On July 14, 2025, the Faculty of Education and the College of Local Administration (COLA) at Khon Kaen University hosted a special lecture for a high-level delegation from the Ministry of Education and Sports of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The delegation, led by Mr. Sithong Sikhao, Acting Director General of the Planning Department, Ministry of Education and Sports, included 15 senior executives. The event took place at the Udon Tantisunthorn Conference Room, COLA, Khon Kaen University.
The lecture formed part of the “Capacity Development Workshop on Education Project Planning and Management,” a collaborative initiative between COLA and the Lao Ministry of Education and Sports. The workshop aims to support the reform and development of Laos’ basic education system, which plays a key role in shaping the country’s national education strategy.
Associate Professor Issara Kanjak, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Education, delivered a presentation titled “The Path from Philosophy to System.” He discussed global case studies from countries such as Singapore, Finland, Japan, and Estonia, emphasizing that education should not be limited to the transmission of knowledge but should instead serve as a foundation for building systems of thought and national development. He noted that when a nation has a clear educational philosophy, it can effectively design educational structures that truly meet its developmental goals.
Assistant Professor Dr. Sirirak Laochankham, Dean of the College of Local Administration, reflected on the significance of the collaboration, highlighting Khon Kaen University’s role as a leading academic institution in the region. He remarked that KKU is not only a recipient of global knowledge but also a contributor that shares academic insights for mutual advancement. The exchange, he added, strengthens academic partnerships that can elevate the quality of education in both Thailand and Laos while supporting long-term regional educational strategies.
As part of the workshop, faculty members from the Faculty of Education delivered a session titled “Philosophy and New Paradigms in Basic Education Management: A Comparative Case Study.” Dr. Chayachon Chuanon spoke about the current structure and challenges of Thailand’s education system and explained how these insights have informed the curriculum design at Khon Kaen University Demonstration School’s International Program (KKUIDS), which aims to prepare students as global citizens. Meanwhile, Mr. Chinnaphat Junruang shared the school’s active learning approach, which focuses on equipping students with 21st-century skills and preparing them to become future leaders in innovation.
On July 15, 2025, the Lao delegation visited the KKUIDS campus to observe live teaching practices and also attended the “KKUDS EXPO 2025: Driving Innovation for a Sustainable Future” at the Demonstration Secondary School (Mod Din Daeng Campus). This visit offered a valuable opportunity to witness student innovation and educational outcomes firsthand.
Overall, the lecture and site visit served not only as a platform for knowledge exchange but also reaffirmed the role of the Faculty of Education at Khon Kaen University as a regional leader in education. The university remains committed to fostering academic partnerships and driving educational quality and sustainability across the region.
