Category: International Partnerships

Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) successfully hosted the 27^th OU5 Bi-Annual Summit at the Phuket Graceland Resort & Spa, Phuket, Thailand, from 28–30 October 2025. The summit followed a dynamic week of research collaboration and academic exchange among Asia’s five leading open universities.

The event brought together leaders and researchers from the OU5, including Universitas Terbuka (UT), Hanoi Open University (HOU), University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), Open University Malaysia (OUM), and the host institution, STOU.

The distinguished leader delivered remarks included;

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norjaya Mohd Yasin, representing Prof. Dr. Ahmad Izanee Awang, Vice Chancellor of OUM.

• Prof. Dr. Joane Serrano, Chancellor of UPOU

• Dr. Hendrian, S.E., M.Si., Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, Partnership, and Business of UT

• Asst. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Mai Huong, Chairwoman of the Board of Regents of HOU

The summit officially opened on 28 October with welcoming remarks by Asst. Prof. Dr. Taweewat Watthanakuljaroen, President of STOU. This was followed by a ceremonial exchange of gifts among the five OU5 leaders. Key highlights of the first day included presentations of the 2025 joint research project results, in-depth research meetings, and the OU5 Presidents’ Meeting.

The second day featured intensive collaboration and several significant announcements. A special recognition session was held to extend heartfelt congratulations to Yang Berbahagia Prof. Dato’ Dr. Ahmad Izanee Awang on the occasion of his conferment of a Dato’ship by His Royal Highness the Sultan of Pahang. The President of STOU presented a comprehensive summary of
the Presidents’ Meeting, while five OU5 research groups delivered progress reports on their ongoing collaborative projects.
The summit also officially announced that the 28^th OU5 Meeting will be hosted by Hanoi Open University in Vietnam.
The day concluded with the official closing ceremony led by the President of STOU.

On the final day, executives and researchers from the five OU5 universities, together with STOU executives and staff, paid
a visit to Prince of Songkla University (PSU), Phuket Campus. They received a warm welcome led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. PunThongchumnum, Vice President of the Phuket Campus. Highlights included a special lecture on “Phuket Tourism”
by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chayanan Puangcharoen, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies, Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism, who provided valuable insights into Phuket’s key economic sector. Participants also toured “PSU Airlines,”
the university’s aviation learning center.

The 27^th OU5 Bi-Annual Summit reinforced strong academic partnerships and reaffirmed the OU5 universities’ commitment to advancing collaborative research and innovation in open and distance education across the region.

On 20-23 October 2025, a delegation from Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) attended the 38^th Annual Conference of the Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU 2025) hosted by the Open University of China (OUC)
in Beijing, China.

The STOU delegation was led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweewat Watthanakuljaroen, Acting President, and included Asst. Prof. Dr. Songlak Sakulwichitsintu, Acting Vice-President for Research, Innovation, Information Technology and International Affairs; Asst. Prof. Dr. Saynamphung Tongsai, Dean of the School of Human Ecology; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Lecturer from the Office of Educational Technology; Asst. Prof. Dr. Nattasit Chaisaard, Academic Staff from the School of Management Science; Asst. Prof. Dr. Worrawit Nakpan, Director of the Department of International Affairs; and Mrs. Rattip Phukkeson,
Head of the Internationalization Development Unit.

The hybrid conference, held under the theme “Transforming ODL for a Sustainable Lifelong Learning Society,” highlighted
the global transformation of higher education driven by innovation and digital empowerment. With diverse sessions—including the AAOU Executive Committee Meeting, the workshop “Write to Publish: Strategies for High-Impact Academic Papers,” keynote presentations, the AAOU Accreditation Board meeting, and parallel sessions—the event fostered meaningful collaboration and extensive knowledge sharing among participants.

On this occasion, STOU presented 2 researches papers onsite on 21 and 22 October 2025:

1. Title: Learners’ Feedback on Innovative Practical Learning with Metaverse Based on Gamification Concept

Presenters: Asst. Prof. Dr. Songlak Sakulwichitsintu and Asst. Prof. Dr. Nattasit Chaisaard

• Title: Determinants of AI Adoption in Authentic Online Assessment among ODL Educators

            Presenters: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan

This was a great opportunity for STOU to expand network, exchange knowledge and demonstrate the capability of
the members on the international stage.

From 24 to 27 September 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) organized the international seminar featuring special lectures from Moulay Ismaïl University (UMI), Morocco. The seminar is part of our collaborative project under the MOU between STOU and UMI, reflecting our longstanding friendship and partnership, which follows the goals including knowledge exchange, joint webinars, joint research projects, and joint academic activities. Furthermore, the seminar featured a special lecture from experts in the field. On this occasion professors from UMI also visited the schools to discussed possible collaboration with each school, where they were participated as a special lecturer.

The international seminar was hosted by 3 schools of STOU: the School of Science and Technology, the School of Agriculture and Cooperatives, and the School of Economics.

The School of Science and Technology

The seminar was presided over by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Acting Vice-President for Academic Services, Arts and Culture Preservation, and International Affairs and featured a report delivered by Asst. Prof. Dr. Poom Juasiripukdee,
Dean of the School of Science and Technology.  

Special lecture on “Product Design and Sustainable Manufacturing Systems: Insight from Morocco, Innovation and Global Trends”

Speaker: Prof. Dr. Abdelmajid Ait Taleb from Moulay Ismaïl University

The international seminar provides significant benefits;

1. Fostering International Academic Collaboration
2. Knowledge and Experience Exchange
3. Curriculum Development Support
4. Promoting Joint Research
5. International Dissemination of Work
6. Raising Academic Quality and Enhancing International Profile

The School of Agriculture and Cooperatives

The seminar was presided over by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Acting Vice-President for Academic Services,
Arts and Culture Preservation.

Special lecture on “Rural Youth in Morocco: Aspirations, Challenges, and Role in Agricultural Sustainability”

Speaker: Prof. Dr. Zhour Bouzidi from Moulay IsmaÏl University

Another special lecture on “Agricultural Sustainability and Development: Insight from Thailand

Speaker: Asst. Prof. Dr. Narat Rattanacharoen from School of agriculture and Cooperatives, STOU

Besides, STOU also provided a study visit at Organ by Smart Nine Farm for knowledge exchange.

The School of Economics

The seminar was presided over by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Acting Vice-President for Academic Services, Arts and Culture Preservation.

Special lecture on “Development of Agro-industry for Sustainability: Lesson from North Africa and ASEAN Countries”

Speaker: Prof. Dr. Mohamed Ait Hou from Moulay Ismaïl University

Moreover, the School of Economics, led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Padcharee Phasuk, Dean of the School, together with the visiting professor from UMI, held a fruitful discussion that culminated in the establishment of a Framework for Academic Collaboration for 2026. They also proposed the establishment of a Joint Coordination Committee to enhance international cooperation, which will focus on the following areas:

1. Exchange of Academic Staff
2. Joint Organization of International Academic Conferences
3. Joint Development of a Master’s Program in Economics

These activities represent a significant step that reflects the long-standing friendship and cooperation between the two institutions, as well as future collaborations.

On 9 August 2025, a delegation of executives from Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) attended the OUM’s 25^th Anniversary Gala Dinner in Malaysia at the invitation of Open University Malaysia (OUM).

The STOU representatives included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Acting Vice-President for Academic Services, Arts and Culture Preservation, and International Affairs; Asst. Prof. Dr. Worrawit Nakpan, Acting Director of the Office of International Affairs; and Mrs. Rattip Phukkeson, Head of the Internationalization Development Unit.

The event celebrated the 25^th anniversary of Open University Malaysia. The attendance of the STOU delegation served to strengthen the close and long-standing relationship between the two universities.

16 June 2025 – Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) welcomed a delegation of executives and faculty members from Chiba University, Japan, at its Headquarters in Nonthaburi, Thailand.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Member of the University Council and Acting President of STOU, along with executives and faculty from the School of Agriculture and Cooperatives, greeted the visiting group. The Chiba University delegation was led by Prof. Dr. Hikari Ishido, Deputy Vice President.

The purpose of the visit was to pay a courtesy call and discuss avenues for academic collaboration, with a particular focus on developing relations in the field of agricultural sciences. This meeting marks a significant beginning in establishing an academic cooperation network between the two institutions. Both parties anticipate that this initial discussion will lead to future joint research activities, student and staff exchanges, and the development of collaborative academic programs.

The School of Liberal Arts, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), in collaboration with the Thailand Literacy Association (TLiA) and its networks, organized the seminar “Literacy for Lifelong Learning and Digital Citizenship” on Friday, 16May 2025, from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

The event, officially named “Thailand Literacy Seminar 2025”, was held at the Multipurpose Room, 1^st Floor, Bangkok Art and Culture Centre. In addition to STOU’s School of Liberal Arts and TLiA, the event saw participation from the Bangkok Metropolitan Library Network and the Academic Resources Center, Central Library, Chulalongkorn University.

Morning Session: English Academic Lectures

The morning session featured academic lectures delivered in English by distinguished speakers:

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Katina Zammit (Western Sydney University, Australia)
• Prof. Dr. Rosalyn G. Mirasol (Social Science University of Santo Tomas, Manila)
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amorn Petsom (Director, Academic Resources Center, Chulalongkorn University)
• Asst. Prof. Dr. Wutthiphong Laoriandee (Deputy Director, Language Institute, Chulalongkorn University)
• Mrs. Chutipa Kongsombut (Rajabhat Maha Sarakham University)

Faculty members from the English program at the School of Liberal Arts, STOU, moderated this session.

Afternoon Session: Group Discussions

The afternoon session consisted of three breakout groups for participants to discuss and brainstorm ideas. The facilitators for these groups were:

• Asst. Prof. Dr. Duangkaew Ngernpoolsup (School of Liberal Arts, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University)
• Mr. Sopon Sud-iad (Library and Learning Section, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration)
• Lecturer Dr. Sorakom Dissaman (Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University)

English program faculty and Ph.D. students in Information Science from the Faculty of Liberal Arts summarized the group discussions in English.

The group discussions focused on brainstorming approaches to develop lifelong learning skills and digital citizenship. The seminar aimed to promote knowledge, inspire participants, and build collaborative networks to foster reading and literacy for the development of lifelong learning skills and digital citizenship among the public.

The seminar concluded with closing remarks delivered by Prof. Dr. Namtip Wipawin, Professor of Information Science at STOU and President of TLiA, in her capacity as the Organizing President.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Acting Vice President for Academic Services, Arts and Culture Preservation, and International Affairs, was assigned by the President of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) to attend the Workshop on “Mapping the Landscape of Open and Distance Learning” in Jakarta, Indonesia, from 14-17 May, 2025. This workshop was hosted by the SEAMEO Regional Open Learning Centre (SEAMEO SEAMOLEC).

The workshop brought together representatives from various ASEAN countries to jointly explore, analyze, and review the overall landscape of distance education systems in each nation. It featured a series of presentations and discussions addressing equity and inclusion, quality improvement, system management, and infrastructural conditions associated with Open and Distance Learning (ODL). Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan represented Thailand, presenting and providing an overview of the country’s distance education system, including the educational model of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, which serves as Thailand’s leading institution for distance learning.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Member of the University Council and Acting President of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, along with Mrs. Rattip Phukkeson, Head of Internationalization Development, Department of International Affairs (the OU5 coordinator for STOU), and five STOU researchers – Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Office of Educational Technology; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pithak Srisuksai, School of Economics; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anothai Ngamvichaikit, School of Management Science; Asst. Prof. Dr. Songlak Sakulwichitsintu, School of Liberal Arts; and Asst. Prof. Dr. Supamas Chumkaew, Office of Registration, Records and Evaluation – attended The OU5 Retreat 2025 held from 22-26 April 2025, in Penang, Malaysia.

The bi-annual meeting welcomed Presidents, researchers, and OU5 coordinators from five member universities: Hanoi Open University (HOU); Open University Malaysia (OUM); University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU); Universitas Terbuka (UT) and Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU). The objective was to develop distance learning and joint research among the members.

The meeting included a Presidents’ Meeting and the 2^nd meeting on the research topics
for 2024, which are:

1.  Technology Trends in Education: Nano Learning, Authentic Online Assessment, Gamification, Blockchain and Others (and How AI Will Impact These Technologies);

2. Open University Infrastructure for a Sustainable Future: A Design in View of Fulfillment of SDG 11;

3. Roles of ASEAN Open Universities in Enhancing Entrepreneurship and Global Presence;

4. Roles of Open Universities in STEM Education (Way Forward with a Focus on the State of Gender Equality in ASEAN);

5. Student-Lecturer Ratio as a Parameter of Quality in OFDL Context (What Are the Factors that Determine the Quality of Open Universities?).

Additionally, a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity involving tree planting and waste collection in front of the hotel was organized.

Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University will host the next meeting, now renamed as the 27^th OU5 Bi-Annual Summit. The summit is scheduled to take place in Phuket, Thailand,
from 27-31 October 2025.

On 9 April 2025, Asst. Prof. Dr. Akadet Manoleehagul Acting Vice-President for Legal Affairs, Human Resources, and University Council Affairs, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan Acting Vice-President for Academic Services, Cultural Preservation, and International Affairs, along with the administers of STOU, staff of Distance Education Staff Development Academy (DESDA) and Faculty Members who have been awarded UK Professional Standards Framework Fellowship (UKPSF) from Advance HE, warmly welcomed Mr. Ian Hall, Head of Membership (International) Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA) for the visiting for exchanging experiences, creating mutual understanding, as well as policy guidelines for developing teaching systems and supporting learning in distance education according to the Professional Standards Framework (PSF) Version 2023 of STOU.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Theerawut Thammakun, Director of DESDA spoke on the success of PSF and The SMART Programme of STOU. This was followed by a discussion regarding the challenges/current issues that STOU was facing and the goals that Advance HE could support STOU in addressing these issues. Mr. Ian Hall also provided an update on Advance HE regarding current challenges in higher education, key projects, membership benefits, and opportunities for STOU.

UKPSF was a professional standards framework widely used in the United Kingdom for teaching personnel in higher education, such as professors, instructors, researchers, and learning support staff at universities. The UKPSF was under the supervision of Advance HE, which was an organization in the United Kingdom that promoted excellence in higher education. The UKPSF was an internationally recognized standards framework for assessing achievement in teaching and supporting learning in higher education. Its objective was to provide guidelines and standards for those involved in teaching and supporting learning in educational institutions.

Throughout nearly 5 years, STOU had continuously encouraged both academic and supporting staff to receive certification of these standards from Advance HE. Currently, there are 54 certified personnel, divided into 29 with UKPSF certification and 25 through the Smart Programme.