Category: Awards and Distinctions

  • STOU in Ageing Thailand 2025

    On 15 April 2025, Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), received an honorary plaque for the “Award for Organizations that Promote Employment and Income Generation for the Elderly 2025” at SENIOR JOB CONNECT, which was held at EVENT HALL 101, Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Center (BITEC) Bangna, during the Ageing Thailand 2025 event. The event was organized by the Department of Older Persons (DOP) in collaboration with SKS Market Company Limited and a network of public and private sector partners.
    The award reflects STOU’s role in creating sustainable opportunities for the elderly in Thai society, while driving the concept of a “quality aging society” in a concrete way.

  • IRD Open House 2025

    IRD Open House 2025

    Celebrating the 33 years of Institute for Research and Development (IRD) of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), the IRD Open House 2025 was organized on 8 April 2025 at Seminar Building I. Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of STOU, presided over the event. The event aimed to promote and create a research atmosphere at the university. It also serves to increase knowledge and develop the creation, dissemination, and support of research works at both national and international levels for personnel.

    The activities included lectures, academic research discussions, and the presentation of the STOU Research STAR awards for 2024.

    CategoryIndividual PrizeOrganizational Prize
    Most Published Researcher
    (National Level)
    Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wittayatorn TokeawSchool of Educational Studies
    Most Published Researcher
    (International Level)
    Asst. Prof. Dr. Chalermpon JatupornSchool of Agriculture and Cooperatives
    Most Cited Researcher
    (International Level)
    Asst. Prof. Dr. Ajjaree LimpamontSchool of Agriculture and Cooperatives
    Most External Funded ResearcherAsst. Prof. Dr. Supatra PhanwichitSchool of Law
    Highest Number of Research from External FundingAssoc. Prof. Dr. Wittayatorn TokeawSchool of Communication Arts
    Highest Participation with IRDMiss Tuenta PornniponpaisanOffice of Educational Technology
    Most Viewed ResearchAssoc. Prof. Dr. Thasothorn TootongkamSchool of Educational Studies
  • Outstanding Civil Servants 2024

    Outstanding Civil Servants 2024

    On 1 April 2025 as a Civil Service Day, Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand presided over the outstanding civil servants 2024. Mr. Chusak Sirinil, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office delivered awarding certificates and pins of honor to 624 selected officials at the Main Hall of the Government Public Relations Department.

    Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) congratulates two of our officials, who were granted awards.

    1. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sajja Bunjongsiri, Regional Academic Resources and Community Engagement Center – Nakhon Sawan

    2. Mr. Chananyu Pheuaphrom, Head of Network Coordination and Local Community, Regional Academic Resources and Community Engagement Center – Nakhon Si thammarat

  • STOU Faculty Member appointed to Professor of Information Science

    STOU Faculty Member appointed to Professor of Information Science

    Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) congratulates Prof. Dr. Namtip Wipawin, Faculty Member of the School of Liberal Arts, who has been appointed to Professor of Information Science.

    Prof. Dr. Namtip Wipawin

    Qualifications:

    • B.A. in Library Science, Khon Kaen University, Thailand
    • B.Tech. in Business Information Technology, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, Thailand
    • M.A. in Library Science, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
    • M.Sc. in Information Technology, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Thailand
    • Ph.D. in Library and Information Studies, Loughborough University, United Kingdom

    Field of Expertise:

    • Library and Information Science
    • Information Organization and Resource Management
    • Standards for Data Management in Digital Information Repositories and Digital Information Preservation
  • STOU’s director granted Outstanding Women Award of Ubon Ratchathani

    STOU’s director granted Outstanding Women Award of Ubon Ratchathani

    The International Women’s Day Event of Ubon Ratchathani Province 2025 was organized on 7 March 2025, under the theme “Developing the Potential of Women’s Organization Leaders, Driving Community Development” at the Provincial Hall, Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Government Center.

    On this occasion, SubLt. Soramongkhon Mangalasiri, the Deputy Governor of Ubon Ratchathani, presided over the opening ceremony and presented certificates to women who have contributed to community development from all 25 districts in Ubon Ratchathani.The event was attended by heads of government agencies, District Women Development Committee members, representatives of women from 25 districts of Ubon Ratchathani Province, and the general public.

    Asst. Prof. Dr. Thanapan Thanee, Director of the STOU’s Regional Academic Resources and Community Engagement Center — Ubon Ratchathani, received an Outstanding Woman Award for Community Development.

  • STOU Faculty Member and Staff awarded Associate Fellowship of UKPSF 2024

    STOU Faculty Member and Staff awarded Associate Fellowship of UKPSF 2024

    Congratulations to faculty members and staff of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University
    who have recently been awarded UK Professional Standards Framework Fellowship (UKPSF) from Advance HE.

    Awarded Associate Fellowship (AFHEA) are:

    1. Asst. Prof. Jinnthisa  Suraprasert, School of Management Science

    2. Mr. Narasak  Chongkhunklang, Legal Affairs Division

    3. Mr. Watcharet  Kuntichod, Office of Computer Services

    4. Miss Natthanitcha  Phetbuasak, the Office of Academic Affairs

    5. Miss Penpan Jarusan, Office of Documentation and Information

    6. Miss Ratchakon  Kongjaroen, Office of Documentation and Information

    7. Miss Sasikan  Kamhangrittirong, Office of Lifelong Education

    8. Miss Kultiwa  Thinprathet, Distance Education Staff Development Academy

    9. Mrs. Worrani  Samutwanich, School of Economics

    10. Miss Runyapat  Pichit, Regional Academic Resources and Community Engagement Center – Nakhon Sawan

    11. Mrs. Chanutra  Matrachaisingha, Regional Academic Resources and Community Engagement Center – Nakhon Sawan

    12. Mr. Anunwat  Sanmai, Regional Academic Resources and Community Engagement Center – Nakhon Sawan

    13. Mr. Kittisak  Kaeolor, Regional Academic Resources and Community Engagement Center – Chanthaburi

    Note: No.1-3 was announced the award on 16 December 2024

    No. 4-13 was announced the award on 17 December 2024

    The Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University Model for Academic Recognition of Teaching (SMARTProgramme is grounded in the Professional Standards Framework (PSFand is seen by STOU as a mechanism for its staff to deliver teaching and learning support to their students more confidently and effectively. Advance HE began working with STOU in 2018
    by supporting a group of its staff to achieve FellowshipThis resulted in the Chairman of STOU Council, Prof. Dr. Wichit Srisa-an, becoming the first Principal Fellow in Thailand, along with eight Fellows and six FellowsFollowing the accreditation of
    the SMART Programme many more are expected to follow, and show a commitment to high quality learning and teaching across the institution.

    Advance HE accreditation is recognition that the SMART Programme aligns with the PSF, and ensures that participants have shown the necessary capabilities and qualities to achieve Associate Fellowship status. The SMART Programme has been specifically designed with distance learning in mind, showing that the PSF can be applied successfully to distance
    and blended learning settings.

  • STOU faculty member qualified AUN-QA Assessor at Programme Level Version 4.0

    STOU faculty member qualified AUN-QA Assessor at Programme Level Version 4.0

    Congratulations to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aree Cheevakasemsook, Faculty Member from the School of Nursing, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, who has been qualified as an AUN-QA Assessor at Programme Level Version 4.0,
    announced on 7 January 2025.

  • STOU marks annniversary of Founder’s passing with merit-making and alumni recognition

    STOU marks annniversary of Founder’s passing with merit-making and alumni recognition

    On December 22, 2024, a merit-making ceremony was held at Wichit Phakee Sathan to commemorate the 1st anniversary of the passing of Prof. Dr. Wichit Srisa-an, the Founding President of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU).
    The ceremony was co-organized by the Prof. Dr. Wichit Srisa-an Foundation, the Thai Association for Cooperative Education (TACE), the Association for Institutional Research and Higher Education Development (AIRHED), and the Sukhothai Thammathirat Association under the Patronage of H.R.H. Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, including the School of Nursing of STOU. During the ceremony, honorary plaques were presented to recognize the beneficial contributions to society made
    by Nursing Alumni.

    In 1980, STOU successfully established the School of Health Sciences, which was considered a challenging field for practical training in distance education. Afterward, in the 2005 academic year, the University Council approved the establishment of
    the School of Nursing and admitted its first batch of Master of Nursing Science students.

    The success of the distance learning program in nursing science is attributed to the unwavering support of nursing experts since its inception. In recognition of their exceptional contributions, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tong-In Wongsothorn, President of
    the Prof. Dr. Wichit Srisa-an Foundation, presented honorary plaques to 10 distinguished Nursing Alumni who have significantly benefited society and possess exemplary qualifications.

    1. Mrs. Jaroonsri Panyadee, Director of Na Bua Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital, Udon Thani

    STOU education background: Bachelor of Nursing Science Program of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University in 2004

    Awards:

    1. Valuable Person for National Health Security, NHSO Health Region 8 of 2009

    2. Outstanding Civil Servant (Golden Garuda) Award of 2012

    3. Outstanding Nurse Petch Kasalong Award of 2012

    4. Outstanding Public Health Administrator with Distinguished Merit Award of 2018

    5. Outstanding Personnel (Good Person of Primary Care) Regional Level, Nursing Category of 2014

    2.  Mrs. Jidapa Rodphothong, Head of Surgery and Anesthesia Nursing Department, Pak Kret Hospital, Nonthaburi

    STOU education background: Master of Nursing Science of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University in 2016

    Award:

    Role Model of the Year in Outstanding Medical and Public Health Category of 2019

    3. Mrs. Pranee Mahapoonpiti, Head Nurse, Tha Yang Hospital, Phetchaburi

    STOU education background: Master of Nursing Science of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University in 2016

    Awards:

    1. Outstanding Civil Servant, Phetchaburi Provincial Public Health Office of 2019

    2. Honorary Pin Class 4 for Volunteer Spirit and Dedication to Emergency Medical Services from National Institute for Emergency Medicine

    3. Quality Person in Administration, Kaeng Krachan Hospital of 2021

    4. Outstanding Person Award “Think Good, Do Good, Be Happy” from Tha Yang Hospital Ethics Club of 2023

    4.  Mrs. Piyanat Neamtanom, Director of Nong Phak Bung Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital, Phetchabun

    STOU education background: Bachelor of Nursing Science Program in 2006 and Master of Nursing Science of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University in 2020

    Awards:

    Honorary Award for TO BE NUMBER ONE Community Leader from Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi of 2024

    5. Mr. Fa-is Walohtae, Faculty Member, Faculty of Nursing, Princess of Naradhiwas University

    STOU education background: Master of Nursing Science of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University in 2021

    Awards:

    1. Outstanding Nurse, Smart Nurse Category from Phuket Nurses Club of 2018

    2. “Value of the Land” Award, Individual Category from Council of Social Benefactors of Thailand of 2021

    3. “Top Volunteer Award 2021” from Social Activity Consulting Center of 2021

    4. Outstanding Teacher in Research, Academic Year 2024 on National Nurses Day, Faculty of Nursing, Princess of Naradhiwas University

    6.  Mr. Pakpoom Saiyud,Director of Ban Ku Sot Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital, Sisaket Province

    STOU education background: Master of Nursing Science of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University in 2022

    Awards:

    1. Good Person of Epidemiology in Community Surveillance from Disease Prevention and Control Office 7 of 2014

    2. Outstanding Nurse in Primary Care/Community Health Service System, Sisaket Province of 2014

    3. Outstanding National Public Service Innovation Award (Excellence Award) from OPDC of 2017

    4. President of Thailand Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital Nurses Association of
    2016 – 2022

    5. Thailand Nursing Council Committee Member of 2018 – 2022

    7.  Mrs. Rusamee Luechai,Head Nurse, Rong Kham Hospital, Kalasin

    STOU education background: Bachelor of Nursing Science Program in 1995 and Master of Nursing Science of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University in 2016

    Awards:

    1. Outstanding Nurse, Kalasin of 2010

    2. Good Person of Public Health, Kalasin of 2015

    3. Outstanding Nurse of Ministry of Public Health, Princess Bunchiradhorn (Jumbala) Chudadhuj Scholarship of 2016

    4. Outstanding Care Manager, Ministry of Public Health, 2020

    8.  Mrs. Ladawan Chanchang, Head of PUI Ward and Head of Nursing Research and Development, Trat Hospital

    STOU education background: Master of Nursing Science of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University in 2014

    Awards:

    1. Good Person of Trat Hospital of 2024

    2. Outstanding Nurse in Nursing Service, Research and Development, Nursing Administration Category from Nurses Association of Thailand, Eastern Branch of 2024

    9.  Mr. Suphathagoon Koedkieo, Professional Nurse, Academic Support and Service Group, Wichian Buri District Public Health Office, Phetchabun

    STOU education background: Master of Nursing Science of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University in 2022

    Awards:

    1. Valuable Quality Personnel of Phetchabun Provincial Public Health Office of 2023

    2. Outstanding Personnel in Professional Nursing Category, Wichian Buri District Public Health Office of 2024

    3. Outstanding Nurse in Primary Care Practice 2024, Nursing Service Development Network, Health Region 2

    4. First Prize in Academic Work Contest, Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Category, Thailand Public Health Club Academic Conference of 2023

    10.  Mrs. Suchinda Kongneam, Head of Family Practice Department, Khok Lo Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital, Trang

    STOU education background:  Bachelor of Nursing Science Program and Master of Nursing Science of  Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University in 2005

    Awards:

    1. Outstanding Civil Servant (Golden Garuda) Award of 1995

    2. Outstanding Public Health Personnel, Health Station Category and Ethics Category, Trang Provincial Public Health Office of 2015

    3. Outstanding Care Manager, Provincial Level from Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health of 2023

    The event concluded with a panel discussion on “The Sustainable Operations of the Four Organizations,” aiming to explore strategies for ensuring the long-term success of each organization and fulfilling the enduring legacy of
    Prof. Dr. Wichit Srisa-an.

  • 14th  STOU National Research Conference

    14th  STOU National Research Conference

    On 26 November 2024, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) held the 14th STOU National Research Conference. The conference is organized virtually via Facebook Live and Microsoft Teams.

    The conference aimed to support and disseminate the research work of graduate students, researchers, and academics to
    the public through research presentation platforms at national research conferences as well as provide opportunities for graduate students, researchers, and academics to exchange and learn about research advancements in various fields.

    Currently, STOU provides graduate programs across 12 Schools and enrolls over 2,000 students per semester.

    This conference featured key activities including a special lecture on “AI: Opportunities and Challenges in Future Education and Research” by Prof. Dr. Jintavee Khlaisang, Faculty of Education, Chulalongkorn University, and Dr. Prachya Boonkwan,
    a leading researcher at the National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC) in Thailand, as well as research and awards presentation.

    There were a total of 198 presented articles in the conference, divided into the following categories:

    • Humanities and Social Science: 37 articles
    • Health Science: 11 articles
    • Science and Technology: 150 articles

    All presented works were reviewed by external and internal experts, among them were faculty members from STOU serving as editorial board members, to ensure the quality of the articles.

    There were 14 thesis/dissertation works that received the awards:

    • Social Science Category:
      • 2 Excellent Doctoral Dissertation Awards
      • 2 Excellent Thesis Awards
    • Health Science Category:
      • 5 Excellent Thesis Awards
      • 5 Good Thesis Awards

    Social Science Category

     2 Excellent Doctoral Dissertation Awards

    🌟 Title: Health Communication Via Social Media to Reduce Sugar Consumption in the Prevention of NCDs Among Working Women

    Author: Kanokpong Muangsri, School of Communication Arts

    Advisor: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wittayatorn Tokeaw

    🌟 Title: Communication Management for Collaborative Networking of the Office of Election Commissioner of Thailand

    Author: Miss Patcharin Rattanawipa, School of Communication Arts

    Advisor: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wittayatorn Tokeaw

    2 Excellent Thesis Awards

    🌟 Title: Learning Experiences for Money Saving of Grade 4-6 Students at Ban Nong Lang School in Surin Provin

    Author:  Mrs. Jantaraniwat Visitsil, School of Educational Studies

    Advisor: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Niranart Sansa

    🌟 Title: The Effect of Using Communicative Language Teaching Instruction Integrated with the Flowchart Technique in English Grammar Ability on Grade 9 Students at Schools Under the Secondary Educational Service Area Office, Chonburi-Rayong

    Author: Mr. Saharat Laksanasut, School of Educational Studies

    Advisor: Asst. Prof. Dr. Wannaprapha Suksawas     

    Health Science Category

    5 Excellent Thesis Awards

    🌟 Title: Effectiveness of Promoting the Healing Process of Diabetic Ulcers with Curcumin Gauzes in Lopburi Province

    Author:  Pramuan Sribular, School of Nursing

    Advisor: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mukda Nuysri

    🌟 Title: The Effectiveness of a Fall Prevention Program for Older Adults at Risk in Community, Mueang Yasothon District, Yasothon Province

    Author: Mrs. Chunyarus Soonthara, School of Nursing

    Advisor: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sutteeporn Moolsart

    🌟 Title: Effects of Self-management Support Program on Post-COVID-19Conditions Prevention at Banlad District, Phetchaburi Province

    Author: Miss Supranee Promsukhan, School of Nursing

    Advisor: Asst. Prof. Dr. Napaphen Jantacumma

    🌟 Title: The Development of an Empowering Self-management Model for Early Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients at Thanyaburi Hospital, Pathum Thani Province
    Author: Mrs. Sasipa Arisariyawong, School of Nursing

    Advisor: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aree Cheevakasemsook

    🌟 Title: Effects of Thermal, Acidic, and Enzymatic Extraction Methods on the Physicochemical, Microbiological, and Sensory Properties of Longkong Syrup

    Author: Mr. Sipanon Chaykaew, School of Human Ecology

    Advisor: Asst. Prof. Dr. Sornchai Sinsuwan

    5 Good Thesis Awards

    🌟 Title: The Effectiveness of an Enhancing Motivation Program via Smart Classroom in Weight Reduction of Nursing Students with Over Body Mass Index

    Author:  Mr. Boonchai Phalakan, School of Nursing

    Advisor: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sutteeporn Moolsart

    🌟 Title: Effects of a Health Literacy Enhancing Program for Older People with Knee  Osteoarthritis  at Phen District, Udon Thani Province

    Author: Mr. Wachara Sannong, from School of Nursing

    Advisor: Asst. Prof. Major Dr. Napaphen Jantacumma

    🌟 Title: Workplace Violence and Workplace Violence Prevention Guidelines for Professional Nurses at a Tertiary Hospital

    Author:  Mrs. Isara Srithon, School of Nursing 

    Advisor: Asst. Prof. Dr. Premruetai Noimuenwai

    🌟 Title: A Care Management Model to Prevent Falls among Patients with Disabilities in a Ward at the Veterans General Hospital

    Author:   Miss Wongkea Mooseeton, School of Nursing  

    Advisor: Asst. Prof. Dr. Kanjana Srisawad

    🌟 Title: A Research Competency Development Model for Nursing Administrators from Detudom Crown Prince Hospital, Ubon Rathchathani

    Author: Mr. Watcharaphan Wongkhamphan

    Advisor: Asst. Prof. Dr. Kanjana Srisawad

  • ICDBSE 2024

    ICDBSE 2024

    Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) and Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) jointly organized the 2nd International Conference of Digital Business, Society & Economy (ICDBSE 2024) on 13-14 November 2024 at the STOU Headquarters in Nonthaburi, Thailand. This event celebrated the STOU’s 46th anniversary.

    The ICDBSE 2024 is held under the theme “Innovation and Technology Towards Sustainability and Lifelong Learning.”
    The conference aimed to provide a stage for educators, academicians, researchers, and graduate students to exchange knowledge, experiences, and disseminate academic and research work at an international level, while building collaborative networks.

    The conference drew a global audience of over 150 participants from 11 countries.
    This conference was honored and supported by prominent organizations in the field of open and distance education, such as the Southeast Asia Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO), the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE), and the Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU), as well as partner universities, including Chitkara University, Open University Malaysia (OUM), University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), Universitas Terbuka (UT) and Hanoi Open University.

    At the ICDBSE 2024 Conference, Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of STOU and Prof. Dr. Murali Raman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of APU, addressed the welcoming remarks to the attendees, among which were representatives from various embassies including Mr. Bong Yik Jui, Deputy Chief of Mission from the Embassy of Malaysia, Mrs. Vireshika Bandara, Counsellor (Commercial) from the Embassy of Sri Lanka, Ms. Jagpreet Kaur, Second Secretary (Economic and Commerce) from
    the Embassy of India, and Ms. Ann Y.H. Hsueh, Second Secretary (Education), from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand. Furthermore, the ICDBSE 2024 also had Mrs. Wanida Gajaseni from the Government Public Relations Department, Ms. Suvadee Seetasit and Mr. Chaiyaporn Sengdonprai from the Budget Bureau attend the opening section of ICDBSE 2024.

    The morning session commenced with a keynote address by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ninnat Olanvoravuth, Secretary-General of
    the Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL), on the topic of “Innovative Technology for Sustainable Lifelong Learning.” A panel discussion, moderated by Prof. Dr. Murali Raman, followed, focusing on “Envisioning Excellence: Establishing a Robust Quality Framework for Lifelong Learning.” The panel comprised Prof. Dr. Ojat Darojat, President of AAOU and Rector of Universitas Terbuka, Ms. Torunn Gjelsvik, Secretary-General of ICDE, and Mr. Emiljohn Columna Sentillas, Policy & Planning Specialist of SEAMEO Secretariat.

    The afternoon sessions comprised parallel sessions in four rooms dedicated to academic paper presentations. A special session, entitled “Financial Innovation and Technology Towards Sustainability in the Context of Open Universities: the UPOU and STOU Experience,” was conducted.  This session, led by experts from STOU and UPOU, namely Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kittipong Keatwatcharachai, Acting Vice-President for Financial Affairs and University Assets, and Prof. Dr. Jean A. Saludadez,
    Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, provided valuable insights into the future of open university finance.

    In the morning of 14 November 2024 (Day 2), Prof. Ts. Dr. Murali Raman, Deputy Vice -Chancellor of Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU) delivered Keynote Speech on “SME and Digital Business Transformation, Role of Change and Culture” and also joined a special session on the topic of “Join Forces for Impactful Advocacy – the ICDE Global Advocacy Campaign in Asia.” The session consisted of honor panelists including  Prof. Dr. Melinda dela Peña Bandalaria, Chancellor of University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), Prof. Dr. Ahmad Izanee Awang, Pesident of Open University Malaysia (OUM), Dr. John Cribbin, Deputy Director (Academic Services) of University of Hong Kong School of Professional and Continuing Education (HKU SPACE), and Ms. Torunn Gjelsvik, Secretary General of International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) as a moderator for this special session.

    The afternoon of Day 2 comprised 2 main activities: the ICDE Global Advocacy Campaign—Asia Working Group Meeting and academic paper presentations. Over the course of two days at ICDBSE 2024, a total of 66 papers were delivered.

    For the Closing Ceremony, Professor Ts. Dr. Murali Raman delivered the Key Takeaways from ICDBSE 2024, follow by Awards presentation, and Closing Remarks from the two co-organizers.

    ICDBSE 2024 proudly recognized the outstanding contributions of the paper presenters for their research and innovative ideas with 3 different awards including Best Paper Awards, Best Student Award and Best Presentation Award. The Awards were presented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Narathip Sriram, Acting Vice-President for Education, Learning Support, and Research.
    The winners of the ICDBSE 2024 awards are as follows:.

    BEST PAPER AWARDS

    Category: Digital Learning Category

    Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tuan Fatma Tuan Sulaiman from Open University Malaysia (OUM), Malaysia

    Paper: Does Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Transformation Acceptance Matter in Digital Higher Education Institutions?

    Category: Digital Society Category

    Dr. Marjea Jannat Mohua from Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), Malaysia

    Paper: Is Sustainability Management Accounting Systems Inevitable for Leveraging Intellectual Capital Towards Sustainable Firm Performance in Digital Era? A Cross Sectional Study

    Category: Digital Business & Economy

    Dr. Changchun Zhu, Vice Dean, Business School, Jiangsu Open University (JSOU), China

    Paper: CEO’s Financial Background and Enterprise Digital Transformation: Empirical Evidence Based on Chinese Listed Companies

    BEST STUDENT AWARDS

    Ms. Kamonporn Siripanachai, Graduate Student, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), Thailand

    Paper: Understanding Household Behavior and Effective Policies for Waste Sorting in Phetchaburi Province, Thailand

    BEST PRESENTATION AWARDS