Khon Kaen University launches “KKU SMART Gen 2” to welcome new staff to the “brick-coloured” family, attracting top talent to build an institution of happiness

23 August 2026
15:34

On 21 and 26 August 2026, Khon Kaen University, led by the Human Resources Division and the Human Resources Department, organised the training programme “First Steps for New Support Staff, Fiscal Year 2026 (KKU SMART Gen 2)” at Meeting Room 2201, Second Floor, the Institute for Research and Development of Teaching Professionals for ASEAN, Khon Kaen University. The programme aimed to welcome and prepare new personnel to embark on their careers with confidence and happiness.

The project was designed as a comprehensive onboarding experience focusing on both knowledge enrichment and relationship building. Highlights of the first day included a lecture on “Working with Purpose: Developing People through Core Values and Competencies” to instill the KKU staff DNA, a session on “Financial Planning for Young Professionals” to build financial resilience, and a workshop titled “START TO SMART KKU: Open Minds, Open Teams, Awakening Organizational Missions” to foster networking among new staff across different departments.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. hatrawit Polpinit, Vice President for Human Resources at Khon Kaen University, presided over the opening ceremony and welcomed participants. He stated that the programme is designed to enhance new employees’ understanding of their roles, introduce them to organisational culture and values, and cultivate a positive work attitude. It also provides an opportunity for knowledge sharing and building strong interpersonal relationships, which will lead to high work efficiency and sustainable collaboration. Furthermore, the initiative emphasises a modern human resources management environment, instils SMART values, fosters employee engagement, and serves as a vital foundation for a future-ready HR system.

Miss Nongnapat Kanjanangoon, a science scholar from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Khon Kaen University and one of the participating new staff members, shared her experience: “I decided to work at Khon Kaen University because it is in my hometown and I am an alumnus of this institution. I want to contribute to the development of my alma mater and support our students so they can become key drivers of national development. Today’s training atmosphere was very welcoming and friendly. I had the opportunity to make new friends from various departments across the university. The knowledge gained today will be a crucial starting point that helps me understand the overall picture of my work and serves as an excellent guide for my future performance.”

The “First Steps for New Support Staff, Fiscal Year 2026 (KKU SMART Gen 2)” programme spans two days. Activities for the second day on 26 August 2026 feature:

A lecture on “Smart Workstyle: Modernizing Traditional Work with a Digital Mindset & AI”
The team-building and energising workshop “Energizing KKU Together”
- Decoding Action Plans from Missions under the KKU Values Framework
- Lessons from the Team Toward Stronger Steps Forward
- Summary and Reflection on Becoming a SMART KKU Staff Member

The energy of learning and positivity generated by the “KKU SMART Gen 2” programme will serve as a vital “first step” in empowering new personnel. It equips them with the knowledge and capabilities to become SMART KKU members who are ready to drive Khon Kaen University forward with stability and sustainability.