EduAsiaNews, Bangkok Thailand – Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jakarta (UPNVJ) has concluded a five-day internationalization mission in Thailand, securing a number of strategic outcomes from its visit to Walailak University. Led by UPNVJ Rector Prof. Dr. Anter Venus, MA, Comm., the delegation mapped out opportunities for multidisciplinary collaboration by combining UPNVJ’s strengths in medicine, public health, and engineering with Walailak University’s expertise in the social sciences and governance. At the conclusion of the visit on Friday (September 4, 2026), the outcomes of the mission were reported to Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Kingdom of Thailand and UNESCAP Hari Prabowo, as well as Education and Culture Attaché of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Bangkok, Cyti Daniela Aruan.
Walailak University was selected as a strategic partner due to the strong alignment between its academic disciplines and those offered by nearly all faculties at UPNVJ. The university, located in Nakhon Si Thammarat, also has a strong reputation in governance and sustainability. In the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025, Walailak University ranked first among regional higher education institutions in Thailand and third nationally in the governance category, with a score of 86.4. Walailak University also ranked 268th globally in the same category.
UPNVJ Rector Prof. Dr. Anter Venus, MA, Comm., said the visit had expanded faculty involvement in international collaboration. Previously, joint programs with Walailak University involved only three faculties. The opportunities for collaboration have now been expanded to nearly all faculties, given the alignment of academic disciplines between the two universities.
“In terms of faculty involvement, only three faculties were previously engaged. Now, nearly all faculties have opportunities to participate because the academic fields we offer are also available at Walailak University,” Venus said.
In addition to broadening faculty involvement, UPNVJ and Walailak University have agreed to enhance the quality and diversity of their existing collaboration. The student exchange program, which is considered well established, will be developed into a double-degree program.
The collaboration will also be expanded from guest lectures delivered by faculty members into visiting professor and adjunct professor programs. The two universities will further strengthen joint publications, collaborative research, faculty and student mobility, as well as efforts to secure research funding from international institutions.
“We will upgrade the student exchange program into a double-degree program. The guest lecturer program will be developed into visiting professor and adjunct professor programs. Joint publications and research will also be strengthened, including through efforts to secure international funding,” Venus said.
According to Venus, Walailak University serves as a strategic starting point for UPNVJ in building a broader network of partnerships in southern Thailand. This achievement will be followed by strengthened engagement with Thaksin University, Prince of Songkla University, and other potential higher education institutions in the region.
UPNVJ will also encourage its deans to take a direct leadership role in following up on collaboration at the faculty level. This step is considered essential to ensure that agreements between university leaders can be quickly translated into concrete programs involving faculty members, academic programs, research centers, and student groups.
“Going forward, delegations will increasingly be led by the deans. The Rector has opened the way; the faculties must then bring together lecturers and researchers with similar academic expertise so that the collaboration can be implemented promptly,” he said.
The visit formed part of UPNVJ’s internationalization transformation through nine key agendas, including international accreditation and certification, publications in reputable journals, student exchanges, faculty mobility, international professorship programs, joint publications, collaborative research, and efforts to secure overseas research funding. UPNVJ is also strengthening institutional promotion through education fairs and academic forums at the ASEAN level.
Venus emphasized that UPNVJ would pursue its internationalization strategy selectively, prioritizing ASEAN countries. Southern Thailand is considered particularly promising due to the characteristics of its higher education institutions and academic disciplines, which align with UPNVJ’s development needs and offer opportunities for faster implementation of collaborative programs.
Reporting the outcomes of the visit to the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Bangkok was part of UPNVJ’s efforts to strengthen Indonesia’s educational diplomacy in Thailand. Support from Indonesian government representatives is expected to expand networks, connect UPNVJ with potential partners, and ensure that academic and research collaboration delivers benefits to both countries.
“UPNVJ must truly go global. Therefore, our internationalization programs must not stop at visits or the signing of documents. Collaboration must result in knowledge exchange, joint research, publications, academic mobility, and tangible benefits for society,” Venus concluded.
