Empowering Local Communities Through Lifelong Learning and Vocational Training

10Oct 2025 by Suphanida Duangchinda

Outreach and Engagement

Self-development is considered the cornerstone of lifelong learning. For this reason, Walailak University places great importance on hosting events at university that are open to the general public to train activities and vocational skill development. These activities are conducted in both long-term programs and ad-hoc initiatives, serving as mechanisms to help address unemployment, enhance workforce quality, and further advance existing skills for career success through engagement with various departments from the diagnostics of participants’ needs. The activities are classified into two main types: executive education programs and vocational training.

Programme

Executive Education Programme

The training activities under this topic focus on upskilling and reskilling professionals working in relevant fields, such as pharmacy and education. The participants already possess fundamental knowledge and expertise; therefore, these activities provide opportunities to further enhance their skills and update their competencies to be more modern and effective. Importantly, the events are organized as part of long-standing programs that have been continuously implemented for many years.

Pharmacists’ Professional Competence through Lifelong Learning

The School of Pharmacy, in collaboration with the Center for Academic Services, recognizes the importance of continuously developing the capacity of pharmacists and healthcare professionals. The aim is to ensure they possess up-to-date knowledge that can be effectively applied in practice, inline with the national health service development plan, for the maximum benefit of patients. This initiative also promotes continuing education in accordance with the policy of the Pharmacy Council, while supporting the dissemination of health knowledge to the public. Therefore, the Pharmacy Academic Seminar 2024 was organized.

The seminar consisted of three courses:

Course 1: Principles of Geriatric Drug Therapy (Drug Use in the Elderly) with 34 participants

Course 2: Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicines in Cancer Patients with 23 participant

Course 3: How to Use Compounded and Commercial Parenteral Nutrition for Hospitalized Patients with 21 participants

Participants included professionals from diverse fields such as executive hospital pharmacists, hospital pharmacists, community pharmacists, physicians, dietitians, and the general public. Upon completion, participants received a certificate and three continuing pharmacy education (CPE) credits for each course.

The measurement of impact and effectiveness from all three courses showed highly positive feedback. Participants expressed satisfaction with the up-to-date content, practical case studies, and the expertise of speakers who provided clear and precise responses to questions. Moreover, participants suggested additional topics for future seminars, such as Clinical Pharmacokinetics, Nutrition in Community Pharmacies, Parenteral Nutrition in Pediatrics, Drug Use in Patients with Renal Diseases, and Enteral Nutrition in Special Patient Groups. These insights will be invaluable for the School of Pharmacy and the Center for Academic Services in improving and further developing future seminars. The goal is to ensure participants can apply the knowledge gained in their professional practice, thereby fostering continuous development and achieving maximum effectiveness.

Enhancing the Early Childhood Teaching Profession through Educational Game Innovation

Recognizing the importance of improving the quality of early childhood education in the area, Walailak University organized this activity to support and strengthen the capacity of staff in early childhood development centers including Early Childhood Development Center Directors and teachers. The initiative aims to enable them to design and apply modern teaching innovations, particularly learning through educational games, which stimulate child development while creating a joyful learning environment. In addition, the program emphasizes the development of systematic lesson plans to raise the quality of educational institutions as exemplary models for the future.
The activity consisted of two main components: (1) the transfer of technology games, which focused on equipping early childhood teachers with principles and techniques for creating games suitable for child development, to be applied in classroom learning corners in engaging and enjoyable ways; and (2) a workshop on lesson planning to elevate the quality of model institutions, where teachers collaboratively designed systematic teaching plans that covered content, activities, and assessment methods, thereby enhancing teaching efficiency and strengthening institutions as model examples in early childhood education.
The program was highly successful in equipping teachers with the knowledge, understanding, and skills necessary to apply technology and innovation concretely in their teaching practices. Participants were able to apply the insights gained to improve learning corners and develop lesson plans that effectively enhance the quality of their institutions. This serves as a crucial foundation for fostering high-quality early childhood education and long-term child development. It is recommended that such activities be organized on a regular basis to provide teachers with a platform for continuous exchange, learning, and self-development.

Vocational training

The training under this topic aims to provide opportunities for individuals without specialized skills to learn and apply the acquired knowledge in their professional careers. Each training subject focuses on essential and emerging skills that can enhance participants’ capabilities, enabling them to pursue new careers or generate additional income in a practical and sustainable manner.

Stepping into a Global Community: English Training for Tha Sala Restaurant Staff

Recognizing the importance of enhancing the potential of communities surrounding Walailak University, the Walailak University International College and the Center for Academic Services jointly organized the “Tha Sala Global – The Global Neighbour, Year 2” project. This continuing initiative aims to develop English language skills and strengthen workforce readiness in the local community to better accommodate international students and staff residing in the area.

On June 7, 2024, at Meeting Room 1, Research Building, Walailak University hosted a practical vocational training workshop titled “Basic English for Food Service (Restaurants)”. The session was led by Dr. Suchita Manajit and Dr. Kornwan Rattanaburi, with participation from over 30 restaurant staff members in Tha Sala District and international students from the International College. The training emphasized essential English communication skills for restaurant operations, including greeting customers, taking orders, handling reservations, and addressing unexpected issues. To enhance the learning experience, international students served as mentors and role-played real-life service scenarios. At the conclusion of the workshop, Dr. Suchita Manajit presented certificates of completion to participating restaurant staff from Tha Sala District.

This training program successfully equipped restaurant employees with practical English skills essential for their profession, thereby enabling local businesses to expand their customer base to include more international visitors. Moreover, it provided free access to expert knowledge from the university while preparing Tha Sala District to become more welcoming to foreigners. The initiative marks an important step in community development and in fostering sustainable relationships between the university and its surrounding communities.

Figures : Workshop on Basic English for Service Work (Restaurant)

Chef Skills Training: Enhancing Careers, Generating Income, and Elevating Local Cuisine for Community Economy

Recognizing the importance of promoting careers, creating income, and stimulating the local economy—particularly through the utilization of community resources and wisdom—Walailak University, through the Center for Academic Services in collaboration with the Walailak Culinary Training Center and the School of Management, organized the “Chef Skills” training workshop. The program aimed to transfer culinary knowledge that adds value to local ingredients, such as Spanish mackerel and blue swimming crab, which are signature products of Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. In addition, the project integrated teaching and learning with sustainable community development, offering students the opportunity to practice culinary skills and work directly with the local community.
The “Chef Skills” training consisted of two courses: Spanish Mackerel Curry (Nam Ya) held on July 19, 2024, and Blue Swimming Crab Dumplings and Spring Rolls held on July 18, 2024. Both sessions took place at the Pro-Chef Kitchen, Walailak Culinary Training Center. The primary objective was to preserve and enhance local culinary wisdom while promoting the processing of local ingredients to increase their value. A large number of entrepreneurs and interested participants joined the training, gaining knowledge of authentic recipes, ingredient selection techniques, and cooking methods from professional chefs, with students from the Culinary Arts program serving as assistant instructors.

The “Chef Skills” program achieved great success in providing culinary knowledge and skills to local participants. Beyond increasing income and stimulating the community economy, participants were able to apply what they learned in practice, such as accepting catering orders for snacks. Furthermore, the initiative helped preserve and sustain local culinary traditions. The collaboration between students and the community also provided students with hands-on experience and effectively addressed market demands. This program serves as a model of sustainable community development, grounded in academic knowledge from the university.

Figures : Chef Skills Training: Value Creation through Spotted Mackerel Curry and Blue Swimming Crab Dumplings

Ad-Hoc Activities

Each year, Walailak University organizes activities to promote career development knowledge for people in the community across various professions. These specialized activities focus on essential knowledge, enabling participants to build upon and apply what they have learned in practical and tangible ways in their occupations.

Executive education

Seminar on Fuel Price Trends: Supporting Red Palm Oil Innovation Research to Boost Thailand’s Economy and Create New Opportunities for Farmers

On March 15, 2021, Walailak University Science and Technology Park, through its Division of Research Collaboration with the Private Sector, organized a seminar under the theme “Fuel Price Trends in Thailand: Towards Supporting Red Palm Oil.” The event was held at the Innovation Gallery, Science and Technology Park Building, Walailak University.
This seminar served as an important platform for exchanging ideas and presenting innovative research on red palm oil production, regarded as a key approach to adding value to Thailand’s oil palm industry and driving its utilization in industrial applications in a tangible way. The majority of participants came from government and private sector organizations including supervisory, executive, and general administration officer level, who were able to apply the knowledge gained from the seminar to further development.

The program featured a presentation on red palm oil production technology by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mudtorlep Nisoa, lecturer at the School of Science and an expert in microwave technology. In addition, innovative entrepreneurs showcased products developed through the application of this research, demonstrating the potential of Thai research to be extended into practical use within the industrial sector.

Figures : Seminar on ‘Fuel Price Trends in Thailand and the Promotion of Red Palm Oil

Knowledge Enhancement Activities to Develop the Potential and Upgrade the Carees of Local Administrative Organization Executives and Personnel

Walailak University holds an important mission in providing academic services to society, particularly in transferring knowledge and innovations to support sustainable development. Local Administrative Organizations are agencies that are closely connected to the public and play a direct role in development and problem-solving within their communities. Therefore, strengthening the capacity of LAO personnel is essential for enhancing management efficiency and work quality in order to address future changes and challenges.

This training program was organized on 21–22 November 2024 at Walailak University. It aimed to strengthen the knowledge of participating executives and officials from local administrative organizations in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, enabling them to apply and extend the knowledge gained to their professions more effectively. The training was conducted under the Triple Five Model, which comprises theories, principles, and new learning processes that are participant-centered. A variety of training techniques were employed, including multimedia tools and interactive workshops. Key topics covered included Strategic Management (HEAD), Modern Organizational Management (HAND), and Strategic Human Capital Management (HEART), complemented by experience-sharing from exemplary organizations. Participants also received training materials as guidelines for practical application in their work.

The Triple Five Model Training Program was designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of local administrative organization personnel in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. It enables participants to develop their own potential and improve the efficiency of their responsibilities, leading to organizational management excellence and the transition toward becoming a “high-performance organization” that aligns with sustainable development in the future.

Empowering Entrepreneurs through the “New Regional Startups Workshop”

The Science and Technology Park of Walailak University organized the “New Regional Startups Workshop”, an intensive training program totaling over 30 hours, designed to strengthen the capabilities and extend the knowledge of emerging entrepreneurs. The program provided full support for accommodation and meals throughout the training.

This workshop served as an important platform for developing an entrepreneurial mindset and fostering innovation-driven businesses that can be transformed into real career opportunities in today’s highly competitive economy. The training covered a wide range of essential topics for starting and expanding businesses, including Entrepreneurial & Innovation Mindset, Disruptive Business, Design Thinking, Business Model Canvas, Storytelling & Pitching Technique, Branding & Product Design, and Finance and Accounting. Together, these modules offered vital knowledge to enhance entrepreneurs’ creativity, product development, and sustainable business planning.

More than just an in-depth training program, the New Regional Startups Workshop also served as an opportunity to upskill and reskill entrepreneurs, equipping them with the adaptability needed to navigate rapid economic and technological changes with confidence. Ultimately, this initiative is expected to drive the creation of new business networks and innovations with the potential to contribute significantly to regional economic development in the future.

Vocational Training

From Lab to Market: Building Sustainable Careers for Entrepreneurs, Researchers, and the Public

On 19 January 2024, Walailak University organized an academic training session titled “Food Laws and Guidelines for Registering Food Products Derived from Advanced Technology and Innovation Research.” The event was held in collaboration with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Nonthaburi, at Khao Luang Conference Room, 2^ndFloor, Cooperative Education Building, Walailak University, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

This activity played a crucial role in fostering accurate understanding of food laws and product registration procedures, which are key mechanisms for driving advanced technology and innovation research into commercialization in compliance with legal standards and regulations. It also provided researchers, entrepreneurs, and the general public with clear guidance on how to develop food products from the laboratory to the marketplace.

In summary, the training not only enhanced knowledge of food laws but also prepared researchers and entrepreneurs to transform their research into viable business ventures, thereby building pathways toward stable and sustainable careers.

WEDA Inspires Students with Creative Thinking through Design Thinking

On 11 January 2024, the Walailak Entrepreneurship Development Agency (WEDA), under the Science and Technology Park of Walailak University, organized a hands-on workshop titled “Creative Thinking with Design Thinking Tools” for over 40 students at WEDA Café, Science and Technology Park Building. The training served as an important platform for students to learn the Design Thinking process, a skill that can be practically applied to learning, working, daily life, and even future career development. The workshop created a lively and engaging atmosphere, encouraging students to think outside the box, practice teamwork, and present creative solutions to challenges. In summary, the activity not only enhanced students’ creative thinking skills but also fostered an entrepreneurial mindset from the high school level—laying a strong foundation for developing youth potential to become a driving force in the future creative economy and innovation.