Khon Kaen University (KKU) held the “Mekong–Lancang Workshop: MLC Series 2026” on 26 May 2026 at Sarasin Room, 2nd Floor, Sirikunakorn Building. Organised by the International Affairs Division in collaboration with the Research and Innovation Division, the workshop aimed to enhance the capacity of faculty members and researchers to access international funding sources. This initiative is a vital component of the university’s strategy to position itself as a Global and Frontier Research University.
The workshop featured a distinguished lineup of administrators and experts. Professor Pewpan Maleewong, M.D., Vice President for Research and Innovation, presided over the opening ceremony and delivered the welcoming remarks to the participants. The event also featured keynote presentations from two prominent experts and past grant recipients: Professor Banchob Sripa, Ph.D., a Senior Research Scholar from the Faculty of Medicine and recipient of the MLC grant in 2020, 2024, and 2025; and Associate Professor Watcharin Loilome, Ph.D., Director of the Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, and a 2024 grant recipient.
During the event, the speakers shared valuable insights, decoded key lessons from their successful projects, and discussed effective management principles for the Mekong–Lancang Cooperation (MLC) Special Fund. Professor Maleewong emphasised that securing international grants requires not only academic rigor but also strategic project management that addresses regional challenges. The session provided participants with comprehensive knowledge, technical guidance, and practical strategies for drafting high-quality project proposals that meet rigorous international criteria.
The workshop particularly highlighted the necessity of designing research projects that generate tangible, positive impacts on society. Speakers shared proven techniques for navigating the application process and executing projects efficiently across borders. By equipping academic staff with these critical skills, the event serves as a catalyst for elevating the university’s research capabilities, fostering high-impact innovations, and strengthening international collaborations in a sustainable manner.
This initiative closely aligns with Khon Kaen University’s long-term dedication to social contribution and global engagement. By expanding opportunities for international funding, KKU continues to enhance its academic ecosystem, enabling researchers to address critical sub-regional issues within the Mekong–Lancang community. Ultimately, these efforts reinforce the university’s mission to transform academic expertise into enduring societal development and sustainable regional growth.
News / Photos: International Affairs Division
