This strategic partnership reinforces the Faculty of Education, Khon Kaen University’s (EDKKU) role as a leader in educational innovation within the ASEAN region. By integrating global academic networks, developing Double Degree Programs, and cultivating educational innovators with international competencies, EDKKU continues to shape the future of education.
On March 24, 2026, at the University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan, the EDKKU delegation—led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Issara Kanjug, Dean of the Faculty of Education, alongside executives, faculty members, and 27 graduate students from the Innovation, Technology, and Learning Sciences program—embarked on a strategic mission with the Institute of Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba. The mission aimed to elevate academic cooperation to international standards and lay the foundation for a future learning ecosystem.
Key Milestone: Master’s Double Degree as a Pilot for Doctoral Programs
The core focus of this collaboration is the framework development for a Double Degree Program (Master’s Level) in Innovation, Technology, and Learning Sciences. This initiative provides students with degrees from both prestigious institutions, cross-cultural learning experiences, access to world-class academic resources, and international professional networking opportunities.
This Master’s program serves as a pilot project, establishing a vital foundation for future expansion into Doctoral Double Degree Programs. The goal is to produce researchers and educational innovators capable of driving impactful research on both regional and global educational systems.
Driving the Internationalization Strategy Forward
This initiative reflects the Faculty’s strategic direction to become a leading Faculty of Education in ASEAN, focusing on three main pillars: Global Academic Partnerships, 21st Century Competencies, and Educational Innovation Impact. The Double Degree Program acts as a key mechanism in translating this vision into tangible practice.
Integrating Global Knowledge into the Thai Context
During the mission, the delegation attended a special lecture by Prof. Fujita Teruyuki on “The Evolution and Reform of Japanese Education,” gaining deep insights into primary education trends and practical applications for the Thai educational context.
Furthermore, EDKKU executives held strategic discussions regarding program structures, student exchange mechanisms, and joint research frameworks with world-renowned scholars, including Prof. Dr. Yoshimori Shimizu, Prof. Dr. Masami Isoda, and Prof. Dr. Nakao Nomura. These discussions also aimed to expand cooperation through regional strategic projects such as Campus Asia and the SEA-Teacher Project, fostering graduates into educational innovators with a global vision.
Dean’s Vision: Building a Sustainable Learning Ecosystem
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Issara Kanjug, Dean of the Faculty of Education, KKU, stated:
“Strengthening our partnership with the University of Tsukuba is a significant step in solidifying our role as a leader in educational innovation. The Master’s Double Degree Program is a crucial pilot project that elevates our graduates’ competencies to a truly international level, with plans to expand to the doctoral level. We are not only focused on producing high-competency teachers but also on creating a learning ecosystem with world-class institutions to advance research and curricula that create a sustainable impact on regional education.”
Next Steps: Designing the Future of Education
This visit signifies more than just an organizational connection; it is a declaration of EDKKU’s strategic intent to drive its Internationalization Strategy. By using the Master’s Double Degree as an initial milestone and expanding to the doctoral level, EDKKU remains committed to adding value to the teaching profession and co-designing the future of education through innovation and high-potential innovators.
This strategic synergy will serve as a vital engine to enhance educational quality in ASEAN and create a positive, lasting impact on the global educational system.
