On 17 February 2026 at 13:30 hrs., the Faculty of Engineering, Khon Kaen University (KKU), formalised an academic partnership with the Khon Kaen Municipality through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The collaboration aims to strengthen the capabilities of local students and educational personnel in science, technology, and particularly Robotics and Automation, with the goal of elevating local education to international standards.
The signing ceremony was held in Meeting Room 1, 8th Floor, Pheinwichit Building, Faculty of Engineering. Associate Professor Ratchaphon Suntivarakorn, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, and Mr. Prasit Thongthaengthai, Mayor of Khon Kaen Municipality, signed the agreement. They were joined by esteemed witnesses: Associate Professor Thana Ratphakdi, Chairman of the Robotics, Automation, and Artificial Intelligence Engineering Programme Steering Committee, and Mr. Boontham Boranmun, Director of Thetsaban Wat Klang School. Executives and faculty members from both organisations were present to witness the ceremony.
Associate Professor Ratchaphon Suntivarakorn, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, stated that the primary objective of the cooperation is to promote and enhance engineering, science, and technology competencies among students and teachers in schools under the jurisdiction of Khon Kaen Municipality, particularly Thetsaban Wat Klang School.
The Faculty of Engineering will provide knowledge transfer, training activities, and access to educational resources focused on Robotics and Automation. This initiative aims to establish a strong academic foundation, preparing students for higher education and equipping them with skills aligned with the demands of the digital era.
Mayor Prasit emphasised that the Municipality recognises the importance of expanding educational opportunities for local youth. Collaboration with a leading academic institution such as KKU’s Faculty of Engineering will broaden students’ perspectives, expose them to real-world innovation, and strengthen their readiness for the future labour market.
This five-year cooperation agreement encompasses several key activities, including: the professional development of teachers and students through practical workshops in STEM Education and robotic technology; support for academic camps and study visits to engineering laboratories; and the joint promotion of continuing education and collaborative innovation creation.
This collaboration marks a significant step forward in the alliance between higher education institutions and local administrative organisations. By joining forces, they aim to cultivate “Smart People,” a vital foundation for the sustainable development of Khon Kaen towards becoming a truly established Smart City.
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