Khon Kaen, Thailand – Khon Kaen University’s Faculty of Pharmacy hosted the 17th Annual Academic Conference of the National Network of Pharmacy Support Staff Coordination Center (SorKorPhorTor) on May 1, 2025. The event, themed “Trends in the Adaptation of Pharmacy Faculties Amidst the Disruption of Higher Education and Health Services,” brought together over 300 support staff members from 21 pharmacy faculties across Thailand.
Professor Dr. Piwpan Maleewong, Acting Vice President for Research and Innovation at Khon Kaen University, presided over the opening ceremony. She emphasized the critical role of developing support staff in an era of rapid change. “In today’s fast-changing and disruptive world, strengthening support personnel is a key strategy for driving organizations towards excellence,” Professor Maleewong stated. She noted the conference’s theme and its focus on the advancement of support staff were highly relevant and timely.
“This academic conference is not only a platform for knowledge exchange but also an excellent opportunity to build networks, inspire, and collaboratively develop innovations that will enhance the efficiency of support staff and align with the changing context, directly improving the quality of education and services of pharmacy faculties,” she added.
Ms. Benjaphak Mingkhwan, Chairperson of the National Network of Pharmacy Support Staff Coordination Center, reported that the network has been operating for over 17 years, focusing on enhancing the capabilities of support staff through academic activities and inter-institutional learning. “The collaboration of all 21 pharmacy institutions nationwide through the SorKorPhorTor network enables us to elevate operational standards and create innovations to effectively support our missions in teaching, research, and academic services,” Ms. Mingkhwan said.
Assistant Professor Dr. Narin Chansri, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy at Khon Kaen University, highlighted the conference’s significance during a period of considerable challenges for higher education and the public health system. “Pharmacy faculties must adapt quickly to changes in the higher education system and health services. Support staff, therefore, need to develop new skills to accommodate these changes and effectively support the faculty’s key missions. This conference will help enhance capabilities and prepare our personnel nationwide,” the Dean remarked.
The conference featured a variety of activities, including keynote lectures. Associate Professor Dr. Pharmacist Sumon Sakolchai, President of Burapha University Council, spoke on “Trends in the Adaptation of Pharmacy Faculties Amidst the Disruption of Higher Education and Health Services.” Mr. Rewat Rattanakarn, President of the Council of University Civil Servants, Employees, and Workers of Thailand, discussed “Advancement of Support Staff: Value in Developing People, Work, and Organizations.” A session titled “Looking Forward with Hope, Looking Back with Pride” was presented by Professor Dr. Pharmacist Bang-on Sripanidkulchai, SorKorPhorTor advisor Mr. Boonkongsin Wanmontri, and Ms. Benjaphak Mingkhwan. The event also included academic presentations in both oral and poster formats, as well as experience-sharing forums for personnel from different institutions.
The 17th SorKorPhorTor academic conference underscored the strength of the national network of pharmacy support staff and demonstrated a continued commitment to personnel development, which is expected to directly impact the quality of education and services, preparing Thailand’s pharmacy sector for future challenges.
