Author: Kittipong Bunlear

Sustainability and Stewardship 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…

Sustainability and Stewardship Collaboration for Increasing Work Placement Chances Being aware that limited choices of workplace for student internship could hinder students’ progress in developing their readiness and skills, Walailak University (WU) operates the internship program for all students under the Center for Cooperative Education and Career Development. Through the internship, students will not only manage the basic tasks, but also develop towards mastering their role in deeper aspects. This work placement program provided by WU allows students to gain real-world experience and extend their learning at workplace of their choice. As it was reflected that the 4-month internship previously conducted might not have led to mastering the skills and thorough application of knowledge, WU then has reformulated it to the 8-month work placement. This extended period earns benefits to…

Sustainability and Stewardship Walailak University: Championing Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace Walailak University recognizes that discrimination in the workplace can hinder the development of a diverse workforce, thereby limiting the variety of perspectives and ideas necessary for fostering innovation and creativity. Discrimination can also lead to unequal access to resources, opportunities, and services, exacerbating social and economic disparities. These issues can perpetuate cycles of poverty and restrict social mobility for marginalized groups. As part of its commitment to inclusivity, Walailak University strives to maintain a diverse environment. In its hiring and recruitment processes for both Thai and international staff, Walailak University, through its Division of Human Resources and Organization, adheres to strict non-discrimination policies. The university recognizes that it is illegal to discriminate against any applicant or employee based…

Sustainability and Stewardship Promoting the Representation of Female Senior Academic Staff Walailak University has witnessed a notable increase in interest in gender diversity among female senior academic staff. Regardless of whether they are male or female, all academic staff members have equal chances of being promoted to senior academic positions if they are qualified. Both men and women can offer significant social and economic benefits. Since Prof. Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong was appointed to be the President of Walailak University in 2016, the number of female staff has increased significantly, ensuring that Walailak University recognizes more of the leadership roles among female staff. In 2023, 269 female academic staff members at WU were empowered into leadership positions. The number was higher than the previous year increasing by 36 positions or 15.44%.…

Sustainability and Stewardship WU Supporting Non-Discrimination and Inclusion for Transgender People Walailak University (WU) reaffirmed its dedication to promoting inclusivity and respect for all genders by issuing its Policy on Gender Equality, Non-Discrimination, and Anti-Harassment. This policy highlights WU’s unwavering commitment to eradicating discrimination and harassment against all genders, including transgender people. In 2024, the university sent a delegation of LGBTQ+ students to participate in The Transgender Nakhon Si Thammarat University 2023, held in 2024. This event serves as a space to celebrate the achievements and contributions of transgender individuals in higher education and beyond. WU’s participation in such events demonstrates its solidarity with the LGBTQ+. Another initiative to celebrate gender diversity is the annual Miss Lady Boy Competition, which has been a vibrant tradition for years. This event provides…

Sustainability and Stewardship Outreach Programs on Women’s Application in Underrepresented Subjects Walailak University has been actively organizing outreach programs to encourage female students to apply for subjects where they have traditionally been underrepresented. The university places special emphasis on subjects that have historically seen lower female enrollment in Thai higher education, such as engineering, science, and architecture. In 2024, the School of Engineering and Technology, the School of Science, and the School of Architecture and Design at WU organized outreach programs aimed at boosting female enrollment in these critical fields. The secondary schools targeted for these visits were institutions where the majority of students were female, including, Petcharik Demonstration School, Yan Ta Khao Rattachanupatham, etc.During these outreach programs, WU highlighted the opportunities available for female students, assuring them that they…

Sustainability and Stewardship Sanitary Napkin Distribution and HPV Mentoring Program for Supporting Women's Internal Health Walailak University (WU) recognizes the significance of women’s internal health as a critical issue that can impact female students' ability to complete their education and female staff's ability to perform their professional roles effectively. To address this, the university has launched several initiatives aimed at improving women’s health and fostering gender equality by eliminating gender-related barriers.In 2024, WU introduced a Sanitary Napkin Distribution Scheme to support female students and staff by providing free access to sanitary napkins. This initiative was designed to reduce the stigma surrounding menstrual health and promote equal opportunities for women. To ensure accessibility, WU installed sanitary napkin dispensers in female student dormitories, allowing students to freely access the supplies whenever needed.…

Sustainability and Stewardship Raising awareness about gender discrimination on campus is essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of all community members. By educating students and staff, universities can prevent violence and bias, and create a supportive environment on campus, breaking the silence and stigma that often surrounds these issues as gender discrimination always occurs in higher educational institutions. In 2023, WU organized a webinar titled “The Patriarchal State: Women Speaking Out for Justice” through Zoom Meeting and Facebook. The event aimed to bring together researchers and activists to discuss their experiences, address issues of gender discrimination, and explore solutions. It also sought to raise awareness about gender violence among students and staff. The event was honored by speakers who specialized in women's studies and were activists for women's rights,…