On 28 November 2025, a delegation of executives from Khon Kaen University’s (KKU) Faculty of Economics participated in a signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the National University of Laos (NUOL) in Vientiane Capital, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR).
Presiding over the ceremony were Associate Professor Suthin Wianwiwat, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Khon Kaen University, accompanied by Assistant Professor Prasert Vichitnopparat, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Research, Innovation, Academic Services, and Corporate Communications, Assistant Professor Jakkrach Chiewwiriyabunya, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Student Development, and Associate Professor Theerawat Charoenrat, Ph.D., a lecturer at the Faculty of Economics.
The MOU formally establishes academic cooperation between the Faculty of Economics, KKU, and the Faculty of Economics and Business Management, National University of Laos. The objective of the agreement is to promote tangible academic collaboration between the two institutions, covering research, personnel development, and faculty and student exchange. This focused cooperation is designed to foster shared knowledge development in areas of mutual interest, particularly economics, development economics, border economies, and entrepreneurship.
Associate Professor Suthin Wianwiwat, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Khon Kaen University, expressed his pleasure, stating: “On behalf of the Faculty of Economics, I would like to express our congratulations and profound pride in having the opportunity to collaborate with a leading institution in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Becoming a part of this academic cooperation network within the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) is a significant starting point for both institutions to strive towards academic excellence. The Faculty of Economics at Khon Kaen University is delighted to embark on this journey with the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, National University of Laos, beginning with this Memorandum of Understanding. This collaboration will help both institutions advance to become leading faculties of economics within the GMS and further strengthen and distinguish their standing in the QS World Rankings in the field of Economics.”
Associate Professor Suthin continued, “This collaboration frames several initiatives, integrating research, student and faculty exchange, and knowledge development. These activities are designed to enhance the potential and necessary skills for international competition within both institutions, including academic seminars and training that strengthen relationships, creativity, and a shared understanding of our roles as leading economics faculties in the region. International academic cooperation is the essential force behind the success of faculty development in teaching, research, and graduate production. These endeavours would simply not be possible without a quality cooperative network like the one we now share with the National University of Laos.”
Associate Professor Xayphone Kongmanila, Ph.D., Vice Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business Management, NUOL, welcomed the collaboration: “This signing has allowed us to establish recognition and a relationship with the Faculty of Economics, Khon Kaen University, to exchange ideas, and to better understand our operational cooperation pathways. We have also learned about opportunities to advance research, student exchange, and the matching of researchers for joint publications in Q1–Q2 journals. We are committed to utilising this cooperation to advance the academic potential of our students and faculty.”
The signing ceremony was graced by the welcome presence of senior executives from the Faculty of Economics and Business Management, NUOL, including Professor Phouphet Kyophilavong, Ph.D., Vice President for Research and Foreign Relations; Associate Professor Xayphone Kongmanila, Ph.D., Vice Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business Management; Associate Professor Bounthone Soukhavong, Ph.D., Vice Dean; and Assistant Professor Visansack Khamphengvong, Ph.D., Deputy Head of Research / Head of International Relations. During the meeting, the institutions discussed the framework for immediate and future cooperation, including joint faculty research projects, student exchange programmes to broaden international learning experiences, academic seminars and training, and expanding the network of collaboration to secure large research grants within the Greater Mekong Subregion, thereby ensuring a strong and sustainable relationship between the two key institutions.
