KKU, PSU, and CMU host Ninth “Three Powers for the Land” alliance forum, spanning eight strategic dimensions for higher education

10 September 2026
17:54

The three leading regional universities unite to exchange next practices, foster sustainable regional development, and address future challenges in higher education.

Khon Kaen University hosts Ninth Tri-University Collaborative Forum

On 10 September 2026, Khon Kaen University (KKU) hosted the Ninth Knowledge Exchange Project under the Memorandum of Understanding for the KKU–PSU–CMU “Three Powers for the Land” alliance. Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, delivered the welcome address and opened the event. More than 572 university executives, academic personnel, and staff members from the three participating institutions attended the forum, held at the Heritage Grand Hotel Khon Kaen in Khon Kaen Province.

Fostering ‘Next Practices’ and Trans-Regional Synergies

Assoc. Prof. Panthongviriyakul said the regular meetings among the three regional institutions reflect a shared vision and an enduring spirit of academic partnership. Each institution operates within its own regional context and has its own particular strengths, he said, but all three share one overarching goal: using their higher education capabilities to benefit society and the nation. Given the pace of technological change and the growing role of artificial intelligence, he urged participants to use the forum to exchange both achievements and challenges rather than focus solely on traditional best practices. The goal, he said, is to co-create “next practices” that deliver tangible institutional transformation.

“The essence of the ‘Three Powers for the Land’ collaboration lies in open and candid discussions regarding both our successes and our setbacks,” said Assoc. Prof. Panthongviriyakul. “Insights gained from initiatives that did not yield expected outcomes are just as valuable as those from successful projects. With Khon Kaen University overseeing the Northeast, Chiang Mai University serving the North, and Prince of Songkla University guiding the South, this collective synergy will significantly propel sustainable national development.”

MoU signing and eight strategic discussion dimensions

Institutional leaders signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding and presented institutional policies outlining their strategic directions. A key highlight was the thematic break-out sessions structured around eight strategic dimensions:

Teaching and Learning: Curriculum Vital Signs: Adapting Current Curricula to Thrive in Future Ecosystems
Research and Innovation: Research Licensing, Tech Spin-Offs and University Holding Companies
Academic Services: Driving Impact through THE Impact Rankings
Human Resource Management: Prioritising Mental Health and Staff Wellbeing
Student Affairs: Student Immunity for Future Society: Building Resilience for Tomorrow’s World
Arts and Culture: Leveraging Cultural Assets for the Creative Economy
University Administration: AI in Action: Harnessing AI to Enhance University Administrative Efficiency
Quality Assurance: Exchanging Experiences in Programme-Level Quality Assurance

In addition, parallel networking sessions gave senior staff clubs, including the KKU Senior Club, the Rak-Mor-Or Club (PSU), and the CMU Retirees Club, a chance for informal dialogue and inter-institutional camaraderie.

Presidents Address Shared National Challenges

Prof. Pongruk Sribanditmongkol, M.D., Ph.D., President of Chiang Mai University, said that collaborative innovation, healthcare initiatives, community development, and artificial intelligence integration were essential. Navigating complex societal change, he said, requires moving beyond traditional paradigms towards shared goals and pooled resources. Asst. Prof. Niwat Keawpradub, Ph.D., President of Prince of Songkla University, said the coalition aims to nurture future talent, deliver impactful applied research, and pursue agile, sustainable growth supported by digital technology and AI.

Institutional Impact and Mission Alignment

The forum concluded with an evening networking event themed “Local Thai Textiles,” celebrating regional heritage and strengthening personal and professional ties across all three university communities. Through the “Three Powers for the Land” initiative, Khon Kaen University, Chiang Mai University, and Prince of Songkla University reaffirm their commitment to regional stewardship, academic excellence, and collaborative innovation for national prosperity.