Institute of to Cultivate Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills for the Digital EraGeneral Education at KKU Hosts Workshop

16 September 2026
15:26

The initiative aims to empower students with essential analytical capabilities, fostering resilience and adaptable mindsets to navigate rapid technological changes.

On Tuesday, 15 September 2026, the Institute of General Education at Khon Kaen University (KKU) hosted a workshop entitled ‘Turning Problems into Growth’ under the Analytical and Problem-Solving Competency Development Project. Assistant Professor Denpong Soodphakdee, PhD, Vice President for Education and Digital, presided over the opening ceremony. The programme included a special lecture on ‘Problem Solving Skills in the Digital Age’ by Mr Rawit Hanutsaha, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Mission to the Moon Media Co., Ltd. Staged in the Saisuree Jutikul Conference Room, Faculty of Education, the workshop drew strong interest, attracting university executives, faculty members, staff, and students alike.

The workshop provided an interactive learning platform to strengthen students’ analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. The initiative aligns with the ‘GE KKU 5 Cores’ framework, particularly Core 4, which focuses on leadership development and interpersonal interaction. Participants engaged in expert-led keynote sessions, collaborative knowledge sharing, and practical workshop activities.

Assistant Professor Soodphakdee emphasised that KKU prioritises equipping students with both hard and soft skills. He noted that academic knowledge alone is insufficient: students must also develop critical thinking and adaptability, learn to identify core pain points, and devise effective solutions to address increasingly complex challenges. He added that rapid technological advances, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), demand continuous self-improvement and proactive problem-solving, and that those who fail to adapt risk falling behind in a fast-evolving global landscape.

In his keynote address, Mr Rawit Hanutsaha shared insights on achieving complex goals by keeping objectives clear and tackling the most demanding tasks early in the day. He identified the first and last hours of the day as crucial periods for focus, and advised students to practise challenging tasks consistently to build long-term discipline and problem-solving capability.

Assistant Professor Anucha Somabut, PhD, Assistant to the President for Education and Acting Director of the Institute of General Education, speaking as Chair of the Project Organising Committee, outlined the project’s objectives. He explained that the initiative gives students a practical environment in which to cultivate problem-solving and teamwork skills. This approach aligns with KKU’s General Education philosophy under the GE KKU 5 Cores framework, enabling students to apply these competencies in their studies, future careers, and personal growth.

The workshop featured a series of specialised sessions, including a keynote on ‘Adaptation and Application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Digital Age Learning’ by Assistant Professor Soodphakdee, the address by Mr Hanphasuk, and an interactive session on ‘Problem Analysis and Application of Problem-Solving Frameworks’ facilitated by KKU General Education faculty members.