On November 21, 2024, Khon Kaen University proudly hosted the Council of University Faculty Senate of Thailand (CUSFT) Annual Conference, a landmark event that brought together leading minds to explore the transformative power of Generative AI in education. Held at the Avani Khon Kaen Hotel and Convention Center, this year’s conference was themed “Generative AI in Transforming Education: Innovations, Challenges, and Future Prospects.”
Asst. Prof. Dr. Pattarawit Polpinit, Vice President for Human Resources at KKU, warmly welcomed attendees to the ceremony, which celebrated the Royal Award for National Outstanding Lecturers and the CUSFT National Annual Conference 2024. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to CUSFT for entrusting KKU with the honor of hosting this prestigious event and extended congratulations to the six distinguished National Outstanding Lecturers of 2024.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Surapon Nesusin, President of CUSFT, highlighted the conference’s mission to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among higher education professionals. The event featured esteemed speakers, including Prof. Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, who shared insights on the pivotal role of Generative AI across various sectors, including education.
The conference also showcased the remarkable achievements of the “National Outstanding Lecturers for 2024,” honoring educators who have demonstrated exceptional academic prowess, ethical standards, and dedication to national service. The awards, graciously bestowed by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, were a source of immense pride and joy for the recipients and the academic community.
Prof. Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul emphasized the growing influence of Generative AI in creating educational content, teaching materials, and diverse simulations to enhance student skills. “Today marks a significant milestone for Thai education as we gather to explore and innovate the application of Generative AI in teaching, learning, and research for the nation’s benefit,” he remarked.
The ceremony included a tribute by Asst. Prof. Dr. Surapon Nesusin, who honored Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn before presenting the Royal Award for National Outstanding Lecturers for 2024. The six awardees, recognized for their contributions across various fields, are:
1. Assoc. Prof. Apirat Laobuthee, Ph.D., in Science and Technology from Kasetsart University.
2. Prof. Sittisak Honsawek, M.D., Ph.D., in Health Sciences from Chulalongkorn University.
3. Assoc. Prof. Kiatsuda Srisuk, Ph.D., in Social Sciences from Chiang Mai University.
4. Assoc. Prof. Sophana Srichampa, Ph.D., in Humanities from Mahidol University.
5. Prof. Jirawat Pirasun, Ph.D., in Fine Arts from Naresuan University.
6. Prof. Chanvit Pornnoppadol, M.D., in Social Service from Mahidol University.
Running from November 21-22, 2024, the conference was a hub of intellectual exchange, featuring a special lecture on “Policies of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Related to Artificial Intelligence” by Prof. Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul, followed by an academic discussion on “Ethics and Code of Conduct in the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Research and Practice” by Prof. Dr. Somchai Wongwises from King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Prof. Dr. Bhumindr Butr-Indr from the Faculty of Law, Thammasat University, and Ms. Patwadee Maspoom, a certified Microsoft trainer and expert in Microsoft Copilot, moderated by Asst. Prof. Kritchawat Lowatcharin, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, Research, and International Affairs, College of Local Administration, Khon Kaen University.
The event also included insightful talks on “Digital Money and Blockchain Technology” by Mr. Chanon Jaratsuttikul, CEO of Forward Labs, and “Generative AI: Driving Innovation in Work and Education” by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Supet Jirakajohnkool, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology at Thammasat University.
In addition to these enriching sessions, the conference provided a platform for presenting academic and research works, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and driving the future direction of education in Thailand.
