EduAsiaNews, Songkhla Thailand – Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jakarta (UPNVJ) and Thaksin University, Thailand, are preparing to translate their initial exploration of cooperation into academic programs that can be implemented in the near term. Following a meeting at Thaksin University’s Songkhla Campus on Wednesday (September 3, 2026), the two universities will continue discussions through a reciprocal visit by a Thaksin University delegation to UPNVJ in Jakarta, scheduled for September 24, 2026.
The reciprocal visit will focus on accelerating the preparation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), while also identifying pilot projects that can be implemented by faculties and academic programs at both universities. Previously, UPNVJ had submitted a Letter of Intent as an initial foundation for establishing the academic partnership.
UPNVJ Rector Prof. Dr. Anter Venus, MA, Comm., said international cooperation should not stop at the signing of formal documents. Every commitment must result in measurable activities that provide direct benefits to students and faculty members while supporting institutional development.
“In line with our initial commitment, we came to ensure that this collaboration would not merely become a passive document. The Letter of Intent that has been submitted needs to be promptly translated into an MoU, MoA, and specific projects that can be implemented jointly,” Venus said.
The meeting at Thaksin University was chaired by Dean of Thaksin University’s International College, Dr. Pittayatorn Kaewkong, together with representatives from several academic fields. The discussions covered law, English, social sciences, as well as the development of master’s and doctoral programs.
One of the opportunities to be further explored during the visit to Jakarta is the development of internationally oriented postgraduate programs. The two parties will explore forms of collaboration including joint teaching, guest lectures, curriculum development, collaborative research, and the potential establishment of joint academic programs.
Venus expressed his hope that members of the Thaksin University delegation visiting UPNVJ would also deliver guest lectures in their respective areas of expertise. In addition, the meeting will be used to determine the most feasible pilot projects to be implemented as an initial stage of the partnership.
“During the visit, we hope that the participants or members of the delegation will be able to deliver lectures. In addition, we will discuss potential pilot projects that can be implemented immediately, particularly for the development of international postgraduate programs,” he said.
UPNVJ also sees significant potential in student and faculty mobility programs. The geographical proximity between Indonesia and Thailand, relatively affordable mobility costs, and shared cultural characteristics within the ASEAN region are considered conducive to student exchanges, visiting faculty programs, joint teaching, and short-term academic activities.
Nevertheless, Venus emphasized that every program should be developed based on the compatibility of academic quality and areas of excellence. UPNVJ will map Thaksin University’s institutional rankings, faculty reputation, academic programs, departments, and fields of study before determining potential partners at the faculty level.
“We need to assess this university in terms of its quality and rankings, and then map its faculties, departments, academic units, and fields of study. Through this mapping process, we will identify areas that are truly strong and relevant for collaboration,” Venus said.
The strengthening of the partnership with Thaksin University is proceeding in parallel with UPNVJ’s collaboration with Prince of Songkla University (PSU). UPNVJ and PSU signed an MoU on September 1, 2026, covering student and faculty exchanges, joint academic programs, research, scholarly publications, community engagement, and opportunities for double-degree programs.
According to Venus, the networks being developed with Thaksin University and PSU form part of UPNVJ’s strategy to strengthen impact-oriented internationalization. The partnerships are not only aimed at enhancing the university’s institutional reputation but also at expanding students’ access to global learning experiences, increasing faculty research productivity, and enabling higher education institutions to make meaningful contributions to ASEAN communities.
“The September 24 visit must serve as a momentum to establish programs that can be implemented immediately. Internationalization must be realized through academic mobility, joint research, knowledge exchange, and educational programs that deliver tangible benefits,” Venus concluded.(www.upnvj.ac.id)
