Category: Sustainability and Stewardship

Sustainability and Stewardship Walailak University’s Commitment to Financial Transparency: A Model of Accountability Transparency and accountability are fundamental principles of good governance in higher education institutions. Walailak University (WU) upholds these values by consistently publishing its financial data, allowing stakeholders to understand the university’s financial operations and decision-making processes. By making financial reports publicly accessible, WU fosters trust among students, faculty, donors, and the wider community while demonstrating fiscal responsibility. This commitment has been maintained for years, as seen in the financial data publication of 2023 and continued with the latest 2024 report.Walailak University’s Financial Data Publishing in 2024Building on its commitment to transparency, Walailak University published its financial report for the fiscal year 2024. This publication reinforces WU’s dedication to responsible financial governance and institutional integrity. The report covers…

Sustainability and Stewardship Walailak University’s Student Unions Engage and Advocacy for Student and the Campus At WU, two primary student unions form the foundation of student governance and advocacy: the Student Administrative Board (SAB) and the Student Council of Walailak University. Both organizations were established under the Walailak University Regulation, B.E. 2540, and have significantly contributed to student welfare and university development.Student Administrative Board (SAB)The Student Administrative Board (SAB) is responsible for setting policies, planning, and conducting projects that enhance student life. The SAB oversees student clubs and organizations, ensuring their smooth operation while fostering an engaging and supportive environment. In 2023, the SAB spearheaded several key initiatives:Exhibition of Student Clubs: A showcase event to encourage student participation and strengthen the sense of community within the university.Meetings with the University…

Sustainability and Stewardship Walailak University's Commitment to Combating Corruption, Bribery, and Organized Crime Walailak University (WU) remains steadfast to uphold the highest ethical standards by implementing comprehensive policies and initiatives aimed at preventing organized crime, corruption, and bribery. Through rigorous governance frameworks and proactive engagement, WU reinforces transparency, accountability, and integrity in all facets of its administration.The 2023 Anti-Corruption Action PlanIn 2023, WU launched the Anti-Corruption Action Plan to enhance governance and financial integrity. The university undertook significant restructuring of the WU’s Internal Audit Unit to ensure greater independence in auditing university operations. In parallel, external audits were assigned to the State Audit Office of the Kingdom of Thailand, further strengthening financial oversight and accountability.The action plan explicitly delineates WU’s expenditure related to preventing corruption, crime, and bribery while integrating…

Sustainability and Stewardship Walailak University Advances Sustainable Start-Ups Through Innovation and Entrepreneurial Support Walailak University (WU) is fostering entrepreneurship and innovation within local communities by providing essential knowledge, technology, and funding opportunities for sustainable business development. This commitment aligns with sustainable development principles, ensuring that start-up enterprises are both economically viable and socially responsible.The university's primary institution facilitating local start-up assistance is the Walailak Business Incubation Center (WIC), with additional support from the Science and Technology Park (WUSTP). WIC plays a pivotal role in strengthening local businesses by equipping entrepreneurs with scientific knowledge, technological advancements, and essential business strategies. The center provides comprehensive support, guiding start-ups from conceptualization through research and development (R&D) and market validation to full commercialization.In 2023, WIC, in collaboration with the Science and Technology Park, organized…

Sustainability and Stewardship Collaboration with Workplaces Increasing Work Placements in the Tourism Industry Recognizing the pervasive nature of poverty across communities, from small villages to large nations, the university acknowledges that children are often the most vulnerable to its impact. With this awareness, Walailak University extends financial support to both Thai and international students from households in the bottom 20% income group and lower-middle-income countries. By alleviating financial burdens, the university strives to empower these students to complete their studies successfully, ensuring that economic hardship does not hinder their academic aspirations.One of the critical challenges faced by these students is the financial burden of tuition fees. To address this issue, Walailak University has significantly increased its financial aid programs over the years.Scholarships for Thai Students In the 2022 academic year,…

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%.…