On August 27, Walailak University, represented by Asst. Prof. Amonsak Sawusdee, Director of the Center for Academic Services, participated as a speaker in a panel discussion titled “Operational Achievements and Successes in Supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).” The event was organized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation as part of a workshop aimed at enhancing understanding and preparation for the Impact Ranking of Universities by SDGs.
The workshop, held in the Professor Prasert Na Nakhon Conference Room on the third floor of the Higher Education Building 1, the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (OPS MHESI), was attended by 113 representatives from affiliated higher education institutions. The opening ceremony was presided over by Mr. Panpoemsak Arunee, Acting Advisor on Higher Education Development, who highlighted MHESI’s policies focused on transforming universities through the Reinventing University initiative. This initiative emphasizes the production of skilled graduates, knowledge, and innovation to respond to Thailand’s demand. It enhances institutions’ alignment of the nation with global higher education standards, ultimately inducing international competitiveness.
The workshop featured keynote addresses from Prof. Dr. Perapong Tekasakul, a member of the Higher Education Commission and Chairperson of the Subcommittee on University Transformation, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rattachat Mongkolnavin, the Chairperson of the Working Group for Promoting and Enhancing Higher Education Institutions to Achieve International Quality and Standards, on topics including “University Transformation and Rankings” and “Overview of Change for 2025,” with insights from Times Higher Education (THEs) representatives.
The highlight of the event was a panel discussion on success in achieving SDGs. Speakers included representatives from leading Thai universities: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sompop Prathanturarug (Mahidol University), Asst. Prof. Dr. Pomthong Malakul Na Ayudhaya (Chulalongkorn University), Asst. Prof. Dr. Amonsak Sawusdee (Walailak University), Asst. Prof. Chol Bunnag (Thammasat University), and Professor Emeritus Dr. Chanita Rukspollmuang (Siam University), moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Witawat Jangiam (Burapha University).
During the discussion, Asst. Prof. Dr. Amonsak Sawusdee highlighted WU’s significant global impact, stating:
“Walailak University is a regional institution consistently ranked among the top in the world. In Stewardship, we are ranked 3rd globally, and for Outreach, we hold 4th place. Our university creates substantial impact locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally, across numerous SDGs. We are proud to be recognized nationally for SDG6 (1st place), SDG14 and SDG11 (2nd place), SDG3 (3rd place), SDG4 (4th place), and SDG2 (5th place), with all six ranking in the global Top 100.”
The panel discussion underscored the vital role of higher education institutions like Walailak University in advancing Sustainable Development Goals through impactful initiatives and innovation. Asst. Prof. Dr. Amonsak Sawusdee’s presentation highlighted WU’s remarkable global rankings and its ability to generate tangible impacts across multiple SDGs.
Dr. Amonsak emphasized that WU’s work extends beyond recognition, creating empirical impacts and model communities nationwide, in alignment with the WU Happy Tree Model. He concluded, “There is no perfect day. Every day is about growth, creating meaningful stories, and developing together.”