KHON KAEN — On 11 September 2026, at the Heritage Grand Khon Kaen Hotel in Khon Kaen Province, Khon Kaen University (KKU) hosted the closing ceremony of the 9th “Three Powers for the Land” knowledge-sharing symposium (KKU–PSU–CMU), handing over the hosting flag to Chiang Mai University (CMU) for the upcoming 10th edition.

Executives, faculty members, and personnel from all three leading regional institutions attended the event. Professor Yodchanan Wongsawat, Ph.D., Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), witnessed the ceremony and delivered a keynote speech.

Activities on 11 September began with summary presentations from eight working groups, showcasing synthesis results and successful case studies to be adopted and implemented across the partner universities.

In his keynote address on “Universities and the Driving of the Thai Economy,” Professor Yodchanan said higher education institutions should pursue specialised academic excellence and bridge local knowledge with global standards. He also called for curricula in deep tech and semiconductors through the “Siam Silica” project to cultivate a skilled workforce for the country.

Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, said that future joint efforts will concentrate on addressing real-world community challenges through peer-learning and strategic networks. A major push will be creating joint cross-institutional curricula, allowing students to learn directly from the distinctive strengths and experts of each university without being confined to a single campus. This initiative will initially pilot in non-degree and graduate-level programmes, enabling students to tackle local community issues hands-on.

Meanwhile, the presidents of Chiang Mai University and Prince of Songkla University said cross-institutional collaboration under the “Response to Local Problems” concept delivers practical solutions and benefits for local communities.

KKU’s role as host marks a milestone in pooling the academic and educational potential of the three regional powerhouses to identify “Next Practices” for university development. These initiatives will be carried forward and expanded at the 10th edition hosted by Chiang Mai University, advancing Thai higher education and generating sustainable societal benefits.

Reported by: Nichakorn Nipanram, Jiraporn Pratoomchai
Photos by: Atthaphon Hampong, Natthawut Jaruwong, Nichakorn Nipanram