Khon Kaen University (KKU) hosted a high-level delegation from two Indonesian universities on September 1, 2025, to discuss the expansion of their long-standing academic partnership. The meeting aimed to enhance educational exchange and build a more robust and sustainable academic network within the ASEAN region.

          The discussion was led by Assoc. Prof. Nawarat Wara-aswapati, D.D.S., D.M.Sc. Vice President for International Affairs. The Indonesian delegation was headed by Prof. Dr. Achmad Nurmandi, Rector of Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY), and Dr. Andi Suryati, Rector of Universitas Lamappapoleonro Soppeng.

         The primary focus of the meeting was to develop further cooperation in student and staff exchange programs, with the goal of elevating the quality of education and research at the institutions.

          The partnership between KKU and UMY dates back to 2013 and has included collaborations in student and staff exchanges, joint research, and international academic conferences. UMY is a highly-regarded institution, ranked in the 451-500 range among Asian universities by the QS World University Rankings.

          Currently, several KKU faculties have active academic programs with UMY, including the Faculties of Business Administration and Accountancy, Humanities and Social Sciences, Economics, Nursing, and Pharmaceutical Sciences. The strong relationship is also reflected in the student body, with over 100 Indonesian students currently enrolled at Khon Kaen University.

Following the formal meeting, the Indonesian delegation also visited and met with administrators and faculty at KKU’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Faculty of Nursing, and the College of Local Administration.