Category: Happenings

On 25 August 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), through its Master of Business Administration program at the School of Management Science, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Big C Supercenter Public Company Limited (Big C) to enhance educational quality and develop capable personnel to meet the demands of the business sector and national development. The signing ceremony took place at the Big C House building, with senior executives from both organizations present.

The MOU was signed by Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of STOU, and witnessed by
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kittipong Keatwatcharachai, Acting Vice-President for Financial Affairs and University Assets and
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jirawat Metasuttirat, Dean of the School of Management Science.

The Big C delegation consisted of  Mr. Aswin Techajareonvikul, Chief Executive Officer and President,
Mrs. Vipada Duangratana, First Vice Chairman of Executive Committee and Mrs. Hemmawan Poonphol, Chief of Staff and Strategy.

The objective of this collaboration is to develop the knowledge and potential of students in the Master of Business Administration program (Business and Service Management). This will be achieved by integrating academic knowledge from the educational institution with real-world experience from a leading business sector, equipping students with the skills necessary for employment and to grow into quality professionals in the business and service management fields.

Furthermore, this partnership lays a strong foundation for the joint development of curricula and academic activities,
as well as the enhancement of professional skills and experiences for students. This will foster the creation of new knowledge and innovations that will benefit society, the economy, and the nation in the future.

On 26 August 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) hosted an academic forum titled “Digital University: Political Science and the Changing Classroom,” organized by the School of Political Science. The forum aimed to reflect on
how political science education has adapted to the digital age, where technology plays a crucial role in education.

The event was held to coincide with STOU’s 47^th anniversary on 5 September 2025. It provided a platform for both senior and junior faculty members to exchange perspectives and experiences. The discussion covered the impact of technology on political science education, which is no longer confined to traditional classrooms but has expanded into a borderless virtual learning space.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Somprin Niyomthai, Dean of School of Political Science, presided over the opening. In his address,
he emphasized the importance of the forum, stating, “Today’s event is incredibly meaningful because we have invited both senior and junior faculty members to share their views. This will serve as a ‘bridge’ between accumulated wisdom and experience and the creative energy and innovation of modern learning.”

The forum featured distinguished speakers, including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jumpol Nimpanich, Asst. Prof. Dr. Thawee Surarittikul, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yuttaporn Issarachai, Mr. Witsathon Leesirakiadtikun, and Mr. Vasuchon Rakprachathai. The forum urged its participants and speakers to ask questions and provide suggestions, which will be valuable for the future development of political science teaching and learning.

On 19 August 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) by The Office of Documentation and Information, organized The 2^nd Workshop on “Designing with Waste for Environmental Value.” This academic outreach project was held at the STOU Library and Learning Center. The event aimed to promote sustainable practices and foster a deeper understanding of eco-design and upcycling.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Acting Vice-President for Academic Services, Cultural Preservation, and International Affairs, presided over the opening ceremony. The event also featured insights from Mr. Teerachai Suppameteekulwat,
the designer and CEO of Qualy, along with administrators from Thai Packaging Industry PCL and STOU librarians, who shared their expertise and experiences. Asst. Prof. Krittika Jiwaluk, Director of the Office of Documentation
and Information, delivered the welcoming speech.

Participants were given a tour of the STOU Library and Learning Center, exploring its various service areas. The project welcomed over 75 attendees from government agencies, the private sector, and the general public. The core objective of this initiative was to enhance knowledge, understanding, and skills in Eco Design and Upcycling. By applying the 4R
principles – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Repair – the project aimed to:

• Minimize waste generation
• Create added-value products from discarded materials
• Promote efficient resource utilization, and
• Reduce environmental impact

Furthermore, the project provided local communities and entrepreneurs with creative waste management strategies, offering opportunities for income generation and sustainable economic development in their areas.

This initiative reinforces STOU’s commitment to being a learning center focused on sustainable development across environmental, economic, and social dimensions. The project not only raises awareness about waste and leftover materials in Nonthaburi Province but also serves as a model for collaboration between the university, government agencies, the private sector, and the public. This collaborative effort is crucial in driving Thai society towards true balance and sustainability.

On 8-12 July 2025, Asst. Prof. Dr. Jeeranuch Buddeejeen, Director of the Office of University Press, represented Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) at the 2025 International Conference on Open Innovative Education (ICOIE2025), hosted by Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU).

HKMU organizes the ICOIE conference annually with the following aims:

• provide a platform for sharing quality research, effective practices, and well-formulated views relevant to open and innovative education;
• facilitate networking and cross-institutional collaboration among researchers and educators in fields of educational innovation and/or openness; and
• promote studies and advancements in open and innovative education.

The ICOIE2025 Conference featured discussion and knowledge sharing from leaders and experts in the following themes:

1. Insights from Systematic Reviews: Research and Practice in ODDE and AlEd;
2. From Access to Impact: Rethinking Digital Transformation in Open Education;
3. Transdisciplinarity: Knowing for the Future;
4. Equipping World Ready Graduates: The T-Shaped Student, Work-Integrated Learning, and SoTL as Keys to Success; and
5. A critical perspective on new trends in higher education and lifelong learning.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Jeeranuch Buddeejeen presented her work titled “Integrating Design Thinking and Project-Based Learning in Competency-Based Education: A Case Study of a Certificate Program in Product Design and Digital Marketing” at the ICOIE2025 Conference The conference details, including the conference publications, are available at the conference website: https://www.hkmu.edu.hk/icoie/.

Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) and the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) have signed a significant academic cooperation agreement. This partnership aims to develop knowledge in “Smart City” concepts and enhance the capabilities of local administrative organization personnel across Thailand, driving the country towards
a sustainable digital era.

The signing ceremony officially took place on 9 July 2025, at the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (Building A) on Ladprao Soi 10 Road, Bangkok. The agreement was signed by Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Member of the University Council and Acting President of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President/CEO of the Digital Economy Promotion Agency. Asst. Prof. Dr. Karn Boonsiri, Dean of the School of Communication Arts at STOU, and Dr. Phasakorn Pratombut, Deputy President/CEO of the Digital Economy Promotion Agency, served as witnesses, alongside executives from both organizations.

The primary objectives of this collaboration are:

• Elevating Smart City Knowledge: depa will play a crucial role in enhancing the understanding of Smart City plan development and the creation of City Data Platforms for local administrative organization personnel. This initiative aims to transform local administrative organizations into High-Performance Authorities (HPA), enabling them to effectively utilize digital innovation and technology in urban management.
• Integrating Knowledge into Society: STOU will support teaching and learning, research, and academic services for society, specifically focusing on developing certificate programs and short-term training courses related to Smart City. These programs will equip government personnel and interested citizens with essential skills and knowledge.

The synergy between STOU, an educational institution specializing in distance learning, and depa, a key agency promoting the nation’s digital economy, will be a crucial driving force in materializing the government’s Smart City policy. This partnership aims to create livable and sustainable smart cities for everyone in Thailand.

Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), in collaboration with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Thailand and its networks, recently organized an intensive training program designed to enhance the professional experience of its Political Science students. The program featured a seminar titled “The Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO) Election on February 1: Strengths, Problems, and Recommendations.”

Held on 3 July 2025, the seminar aimed to assess the success of the recent PAO election, a crucial step towards developing local governance for the direct benefit of the people and advancing the decentralization process, a key component of Thailand’s democratic system.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Somprin Niyomthai, Dean of the School of Political Science at STOU, presided over the opening ceremony. Ms. Napajaree Jiwanantaprawat, Senior Project Manager at KAS Thailand, delivered the opening remarks, outlining the event’s objectives.

Key activities included:

• A summary of a book analyzing the nationwide PAO chief and councilor elections on 1 February 2025, highlighting strengths, problems, and lessons learned for improving local administration. This was presented by Asst. Prof. Patawee Chotanan, a lecturer from the Faculty of Political Science, Ubon Ratchathani University.
• A panel discussion featuring politicians, including Mr. Sarayut Jailak from the People’s Party, Mr. Supachai Jaisamut from the Bhumjaithai Party, and Mr. Nattawut Saikua, an advisor to the Prime Minister. The discussion was moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanasak Saijampha, Faculty Member from STOU’s School of Political Science.
• A seminar platform for extracting lessons from decentralization in Thailand through the perspectives of academics, civil society, politicians, and the general public. Attendees included faculty members, academics, professionals, and local administrators such as Prof. Emeritus Dr. Tanet Charoenmuang (local politics academic), Asst. Prof. Patawee Chotanan (Faculty of Political Science, Ubon Ratchathani University), Associate Professor Ekkarin Tuansiri (Faculty of Political Science, Prince of Songkla University), Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttakorn Vititanon (Faculty of Political Science, Chiang Mai University), and Miss Nitchapat Kitcharern (School of Political Science, STOU).

This seminar provided STOU Political Science students with direct experience, enhanced their knowledge and understanding, and allowed them to contribute their ideas, analyses, and valuable recommendations for the development and improvement of local governance and the country’s decentralization system. Professional experience enhancement training is a vital part of the curriculum for students at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), particularly for fields requiring practical training to develop relevant skills and knowledge. This training aims to prepare students before their professional internships or actual work placements, ensuring they meet quality standards upon graduation.

Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), through its Distance Education Staff Development Academy, recently organized a workshop to prepare faculty members for accreditation under the Professional Standards Framework 2023 (PSF 2023). This internationally recognized framework is set by Advance HE, a leading organization in the United Kingdom.

The workshop, held from 2-4 July 2025, at STOU Headquarters in Nonthaburi, aimed to continuously enhance the quality, standards, and capabilities of STOU’s personnel in teaching and learning support. This initiative aligns with the university’s vision of becoming a globally recognized leader in distance education.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Acting Vice-President for Academic Services, Arts and Culture Preservation, and International Affairs, presided over the opening ceremony. The training featured two distinguished speakers: Prof. Emeritus Dr. Boontip Siritarungsri, Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) and Chair of the Accreditation Committee for Teaching and Learning Support in Distance Education, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Issra Pramoolsook, SFHEA, an expert from Suranaree University of Technology. Both shared their knowledge and experience with over 60 participating faculty members.

This training session is a key part of STOU’s policy to promote and develop the knowledge and skills of its staff, particularly in teaching and learning support. The university has a strong track record in this area, with 54 faculty members and academic support staff having previously received accreditation under Advance HE’s PSF 2011 framework. This included 19 Senior Fellows, 10 Fellows, and 25 Associate Fellows.

With Advance HE updating its assessment criteria from PSF 2011 to PSF 2023, STOU recognizes the importance of equipping its staff with a thorough understanding and correct practices for the new standards. The goal is to ensure continuous and effective professional development in teaching and learning.

The Distance Education Staff Development Academy initiated this program with the primary objective of increasing the number of accredited personnel. Furthermore, it aims to develop a sufficient pool of high-quality mentors, assessors, and reviewers within the university. These efforts are expected to directly elevate the quality and standards of STOU’s distance learning system, gaining recognition both nationally and internationally in the near future.

Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), represented by the Office of Educational Services, has partnered with the Department of Mental Health to organize a workshop focused on basic mental health knowledge for counselors and personnel involved in student educational support services. The training took place at STOU Headquarters in Nonthaburi and was presided over by Asst. Prof. Dr. Kajornsak Sitthi, Director of the Office of Educational Services.

This workshop is a direct result of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between STOU and the Department of Mental Health. The MOU’s primary objective is to drive and integrate mental health care and support for both students and staff, ensuring they receive systematic promotion, development, prevention, and resolution of mental health issues.

The training greatly benefited from the support of Mental Health Center 4, Pathum Thani, which provided a team of mental health experts. The team was led by Mr. Worapot Panapawuttikul, an experienced clinical psychologist, who delivered crucial knowledge and practical guidelines. The center also provided partial financial support for the event.

The key objective of the workshop was to equip participants with foundational knowledge of mental health and prepare them to serve as counselors. This includes enabling them to provide initial assistance to students who may be at risk of developing mental health problems. Fifty STOU personnel from both central and regional offices, whose duties involve counseling, attended the training.

This workshop marks a significant step forward in enhancing the quality of life and mental well-being for all involved parties, including both staff and students. It is expected to lead to the establishment of a tangible and sustainable mental health care system in the future.

Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), through its Human Resources Division, recently organized the “Fulfilling Happiness in Retirement” activity. This event, held under the Quality of Working Life project, was specifically designed for personnel slated to retire in the 2025 fiscal year. The primary objectives were to express gratitude to these dedicated individuals for their unwavering commitment and service to the university, and to prepare them for a fulfilling and high-quality life after their careers.

The activities took place from 17-20 June 2025 at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, as well as in Rayong and Chanthaburi provinces. Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Member of the University Council and Acting President, presided over the opening ceremony. For the 2025 fiscal year, a total of 79 STOU personnel are retiring. This group comprises 39 government officials, 8 university employees, 27 permanent employees, and 5 temporary monthly employees. All of these individuals have consistently dedicated their energy and efforts to their duties at the university.

The comprehensive program focused on holistic well-being and was designed to cover all dimensions of readiness—physical, mental, and emotional. Key activities included:

• Special Lecture on Nutrition for Health: Mr. Supot Ruenroengklin, Senior Nutritionist from the Bureau of Nutrition, Department of Health, delivered an insightful lecture titled “Food for Happiness: Nutrition for a Vibrant Life After Work.”
  This provided practical guidance on self-care and maintaining health.
• Study Visit on Quality of Life for Seniors: Participants visited and learned from
  the Ban Khai Subdistrict Municipality Elderly Quality of Life and Occupational Promotion Center in Rayong Province. This center serves as a model for promoting
  a good quality of life among the elderly.
• Relaxing Excursion: Recreational tours were arranged in Rayong and Chanthaburi provinces, allowing personnel to unwind and create new experiences before entering their retirement phase.

The event had several important objectives: to encourage future retirees to learn about holistic health care, gain knowledge on planning their post-retirement life based on the Sufficiency Economy philosophy, exchange life experiences, build a network among STOU retirees for mutual support and encouragement, and help them find value in their lives after retirement. Most importantly, it served as an expression of profound gratitude for their dedication and diligent service to the university.

The “Fulfilling Happiness in Retirement” activity underscores STOU’s deep concern for all its personnel and its commitment to supporting them in transitioning to a truly qualitative, happy, and valuable post-retirement life.