PSU, KKU and CMU Strengthen “Three Forces for the Nation” Partnership Sharing Knowledge Across Eight Key Areas to Shape the Next Practice for Thai Higher Education
Prince of Songkla University, led by Assistant Professor Dr. Niwat Keawpradub, President of PSU, together with university executives and staff, joined the 9th KKU–PSU–CMU Knowledge Sharing Program, “Three Forces for the Nation,” held on September 10, 2026, at the Heritage Grand Khon Kaen Hotel in Khon Kaen.
The gathering brought together more than 570 executives, faculty members and staff from Prince of Songkla University, Khon Kaen University and Chiang Mai University. It provided an opportunity for the three regional universities to share knowledge, experiences and approaches to university management, while strengthening their partnership in responding to emerging challenges and contributing to the future of Thai higher education.
The program was officially opened by Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, who highlighted the long-standing friendship among the three institutions. He noted that while each university serves a different region and has its own strengths, they share a common commitment to using their capabilities for the benefit of society and the country.
He also encouraged participants to openly share not only their successes, but also challenges and lessons learned, with the aim of moving beyond “Best Practice” toward identifying the “Next Practice” that can create meaningful change.
A key highlight of the event was the signing of a renewed Memorandum of Understanding among the three universities. Participants also exchanged perspectives across eight key areas, including teaching and curriculum development, research and innovation, academic services, human resources and mental health, student development, arts and culture, university administration and the use of AI, as well as academic quality assurance.
Professor Pongruk Sribanditmongkol, M.D., President of Chiang Mai University, emphasized the importance of identifying areas where the three universities can work together more closely, including innovation, healthcare, community development and artificial intelligence, while sharing goals and resources to create greater impact.
Meanwhile, Assistant Professor Dr. Niwat Keawpradub, President of Prince of Songkla University, said the partnership aims to jointly develop future talent, advance research that can be applied in practice, and grow alongside society and partners across sectors. He also emphasized the importance of agility and sustainability, supported by digital technology and artificial intelligence.
The program concluded with networking activities under the theme “Local Thai Textiles,” providing an informal setting for participants from the three universities to strengthen relationships and exchange experiences.
The “Three Forces for the Nation” partnership continues to reflect the shared commitment of KKU, PSU and CMU to learning from one another, sharing resources and expertise, and working together to support the changing needs of Thai higher education and society.