The Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy, Khon Kaen University (Khon Kaen Business School: KKBS), congratulates Assistant Professor Akkhaporn Kokkhangplu, Ph.D., a lecturer and researcher in Hospitality and Event Management, on his selection for the 2026 U.S.–ASEAN Visiting Scholar Program. The program is supported by the Thailand–United States Educational Foundation (Fulbright Thailand). This achievement marks a significant step forward for KKBS and reflects the academic and research excellence of Khon Kaen University on the international stage.
As part of the program, Assistant Professor Akkhaporn Kokkhangplu, Ph.D., will take up a Visiting Scholar appointment at the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, School of Business, College of Charleston, USA, from 30 March to 31 July 2027. He will work with Professor Young Hoon “Hunter” Kim, Director of the Bennett School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, College of Charleston, who will provide academic guidance and collaborate with his throughout the project.
Under the program, Assistant Professor Akkhaporn Kokkhangplu, Ph.D., will conduct research on “Building ASEAN’s Tourism and Hospitality Workforce for Sustainable Economy: A U.S.–ASEAN Collaboration on Capacity Development.” The research examines workforce development across ASEAN’s tourism and hospitality sectors in support of sustainable economic growth. Key areas of focus include workforce capacity building, education and training, innovation in hospitality business management, and the development of practical approaches applicable at both policy and operational levels.
The research topic closely matches the research priorities of the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, College of Charleston, particularly in sustainable tourism, workforce development, and innovation in hospitality management. The Visiting Scholar appointment will provide an important opportunity to exchange academic knowledge and experience, while strengthening research collaboration among Khon Kaen University, higher education institutions in the United States, and partner networks across ASEAN. The collaboration is also expected to inform workforce development approaches and policy recommendations with potential applications at the regional level.
The Fulbright U.S.–ASEAN Visiting Scholar Program aims to strengthen ties between the United States and ASEAN Member States through educational and academic exchange. The program gives ASEAN scholars and professionals the opportunity to conduct research and exchange knowledge in the United States on issues significant to U.S.–ASEAN relations, as well as to community development across the Southeast Asian region.
This award represents another important milestone for Khon Kaen Business School, Khon Kaen University. It advances faculty engagement on the international academic stage and expands the university’s educational and research partnerships with leading institutions abroad. The knowledge, experience, and professional networks gained through the Visiting Scholar appointment will contribute to advancing teaching and learning, research, and workforce capacity in tourism and hospitality at KKBS and Khon Kaen University. In the longer term, these outcomes should generate wider benefits for Thailand and the ASEAN region.
