Khon Kaen University Reinforces Excellence in International Collaboration

20 May 2026
09:41

On May 15, 2026, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanchai Panthongviriyakul, President of Khon Kaen University (KKU), along with Assoc. Prof. Dr.
Ratchapol Santiwarakarn, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, traveled to Chengdu, the People’s Republic of China. They attended the 130th Anniversary celebration of Southwest Jiaotong University (SWJU). This visit achieved two primary objectives: extending congratulations as a key partner institution and strengthening cooperation in engineering education.

A key part of this visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to establish the “Institute for Excellent Engineers”
at Khon Kaen University’s Faculty of Engineering, in collaboration with SWJU. The celebration and MOA ceremony were grandly held and witnessed by over 1,000 executives, representatives from educational institutions, and international partners from around the globe. This turnout highlighted the strength of KKU’s educational partnership network and its recognized standing on the world stage.

The institute’s establishment is a critical next step. Its primary goal is to develop engineering students and personnel to achieve high levels of competency in line with international standards. This initiative will enhance the capacity to produce a quality workforce essential to national development, built on the shared expertise, technology, and modern innovation of both universities.

The 130th Anniversary of SWJU is a proud milestone. It also serves as a reminder of the long-standing, fruitful relationship between the two institutions. The signing of this MOA is an effective investment in the future of engineering in Thailand. It is achieved through the transfer of knowledge and superior standards from a leading Chinese university. This represents a significant step toward realizing KKU’s vision of excellence.

Moving forward, the implementation plan to establish the Institute for Excellent Engineers will be pursued. This aims to develop high-level engineering talent promptly. This signing further solidifies the bond between Khon Kaen University and Southwest Jiaotong University. It also promotes the integration of education, research, and student development to ensure sustained capabilities in the modern world.