Khon Kaen University (KKU), in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), convened a major international diplomatic forum to showcase the integration of northeastern Thai (Isan) wisdom with science, technology, and innovation on the global stage.
KHON KAEN, THAILAND – On 29 January 2026, Khon Kaen University (KKU), in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), hosted the “Diplomacy and International Partnership Forum on Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation 2026.” The forum was held under the theme, “Science and Technology for Regional Industry Development and Local Wisdom Integration,” at the Khon Kaen University Science Park.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Ms. Pennapa Kanchana, Inspector General of MHESI, who was joined by Assistant Professor Denpong Soodphakdee, Ph.D., Vice President for Education and Digital, Khon Kaen University, who delivered the welcoming address. The forum successfully attracted over 110 participants, including representatives from 32 embassies, executives from 15 universities, and leaders from 14 research institutions.
This gathering marked a significant milestone in advancing “Science Diplomacy”, positioning science, technology, and innovation as bridges for international cooperation. The forum provided a platform for knowledge exchange and enabled participants to experience first-hand the innovative research and development emerging from Thailand’s Northeastern (Isan) region.
The Role of KKU as an Engine of Regional Innovation
Assistant Professor Denpong Soodphakdee, Ph.D., Vice President for Education and Digital, Khon Kaen University, expressed his profound honour in welcoming such distinguished and dedicated individuals from around the world.
“The Khon Kaen University Science Park serves as a pivotal unit driving our regional development,” said Assistant Professor Denpong. “Khon Kaen University maintains a clear commitment: our research must not merely remain confined to library shelves. We strive to push these works out into the world to create tangible, positive changes in people’s lives. We focus on generating impactful outcomes for humanity, covering aspects such as food security, smart technologies, and creating a sustainable world.”
Assistant Professor Denpong further highlighted KKU’s unique identity, which successfully integrates advanced technology with local wisdom.
“What distinguishes us is our approach of leveraging the traditional wisdom of our Isan ancestors and augmenting it with modern science to empower local farmers and businesses to compete globally,” he affirmed. “We hope that this forum is not merely a single event; please view Khon Kaen University as a vital gateway leading you to the Asian region. We are perpetually open to new ideas, new friendships, and new avenues for collaboratively addressing global challenges.”
Science Diplomacy as a Mechanism for Global Collaboration
Ms. Pennapa Kanchana, Inspector General of MHESI, stated that the forum reflects the ministry’s steadfast commitment to advancing international cooperation and strengthening global partnerships through the lens of Science Diplomacy.
“We firmly believe that science diplomacy is an essential mechanism for building mutual trust, fostering understanding, and promoting effective collaboration among governments, academic establishments, research organisations, and all sectoral stakeholders,” Ms. Kanchana explained. “It allows us to collectively confront shared challenges and drive sustainable development.”
The decision to host the event in Khon Kaen and the Northeastern region aims to demonstrate how science, technology, and innovation can robustly drive industrial development while harmoniously conserving and promoting local knowledge, culture, and traditional wisdom.
The Inspector General concluded by noting that the forum serves as an open platform for exchange among policymakers, diplomats, researchers, and practitioners to pursue future cooperative opportunities, share expertise, and establish strong alliances. “We sincerely hope that the connections forged here will lead to concrete cooperation and long-term friendships between Thailand and its international partners, based on mutual benefit and shared goals.”
Showcasing Regional Advancement
Following the opening ceremony, the academic component commenced with Associate Professor Teerawat Laonapakul, Ph.D., Deputy Director of the Khon Kaen University Science Park, presenting on “The Role of the Regional Science Park and the Northeastern Science Parks.” His presentation reflected the significant role of the Science Park as a centre for R&D, technology transfer, and support for key regional industry clusters.
This was followed by a lecture on the “Agri-Food Industry and Technology for the Advancement of the Northeast Region,” delivered by Professor Jintanaporn Wattanathorn, Ph.D., Director of the Research Institute for Human High Performance and Health Promotion (HHP&HP), Khon Kaen University, alongside Ms. Lallalit Sukontarattanasuk, Managing Director of Lallalit Agrifoods Co., Ltd. They presented an overview of agri-food industry development in the region achieved through the integration of science, technology, and innovation, and shared practical experiences regarding the commercial utilisation of research.
In the afternoon, delegation members were divided into three groups to tour Khon Kaen University’s key innovation facilities:
- Food Pilot Plant: A facility dedicated to producing next-generation food products.
- KKUVolts Battery and New Energy Science and Technology Factory: A crucial component driving the clean energy revolution.
- Industrial Insects Pilot Production Plant: Showcasing sustainable approaches to future food production.
The day concluded with a visit to the Isan Agricultural Fair 2026, a major exhibition highlighting agricultural innovation, research, and the application of local wisdom in sustainable agribusiness. On the following day, the delegation continued its programme with a visit to Mahasarakham University.
The “Diplomacy and International Partnership Forum on Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation 2026” featured representatives from 32 embassies spanning Europe, Asia, ASEAN, and other global regions, including numerous ambassadors and deputy heads of diplomatic missions. Participants also included vice presidents and assistant presidents from 15 leading universities across Thailand, and representatives from 14 strategic research institutes and government agencies, such as the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), the Program Management Unit on Area Based Development (PMU-A), and the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA). The forum focused intensely on integrating scientific, technological, and innovation knowledge with local wisdom to create sustainable impact.
