Category: Happenings

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Manit Jumpa, Distinguished Member of the University Council, Acting President, Asst. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Acting Vice-President for Academic Services, Cultural Preservation, and International Affairs, and Mrs. Rattip Phukkeson, Acting Director of the Department of International Affairs, joined the Annual Conference of the Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (2023 ASAIHL Conference) hosted by Soka University.
The Conference was held under the theme of “The Role of Universities in Realizing Inclusiveness and Resilience in a Global Society” during 10-12 June 2023 in Tokyo, Japan.

There were over 170 participants and country report presentations from 7 countries including the following.

1. “Global Citizenship Education Through Innovation and Partnership: A Thailand Case Study” from Thailand
2. “Mapping Cross-Border Collaborations Through Virtual Exchanges” From Taiwan
3. “A Case Study on Students’ Adoption of Technologies and The Implementation of Virtual Mobility: Experiences from Malaysian Universities” from Malaysia
4. “Blue Economy Implementation Integration Model with the Achievement of the Small Island SDGs” from Indonesia
5. “A Case Report on the Research Performance of Islamic Azad University of Iran: A Global Knowledge Generation Perspective” from Iran
6. “French Initiatives in Health and Environment for Sustainable Development” from France
7. “Global Citizenship Education in The Philippines: Initiatives, Engagements, Actions” from The Philippines.

ASAIHL’s purpose is to assist member institutions to strengthen themselves through mutual self-help and to achieve international distinction in teaching, research and public service. In so doing, the institutions contribute strength to their respective nations and to the entire region. Specifically, the Association exists to foster the development of the institutions themselves, the cultivation of a sense of regional identity and interdependence and liaison with other regional and international organizations concerned with research and teaching.

Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) joined the 2023 Focus Group Discussion surveying informal education needs of Bangkokians organized by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) on 25 May 2023 at 9.00 hrs. at Thani Nopparat Building, BMA Bangkok City Hall 2.  Miss Punchapat Lakdee, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism presided over the opening ceremony.

Participants included the Director of the Office of Recreation and Learning Promotion, faculty members of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, Heads of Offices and Units in the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Department of Education, and Department of Social Development, as well as personnel from Huai Khwang District Office and Ratchathewi District Office.

The Focus Group Discussion is executed under the cooperation agreement between STOU and BMA planned to survey the informal education needs of Bangkokians of different age groups in the 10 pilot areas for the fiscal year 2023 including the District of Phra Nakhon, Dusit, Min Buri, Khlong Sam Wa, Bang Khun Thian, Thung Khru, Ratchathewi, Bang Khen, Chatuchak, and Huai Khwang. The faculty members from the School of Liberal Arts, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, joined the Focus Group Discussion as the advisors.

STOU and BMA established a common intention through an academic MOU to build learning organizations. One of the fundamental mechanisms to achieve this goal is to create a cooperation network that works together in an integrated manner by exchanging knowledge and supporting each other so that both agencies can support research works, develop learning resources in Bangkok, and organize related training sessions. The MOU also aims to develop new knowledge and enhance related work in various fields including providing academic services efficiently and effectively.

Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University’s School of Nursing celebrates its first capping, pinning and candle lighting ceremony on 19 March 2023 at the conference hall of Phitayapat Building at STOU Nonthaburi. Asst. Prof. Dr. Premruetai Noimuenwai, Dean of the School of Nursing presided over as the chair of the ceremony. There were 73 out of 306 students joined the ceremony.

The capping and pinning ceremony marks an important milestone for nursing students who finished their basic courses and are ready for clinical practice. The ceremony promotes the value of professional pride, and a positive attitude toward the nursing profession and their home institution, where the nursing students’ working morality, ethics, and culture were cultivated.

The candle lighting ceremony was done to commemorate the dedication of Florence Nightingale and to symbolize the student nurses’ acceptance of the challenges of the nursing profession.

Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University has offered nursing programs since 1984. There are currently 3 programs including Bachelor of Nursing Science, Master of Nursing Science in Nursing Administration, and Master of Nursing Science in Community Nurse Practitioner.

5 January 2023 – Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) together with the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Prime Minister Office, organized an academic symposium to disseminate the works of local administrative organizations that received the good governance award in 2022, at Best Western Plus Wanda Grand Hotel in Nonthaburi. Mr. Teerapong Wongsiwawilas, Secretary-General to the Cabinet, presided over the opening ceremony

The event featured both poster and oral presentations from the top three awardees of the 4 categories including 1) digital and informational system, 2) grassroots community and economy development, 3) education and public health, and 4) environment and urban development. There was also an academic discussion on “Achieving good governance in the local administrative organizations: two decades and moving forward.” There were a number of attendants both on-site and online.

In collaboration with the Office of the Commission on Decentralization to Local Administrative Organization, the STOU School of Management Science organized the awarding event and the symposium continuously to honor local administrative organizations that succeeded in developing and increasing the potential of local public services, as well as successfully created local innovations.

STOU acted as the advisor to the award committee with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Narathip Sriram, Acting Vice-President for Education and Learning Support as the Chief Advisor. There were a total of 421 local administrative organizations participated and 271 recognized with good governance awards. The top awardees of both poster and oral presentations featured in this year’s symposium include the following.

Digital and informational system

1. Pakkret Municipality, Nonthaburi
2. Nakhon Sawan Municipality, Nakhon Sawan
3. Yala Municipality, Yala
4. Pa Sak Subdistrict Municipality, Lampoon
5. Non Sa-ad Subdistrict Municipality, Nong Bua Lamphu
6. Pang Mu Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, Mae Hong Son
7. Mae Suad Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, Mae Hong Son

Grassroots community and economy development

1. Chiang Kan Subdistrict Municipality, Loei
2. Mae Tuen Subdistrict Municipality, Lampoon
3. Takhian Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, Si Sa Ket
4. Pakmai Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, Si Sa Ket
5. Ta Kham Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, Songkhla

Education and public health

1. Chiang Rai Provincial Administrative Organization
2. Nan Provincial Administrative Organization
3. Ubon Ratcha Thani Provincial Administrative Organization
4. Lampoon Provincial Administrative Organization
5. Tha Ruea Phra Thaen Municipality, Kanchanaburi
6. Yan Yao Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, Sukhothai

Environment and urban development

1. Khao Sam Yot Municipality, Lopburii
2. Thung Song Municipality, Nakhon Si Thammarat
3. Nan Municipality, Nan
4. Roi Et Municipality, Roi Et
5. Thap Ma Municipality, Rayong
6. Rong Kham Municipality, Kalasin

On 8 December 2022, The School of Law, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), and the Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand co-hosted a forum on Policymaking Trends and Directions for Marriage Equality Rights for Sexual Diversity People in Thailand at the main conference hall of Phitayapat Building at STOU main campus in Nonthaburi.

The speakers at the forum included Mr. Kerdchoke Kasemwongjit, Deputy Director-General of the Rights and Liberties Protection Department (RLPD); Mr. Thanyawat Kamolwongwat, Spokesperson of the Committee on Children, Youth, Women, Older Persons, Persons with. Disabilities, Ethnic Groups, and LGBTs; Mr. Kittinun Daramadhaj, President of the Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand; Ms. Nareeluck Phaechaiphum, Director of the International Human Rights Division; Mr. Tankhun Jitt-itsara, Member of the Select Committee of Civil Partnership Bill Consideration; Prof. Dr. Suchatchavee Suwansawas, Head of Modern Education Campaign, Democrat Party; and Asst. Prof. Dr. Sathita Wimonkunarak, Advisor to the Select Committee of Civil Partnership Bill Consideration, and lecturer of the STOU School of Law. The forum drew attention to participants both on-site and online.

On 21 November 2022, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Manit Jumpa, Distinguished Member of the University Council, Acting President of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), and Ms. Songsri Wirarangsiyakorn, Deputy Secretary-General of the Office of Non-Formal and Informal Education (NFE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at STOU Nonthaburi. The ceremony was witnessed by executives from both parties.

The MOU is aimed to promote teacher professional development through the two parties’ collaboration. STOU will offer the Graduate Diploma Program in Curriculum and Instruction which will qualify those who complete the program to apply for Standard Teaching License. The Office of NFE is responsible for the recruitment of future students.

The Graduate Diploma Program in Curriculum and Instruction was approved by the University Council, and the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, and also certified by the Teachers’ Council of Thailand.

Dr. Padcharee Phasuk, Dean of the School of Economics, joined the Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL) International Conference during 7-10 November 2022 at Sukhothai Treasure Resort and Spa, Sukhothai, Thailand. The Conference themed Higher Education Reshaping for Resilience in Post COVID-19 Era.

The Conference acted as a platform for academicians, researchers, business providers, and interested stakeholders to share their points of view and expertise, particularly in current global issues which affect the focal missions of universities, i.e., teaching, research, and academic services. The participants enjoyed the academic and recreational activities provided by Naresuan University, the Conference host. They also gained much knowledge of teaching delivery and technology-aided learning environment, commercialized research for productivity and better quality of life, and equity and easily accessible academic services.

Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) and Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University (NRRU) join hands in offering a Double-Degree Program on Political and Administrative Science and Laws.

The program will be offered to personnel from the local military and police agencies in Nakhon Ratchasima including the Second Army Area, the Provincial Police Region 3, Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, and the Provincial Police Training Center Region 3. The students of the Double-Degree Program will graduate with degrees from both universities, a Master of Public Administration from NRRU and a Master of Laws from STOU.

An MOU in regard to the execution of the program was signed by all parties at NRRU on 9 November 2022. The ceremony was witnessed by Prof. Dr. Anek Laothamatas, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, and Mr. Suwat Liptapanlop, Chairman of the NRRU University Council.