PSU Opens “PSU Forward 2026” Bringing the University Community Together to Create Meaningful Social Impact
Prince of Songkla University, or PSU, organized its third university community assembly, “PSU Forward 2026: Connecting People and Mechanisms for Social Impact,” on September 25, 2026, at the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne International Convention Center. The event was also accessible online via Zoom and livestreamed through PSU Connext.
The forum provided an opportunity for members of the PSU community to contribute ideas and help shape the university’s future direction, with a shared focus on creating meaningful and tangible impact for society and the country.
Opening the event, Assistant Professor Dr. Niwat Keawpradub, President of Prince of Songkla University, noted that amid rapid change and increasingly complex challenges, universities need to move beyond their traditional role as “Knowledge Generators” toward becoming “Social Impact Creators.” This means applying university knowledge and expertise to real-world challenges, while encouraging greater collaboration across disciplines and developing a more agile approach to university operations.
One of the key mechanisms supporting this transformation is PSU’s “4 Houses” framework. The Production House – PSU HCFWD focuses on future-ready human capital and learning programs; Research House – PSU UtiRise supports the translation of research into policy and practical or commercial applications; Marketing House – PSU Engagement connects university knowledge and achievements with society; and Management House – PSU Support strengthens internal systems in areas such as human resources, budgeting, finance, and accounting.
The program also featured a keynote address by Professor Dr. Sanit Aksornkoae, Chairman of the PSU Council, on university policies for transformation toward future scenarios. Assistant Professor Dr. Pongthep Sutheravut, Vice President for Administration and Strategy, also presented “PSUx: A Tool for Future Transformation,” outlining key approaches and mechanisms for moving the university forward.
Another key activity was the “Synergy Session,” where participants explored strategic challenges at both local and national levels. The session brought together faculties, academic units, and researchers from different disciplines to identify opportunities for collaboration and develop possible solutions. This was followed by the “Mechanism & Tools Session,” which introduced supporting mechanisms and resources available within the university.
In the afternoon, participants joined workshops under the four Houses to further develop practical approaches in areas including non-degree programs, microcredentials, workforce pathways, research utilization, social engagement, and internal management systems. Each group then presented its proposed blueprint and “Fast Track” for translating ideas into action.
Through PSU Forward 2026, the university aims to bring together the knowledge and strengths of its diverse community, encourage greater collaboration across disciplines and units, and explore practical ways to turn education, research, and institutional capabilities into positive outcomes for society.
The forum marks another step in PSU’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the way the university works together and to translate shared ideas into meaningful action.