science. It also houses the Asia University Hospital and a state-of-the-art semiconductor research centre. During the visit, the KKU executive team toured these facilities, including the university’s museum and various learning spaces, to observe best practices in management and the integration of education, research, and innovation with industry and society.

The partnership between the two universities is built upon a strong, long-standing foundation. Professor Sethanan has conducted collaborative research and published numerous academic papers with Asia University faculty over many years. Furthermore, Professor Tseng currently serves as an Adjunct Professor within the Industrial Engineering Department at the KKU Faculty of Engineering under a high-performance foreign expert grant, with a renewal application currently in progress for the 2026 fiscal year.

This collaboration aligns with Khon Kaen University’s mission to foster international excellence and provide students with global perspectives through high-impact educational opportunities.