On 14 January 2026, the Vice President for Student Affairs and Innovation Commercialization Office, Khon Kaen University (KKU), in collaboration with Krungthai Bank Public Company Limited, hosted the signing ceremony for the MOU Talent Development: Unlocking Potential, Expanding Opportunities collaboration agreement. This programme aims to develop student internships, promote career opportunities, enhance staff capabilities, and foster financial literacy within the community.
The ceremony was presided over by Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, and Mr. Payong Srivanich, President of Krungthai Bank. They were joined by Associate Professor Pensri Jaroenwanit, Ph.D., Vice President for Student Affairs and Innovation Commercialization; Mr. Panaphan Hanhkijjakul, Advisor to the President of Krungthai Bank; executives, distinguished guests, and members of the press. The event took place at Sarasin Meeting Room, 2nd Floor, Sirikunakorn Building, Khon Kaen University.
The collaboration focuses on integrating real-world work experience into student development while cultivating essential 21st-century skills. It also promotes knowledge exchange and specialised expertise between the two organisations to support sustainable economic and social development.
Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, stated that KKU operates under the Education Transformation policy, which focuses on shifting education management from theoretical classroom learning to experiential learning and practical application in real-world situations. This ensures that student learning outcomes align with genuine workplace demands, build future skills, and instil a lifelong learning mindset.
Under this policy, the University’s key mission is to develop students with comprehensive competencies, encompassing both Hard Skills and Soft Skills, particularly analytical thinking, teamwork, communication, adaptability, discipline, and responsibility—skills crucial for navigating the modern world of work. Furthermore, KKU shapes the student identity within the EGGS framework:
- E – Entrepreneurial: Possessing an entrepreneurial mindset, daring to think and take action.
- G – Global-minded: Holding international perspectives and knowledge, capable of working effectively in diverse environments.
- G – Growth-oriented: Focused on continuous development and learning, ready to adapt to change.
- S – Sustainable-focused: Committed to sustainability, responsible towards society and the environment.
In preparing students for the labour market, KKU drives the CareerX policy to create professional pathways for students during their studies, including part-time work, internships, establishing industry networks, and successfully transitioning into 21st-century employment. Given that approximately 30% of KKU students come from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, the University places high importance on supporting the creation of these in-study career pathways.
“This signing ceremony not only elevates student readiness for the labour market but also facilitates knowledge exchange, co-designing curricula, joint research, and promotes lifelong learning, all while adhering to the principles of personal data and intellectual property responsibility. Khon Kaen University is dedicated to providing full cooperation for the sustained development of human resources and national prosperity,” said the President.
Mr. Payong Srivanich, President of Krungthai Bank, remarked that in a rapidly changing global landscape, human resources must be highly capable and responsive to drive organisational growth and generate economic value. The education sector plays a vital role in developing new generations with skills and experiences relevant to the evolving world of business and technology.
Krungthai Bank recognises that investing in quality human resources is a long-term strategy, leading to the development of the Talent Development Project, which systematically links the education, business, and financial sectors. Collaboration with Khon Kaen University, a leading university in the Northeast and the nation, will enhance research, improve educational quality, and deliver innovation aimed at creating better quality of life for society.
Mr. Srivanich added that providing students with hands-on internships under the guidance of bank experts, exposing them to corporate culture, and offering financial education will serve as a model that can be expanded to other educational institutions, fostering Thailand’s growth in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Associate Professor Pensri Jaroenwanit, Ph.D., Vice President for Student Affairs and Innovation Commercialization, explained that this Memorandum of Understanding outlines a collaborative framework between Krungthai Bank and Khon Kaen University to jointly develop human resource potential, focusing on three key aspects:
- Project-Based Internships: Ensuring students gain practical experience of no less than 30 man-days per person.
- Career Exploration/Part-Time Programme: Implementing activities to promote career exploration and employment opportunities during studies.
- People Excellence & Financial Literacy: Developing staff potential and promoting financial knowledge among communities and stakeholders.
The core scope of cooperation covers mentorship-based internships for hands-on experience, support for in-study career exploration and employment, and community engagement for staff development and academic services. Furthermore, the partnership includes collaboration on accessing learning and research resources, providing guest lecturers for training, and joint curriculum planning and design in finance.
“This MOU sets a strategic foundation for cooperation between the financial sector and a higher education institution, aiming to enhance student readiness, increase employment opportunities, develop personnel and community potential, and establish shared learning networks. Both parties are committed to close coordination to achieve the project’s objectives, ensuring mutual and sustainable benefits,” Professor Pensri concluded.
The event featured the official MOU signing ceremony between Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of KKU, and Mr. Payong Srivanich, President of Krungthai Bank. The signing was witnessed by four delegates: Mr. Panaphan Hanhkijjakul, Advisor to the President of Krungthai Bank; Ms. Nareerat Ariyaprayoon, Head of Retail Strategy and Products; Associate Professor Pensri Jaroenwanit, Ph.D., Vice President for Student Affairs and Innovation Commercialization; and Associate Professor Prapansak Chaveerach, DVM., Ph.D., Assistant to the President for Student Affairs and Innovation Commercialization. The ceremony concluded with the official signing witnessed by representatives from both organisations, followed by a group photo session, media interviews, and an exclusive mini cocktail reception to strengthen networks and foster long-term collaboration.
