Collaboration with Workplaces Increasing Work Placements in the Tourism Industry
Samui Island, a renowned tourist destination in southern Thailand, attracts visitors from around the globe. Recognized as one of the best islands in Asia by the DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards 2024, it highlights the island’s thriving tourism industry and its vital role in driving the local economy.
In 2024, Walailak University (WU) strengthened its commitment to workforce development by signing the 2024 MOU on Cooperative and Work Integrated Education (CWIE) with 33 leading hotels, enterprises, and agencies on Samui Island. This agreement aims to enhance students’ practical skills, prepare them for real-world professional environments, meet the workforce demands of the tourism sector, and gain experience of the world of work among students.
The collaboration benefits students from various programs, including Hospitality Industry, Professional Culinary Arts, Accountancy, English, Chinese, Digital Marketing and Branding, Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Health, and Architecture and Design. Future plans include expanding the program to incorporate more disciplines and participants. The cooperative education program spans 8 months, fostering experiential learning and mutual growth for students, enterprises, and faculty.
Statistics reveal the growing success of WU’s cooperative education initiatives. In 2024, 3,751 students participated in work placements, compared to 3,984 in 2023 and 2,876 in 2022. Moving forward, WU’s Center for Cooperative Education and Career Development aims to expand partnerships with organizations to provide even more opportunities for students to gain hands-on work experience for more than a month.
Goal 8: Decent Work and
Economic Growth