Khon Kaen University presents 157 awards to outstanding personnel, celebrating achievements in research, academic services, and AI-driven human resource management.
On 22 September 2026, Khon Kaen University (KKU) hosted its annual staff recognition ceremony, titled “Appreciation with Goodwill and Gratitude” (Chuen Chom Yin Dee Duay Maitree Lae Khob Khun), for the fiscal year 2026. Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, MD, President of Khon Kaen University, presided over the event, joined by executive administrators, academic staff, award recipients, and distinguished guests, in the Convention Hall on the 2nd floor of the Golden Jubilee Convention Hall.
The annual ceremony is held to thank and honour university personnel whose dedication, expertise, and intellect have made outstanding contributions to the institution. For fiscal year 2025, 157 awards were presented across seven categories: 24 for organisational administration and support, 15 for academic services, 19 for graduate production, 14 for research excellence, 17 for international leadership and contributions, 1 for Outstanding Civil Servant, and 67 for bringing national and international renown to the university.
Assistant Professor Pattarawit Polpinit, PhD, Vice President for Human Resources, reported that the initiative aims to boost morale among personnel who have given exceptional service to the institution and the nation. He invited the university community to join in congratulating the recipients, who play a vital role in transforming the institution and steering it towards becoming a leading global research and development university.
President Charnchai expressed his heartfelt congratulations to all awardees, emphasising that these achievements reflect not only personal pride but also the professional capability that advances the university towards national and international excellence. He reiterated that high-calibre personnel are central to the university’s ability to realise its vision as a world-class research institution, and wished all recipients and their families continued prosperity.
Among the awardees, Associate Professor Wattana Pattanagool, PhD, Director of the Teaching and Learning Innovation Centre, recognised for promoting SMART values in the digital technology dimension, explained that his project grew out of a team effort to tackle operational challenges by integrating AI into human resource development systems. He stressed that the key to modern operations is taking immediate action, so that solutions can then be scaled across broader routine workflows.
Mrs Yupaporn Thongnoy, Assistant Director for Strategic Drive and Information Resource Management at the Library, recognised under the Environmental (“R”) component of the SMART values, expressed her pride in and appreciation for the Green Library team, and affirmed her commitment to supporting KKU’s Green University policy through waste management and continuous carbon neutrality reporting.
The 2026 “Appreciation with Goodwill and Gratitude” ceremony underscores Khon Kaen University’s commitment to valuing its human capital as the central driving force behind the institution’s progress towards becoming a world-class research and development university.
