Walailak University: Driving Knowledge, Innovation, and Sustainability through Research and Public Events
Walailak University is not only a center for learning and research but also serves as a driving force for economic and social development through hosting free educational events at the university that are open to the general public. These events take the form of academic fairs, innovation showcases, and lifelong learning activities throughout the year at regional, national, and international levels. Such activities reaffirm the university’s role as a higher education institution committed to sustainable development, inspiring youth, and bridging research with practical applications.
Walailak University is not only a center for learning and research but also serves as a driving force for economic and social development through hosting free educational events at the university that are open to the general public. These events are designed based on a diagnostic understanding of community needs and trends, leading to the development of innovative programs and activities that respond effectively to those needs. They take the form of academic fairs, innovation showcases, and lifelong learning activities throughout the year at regional, national, and international levels. Strong engagement with local communities, government sectors, and industries ensures that these initiatives generate real impact, while continuous measurement of outcomes helps refine future activities. Such efforts reaffirm the university’s role as a higher education institution committed to sustainable development, inspiring youth, and bridging research with practical applications.
Ad-hoc Events at Walailak University Open to Everyone
MHESI Fair: SCI Power for Future Thailand, Southern Region
Walailak University hosted the free event at university, titled “MHESI Fair: SCI Power for Future Thailand”, a regional-level event for Southern Thailand. The fair aimed to support the government’s new economic development policies and those of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI). The university showcased scientific achievements, research, and innovation across six highlight zones, including the Youth Inspiration Zone, Upskill–Reskill–Newskill Zone, Startup Zone, and Future Technology Zone. The event featured competitions, exhibitions of research and innovative products, as well as musical performances and mini concerts. It attracted 127,116 participants from various sectors, including students, entrepreneurs, government agencies, private organizations, and the general public, generating an estimated economic and social impact of over 60.05 million baht.
In addition, the fair offered free public activities such as the SCI ROV Tournament, a Mindset Talk on Future Living and Working, the Innovation Award Competition, and a Drawing Contest. Key panel discussions covered important topics such as funding mechanisms under the Regional Innovation Business Platform, SMEs’ readiness for Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions, ESG trends and risks for SMEs, and special privileges and government services for entrepreneurs. Also, the event concluded with the MHESI Music Contest 2024, a higher education music competition combining contemporary performances with traditional Thai cultural expressions.
Figures : Drawing Contest
Figures : The Innovation
Walailak Research Convention 2024
Walailak University organized the 3rd Walailak Research Convention 2024 (WRC 2024) to celebrate the university’s 32nd anniversary, under the theme “Roles of Higher Education in the Turbulent World.” The convention welcomed keynote speakers from over 10 leading universities worldwide, with both onsite and online participation, accommodating more than 1,000 attendees.
Also, the event featured special lectures and academic panel discussions on topics such as the digital economy, carbon neutrality, and quality of life. It also included Walailak Investor Day 2024, where research and innovations were showcased in collaboration with industry partners. Ten outstanding research projects and five centers of excellence were selected for presentation.
In addition, the convention hosted the International Conference on Sustainable Materials and Applications (SMA 2024), organized by the Functional Materials and Nanotechnology Center of Excellence (FuNTech). Held from 28–29 March 2024 under the theme “Sustainable Pathways: Green Synthesis for Functional Materials and Eco-Friendly Applications,” the conference brought together researchers and keynote speakers from Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, India, and Thailand to exchange knowledge and foster research collaborations toward real-world applications.
Walailak University Offers Programs Events for All
Walailak University not only hosts its major annual academic events but also offers a wide range of activities throughout the year under the academic service programs of Walailak University Botanic Park (WBP). These activities are designed to enrich life experiences, develop future career skills, provide enjoyment through various engagements, and help participants discover their own potential. They create opportunities for students, and the general public to gain knowledge across multiple dimensions, including science, health, and English language learning.
Academic Service Activity: Science Camp
WBP organized an academic service activity, the Science Camp, for primary school students. The camp emphasized integrated science learning through hands-on practice, such as Human Jigsaw, Slurpee, Frog Dissection, Blood Types and Genetics, Water Detective, Our Body, Igneous Rocks, Ecoprint, and Invisible Ink. In addition, the camp provided activities that enhanced skills and experiences related to nature and the environment, including Astronomy and Herbal Soap Making with a guided tour of the Herbal Garden. All activities were designed to foster knowledge, interest, and inspiration in science, while also promoting fun and engaging learning beyond the classroom.
Figures : Academic Service Activity: Science Camp
Academic Service Activity: Science Nature Camp
WBP organized an academic service activity, the Science Nature Camp, aimed at promoting comprehensive learning in science and nature through a variety of activities. These included exploring the microscopic world in The World under the Microscope, discovering the stars in Astronomy, observing biodiversity in Bird Watching, studying the formation of Igneous Rocks, as well as learning and practicing the use of Herbal Plants. These activities provided participants with direct experiences while inspiring their interest in both science and the environment.
Academic Service Activity: English Camp and Learning Exploration
WBP organized an academic service activity, the English Camp and Learning Exploration, which integrated English learning with a variety of creative activities such as AI and ChatGPT, Order Me Order You, and No Speak No Eat. The program also offered outdoor learning experiences through visits to the Botanic Park, the Nature Study Trail, the Wildlife Breeding Center, and the Sky Tower. The camp was conducted with close support from faculty members and international instructors, aiming to develop English communication skills while also enriching participants’ experiences in science and the environment.
Academic Service Activity: Science and Health Classroom Enhancement Camp
WBP organized an academic service activity, the Science and Health Classroom Enhancement Camp, for secondary school students. The camp featured a variety of science and environmental skill-building activities such as steam distillation and essential oil extraction, the wonders of genetics, laser light diffraction, astronomy, and Ecoprint. In addition, students participated in outdoor learning experiences, including touring the Botanic Park by electric tram and visiting the Sky Tower. These activities enabled students to practice hands-on scientific skills while fostering inspiration in science and nature conservation.
Field Trip Activity for Early Childhood Development Center
WBP organized an academic service activity for kindergarten students, featuring activities that enhance learning and imagination such as The World of Carnivorous Plants and Botanical Arts. The program also included outdoor learning experiences through an electric tram tour of the Botanic Park and the Nature Study Trail. All activities were designed to provide young children with enjoyable, age-appropriate experiences in learning about nature and the environment.
Academic Service Project: Promotion of Natural Resource, Environmental, and Plant Genetic Conservation
WBP organized an academic service project to promote the conservation of natural resources, the environment, and plant genetics. The project featured a variety of learning activities, including herbal shampoo making, herbal soap making, water quality testing, soil and air pollution testing, and astronomy, along with guided tours of the Botanic Park and the Sky Tower. All activities aimed to build knowledge, understanding, and awareness of the value of environmental conservation, while also enhancing practical scientific skills and fostering sustainable use of natural resources.
From the MHESI Fair, which attracted over one hundred thousand participants and generated significant economic value, to the Walailak Research Convention 2024, which brought together researchers from around the world, Walailak University has clearly demonstrated its capacity to drive science, technology, and innovation.
In addition, initiatives such as the WU Botanic Park Project and lifelong learning activities reflect the university’s mission to broaden educational opportunities for wider society. Altogether, these efforts highlight Walailak University’s vital role as a driving force for sustainable national development.
Related links:
https://www.wu.ac.th/th/news/23953/
https://www.wu.ac.th/th/news/24347
https://www.wu.ac.th/th/news/23936
https://www.wu.ac.th/th/news/23957
https://engineer.wu.ac.th/?p=29206
https://sciencepark.wu.ac.th/archives/87552
https://www.mhesi.go.th/index.php/news-and-announce-all/news-all/106-minister-supamas/10440-3-6.html
https://www.dailynews.co.th/news/3609268/
https://mgronline.com/science/detail/9670000057649
https://www.dailynews.co.th/news/3611475/
http://clinictech.ops.go.th/online/cmo/site_blog_show.asp?id=881
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