On Wednesday, 26 November 2025 (B.E. 2568), Khon Kaen University (KKU) hosted the signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for academic cooperation concerning badminton development with VICTOR Sports (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
The ceremony was presided over by Associate Professor Pensri Jaroenwanit, Ph.D., Vice President for Student Affairs and Innovation Commercialization, Khon Kaen University. She was joined by Associate Professor Prapansak Chaveerach, DVM., Ph.D., Assistant to the President for Student Affairs and Innovation Commercialization, and Mr. Zhang Hao, representative of VICTOR Sports (Thailand) Co., Ltd. The event was warmly attended by students and athletes who served as witnesses to this collaborative agreement.
Associate Professor Pensri Jaroenwanit stated that Khon Kaen University’s strategy is dedicated to supporting students and staff by promoting their health, enhancing their quality of life, and fostering sporting excellence. The university provides comprehensive support to athletes across four key areas: 1) skill development, 2) training advancement, 3) equipment enhancement, and 4) coaching improvement. A crucial component driving this strategy is the formation of strategic partnerships. VICTOR Sports (Thailand) Co., Ltd. is thus considered a strong ally that will greatly assist in developing KKU’s badminton equipment standards, thereby empowering young athletes to become stable and successful professionals.
“Khon Kaen University is prepared to accommodate badminton players and enthusiasts with over 10 existing courts, reflecting the sport’s consistent rise in popularity,” remarked Associate Professor Pensri. “We also plan to construct additional premium badminton facilities in preparation for hosting the Thailand University Games in 2029. Today’s collaboration marks the beginning of KKU’s journey towards becoming a key sports hub in the Northeast region, aligning with the KKU Sport Excellence policy. This initiative will serve as a venue for promoting health, fulfilling dreams, building strength, and inspiring the next generation of professional athletes.”
Mr. Zhang Hao, the representative of VICTOR Sports (Thailand) Co., Ltd., noted that the company recognised Khon Kaen University’s potential as an institution capable of effectively nurturing and developing high-calibre badminton athletes. Corresponding with the upcoming Thailand University Games, the company decided to sign this MOU, which marks the eighth such partnership established with government agencies, private sectors, and educational institutions.
“The company is extremely pleased today to supply modern, technologically advanced badminton equipment to support the athletes’ training sessions and enhance their efficiency, especially the shuttlecocks, which are the identical model used in the Thailand University Games,” Mr. Zhang Hao stated. “We hope this partnership with Khon Kaen University extends beyond mere support for athlete development. It is envisioned as a vital space for future cooperation in education, competition, and culture.”
Mr. Phasawat Surakulprapa, a Master’s student from the Graduate School, and Miss Monthita Korissaranuphap, a Physical Education student from the Faculty of Education, serving as representatives for KKU badminton athletes, expressed their gratitude for participating in the signing ceremony. They conveyed their delight and honour in receiving sponsorship for necessary badminton gear, including rackets, bags, apparel, and particularly the shuttlecocks. They noted that training with the same shuttlecocks used in major competitions like the Thailand University Games, scheduled for January, significantly boosts the athletes’ confidence.
“All athletes have been dedicatedly training. Receiving this equipment support not only alleviates the financial burdens on the athletes but also provides motivation for everyone to fight hard in the upcoming tournament,” they concluded. “We hope to make history by bringing home medals for our KKU community.”
The Memorandum of Understanding for academic cooperation in badminton development between Khon Kaen University and VICTOR Sports (Thailand) Co., Ltd. is designed to promote competition, training, provision of training equipment, and organisation of badminton events over a three-year period. Its objective is to foster collaboration between academic institutions and the private sector to collectively elevate athlete standards and create significant opportunities for KKU students and personnel to develop their badminton skills to international levels of excellence.
