Khon Kaen University’s Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies collaborates with regional partners to advance AI and healthcare innovations while strengthening cross-border academic and internship networks.
On 10 September 2026, the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies at Khon Kaen University (KKU) welcomed a delegation of participants from the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) under a collaborative project designed to conduct AI workshops and establish partnerships for internships and cooperative education. Organised in conjunction with the project to promote academic competition and excellence within the Computer and Information Science Curriculum, the event commenced with a warm welcome address delivered by Assistant Professor Suntaree Buchitchon, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies.
This event formed an integral part of the “MEDI-HACK 2026: Physical + AI for Healthcare” initiative, held from 1 August to 11 September 2026 at The Makerbox Lao in Vientiane, Lao PDR, before expanding its activities to KKU’s Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies. The project aims to enhance competencies in artificial intelligence (AI), medical technology, and innovation, while fostering collaborative networks between Thailand and Lao PDR. The MEDI-HACK 2026 project was established through the joint efforts of Mr. Ken Streutker, CEO of Makerbox Lao, Mr. Konemany Kanlaya, Co-founder of Makerbox Lao, lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the National University of Laos, and Founder & CEO of Medi Maker Technology—who brings expertise in biomedical engineering and plays a key role in developing makerspaces to support local innovators and regional healthcare networks—and the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies at Khon Kaen University.
Throughout the programme, participants acquired and enhanced their skills through diverse learning activities covering medical device development, artificial intelligence, bioelectronics, prototyping, composite materials technology, 3D printing, and supply chain management for medical technologies. Practical hands-on sessions focusing on microcontrollers, electronics, and IoT systems were conducted by Assistant Professor Vathis Leelapatra, Ph.D., lecturer in the Department of Computer Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering and Director of the Engineering and Innovation Service Centre at Khon Kaen University.
The Special Speaker Series & Workshops featured distinguished international experts who shared their knowledge, including Kherlen Oyunbaatar, CEO of RightFit Care (Mongolia); Ranadip Chatterjee, CEO of ResPNse Medical (United Kingdom); Dr. Julian Stirling, developer of the OpenFlexure Microscope; Dr. Nodoka Chiba, CEO of BitaP (Japan); and Assistant Professor Chawis Srichan, Ph.D. from Khon Kaen University. During the Prototyping Weeks, specialists from Instalimb, a Japanese 3D-printed prosthetics technology startup—including Katsuyuki Hara, Seiji Kitsunezuka, and Kentaro Sako—joined Dr. Pousee Panthongsy from the National University of Laos and Mr. Konemany Kanlaya to impart technical expertise in materials science, 3D printing, and medical innovation development.
Concurrently, on 10–11 September 2026, the “MEDI-HACK On the Road: AI Application Workshop” was held at the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, KKU, to extend practical AI learning opportunities to students and participants from Thailand and Lao PDR. The workshop featured sessions by Assistant Professor Nongram Muenrit, Ph.D., who presented fundamental software testing concepts; Assistant Professor Saranya Kanjanabut, Ph.D., who discussed the ethical use of Generative AI; and Assistant Professor Nopakhun Boonsim, Ph.D., who offered guidance on AI application development. Eight collaborative teams comprising KKU Computer and Information Science students, Lao students, and pupils from Pathumthep Wittayakarn School worked together to develop AI concepts and prototypes. Furthermore, a “Vibe Coding” session attracted over 150 participants from Tourism and Service Innovation, Bachelor of Accountancy, and Computer and Information Science programmes, highlighting interdisciplinary integration within the faculty.
Looking ahead to the next phase from 18 to 20 September 2026, eight student teams representing the Computer and Information Science programme will travel to Lao PDR to compete in project development under the theme “Physical + AI for Healthcare.” The final round of competition and the awards presentation will take place during the Makerbox Fair from 2 to 4 October 2026 at Vientiane Center Shopping Mall in Vientiane, Lao PDR. This collaboration represents another key milestone for KKU’s Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies in empowering students to cultivate technology and AI capabilities through real-world experience, while building international networks in education, internships, cooperative training, and joint innovation to prepare students for the evolving digital economy and society.
