On 21 August 2026, the Khon Kaen University Business School (KKBS) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for academic cooperation with the Faculty of Business Administration, Savannakhet University, Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The ceremony convened in the Wang Lert Room (Smart Classroom) on the 1st Floor of the BS.01 Building at Khon Kaen University Business School. This partnership will promote joint research, knowledge exchange, and capacity building for staff and students. It will also drive internationalisation through collaborative projects, mobility programmes, and joint research funding applications from national and international sources.
Executives, faculty members, and staff from both institutions witnessed the signing ceremony. Among the Khon Kaen University representatives were Assistant Professor Pongsutti Phuensane, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy, and Assistant Professor Rina Thongthammachat, Ph.D., Assistant Dean for Research. Savannakhet University was represented by Associate Professor Sithixay Xayavong, Ph.D., Acting President; Assistant Professor Xaiyaphone Phimmasone, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Assistant Professor Phouvong Phommalangsy, Vice President for Administration; Dr. Khamkeo Maneevong, Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration; and Dr. Kaysone Xayyalath, Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration, along with administrative staff and postgraduate students.
Following the ceremony, representatives from both universities shared their strategic directions and operational frameworks. Assistant Professor Phuensane outlined an overview and strategic vision of KKBS. Dr. Suparak Janjarasjit, Associate Dean for Academic and Digital Affairs, then detailed postgraduate education structures and opportunities for joint curriculum development. Mrs. Dararat Ounkam, Director of the Faculty Administration Division, highlighted how professional support staff also help drive academic cooperation and internationalisation. From Savannakhet University, Dr. Xayavong outlined the university’s mission and strategy for national and international academic partnerships. Dr. Maneevong then set out the operational plans between the two faculties under the MOA framework.
The event closed with an interactive Q&A session focused on instructional management. A guided tour of KKBS’s learning facilities and support infrastructure followed. This gave the visiting delegation firsthand insight into the academic environment. It further strengthened operational ties between the two institutions.
Assistant Professor Pongsutti Phuensane, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy, welcomed the establishment of this formal partnership with Savannakhet University. He called it a vital bridge for bilateral academic cooperation. He stated that KKBS is dedicated to advancing education and research to meet the demands of a dynamic economic environment. He emphasised that the faculty’s AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) accreditation underscores its commitment to international standards and academic excellence. Assistant Professor Phuensane added that the collaboration would focus on joint research, academic mobility, and shared scholarly activities, serving as a gateway to broader ASEAN academic networks and sustainable regional development.
Dr. Khamkeo Maneevong, Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration at Savannakhet University, noted that the visit offered a valuable opportunity to exchange expertise. He added that it allowed the visiting delegation to explore innovative approaches to business education. He emphasised that Savannakhet University prioritises institutional quality, staff development, and cross-border academic networks. Dr. Maneevong expressed confidence that the signed MOA marked a concrete step towards long-term, sustainable cooperation. He also conveyed his deep appreciation to the leadership and staff of KKBS for their warm hospitality.
This partnership represents another significant step for Khon Kaen University Business School in further extending its international academic network across the ASEAN region, strengthening its capacity for research, curriculum development, and sustainable regional engagement.
