SMU President Lily Kong embarked on introductory visits to Chulalongkorn and Thammasat universities on 29th January 2019, where she met and pursued new academic programme and student mobility collaborations with her counterparts, Professor Bundhit Eua-arporn and Professor Gainee Witoonchart, respectively.

This was Prof Kong’s first overseas mission as SMU president, during which she also delivered a keynote address at the Thailand Quality Education Forum 2019 on the invitation of Mahidol University President Banchong Mahaisavariya, hosted a dinner for members of SMU’s Thai International Advisory Council (IAC), and called on Singapore Ambassador to Thailand Chua Siew San the following morning.

[Photo: Professor Lily Kong (in pink) with Chulalongkorn University and Thammasat University counterparts President Bundhit Eua-arporn (top left) and Rector Gasinee Witoonchart (top right), and Mahidol University Acting Vice-president for Policy and Planning Chuthamanee Suthisisang (centre). Prof Kong hosted a dinner for SMU IAC members (bottom) that involved (from left) Thai Wah Chief Executive Officer Ho Ren Hua, Bangkok Bank President Chartsiri Sophonpanich, Prof Kong, SMU Senior Advisor to President Tan Chin Tiong, The Siam Commercial Bank Independent Director Khunying Jada Wattanasiritham and SMU Office of Advancement Director Chan Wai Leng.]

[Photo: Prof Kong delivering her keynote address, titled ‘Riding the Waves of Disruption’ during the Thailand Quality Education Forum 2019.]

In her keynote presentation to members of the Thailand Higher Education Commission, Mahidol University educators and administrators, and representatives of other Thai and foreign universities, Prof Kong spoke about the what, why and how of SMU nurturing global-ready and socially responsible citizens who thrive and contribute meaningfully to society at home and abroad.

She stressed the need for universities to create value and remain relevant to industry and society in the face of challenging disruptions. In this regard, she invited universities to collaborate to build resilience and be in time for the future. (Read Prof Kong’s full speech in the attached PDF.)

[Photo: Prof Kong experiencing a virtual workstation simulator at the Chulalongkorn University Innovation Hub (left) before meeting with Chulalongkorn University President Bundhit Eua-arporn.]

At Chulalongkorn University, Prof Kong visited the Chulalongkorn Innovation Hub and Siam Innovation District, which together with the newly established School of Integrated Innovation, make up an innovation ecosystem. This was followed by her meeting with President Eua-arporn, where both presidents discussed and developed collaborative initiatives in the innovation space, harnessing the synergies from the common strengths and foci of both universities.

Prof Kong’s discussions at Thammasat University with University Rector Gasinee Witoonchart centred on a range of academic programme and student mobility collaborations at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including Thammasat Business School fielding its students to participate in SMU’s Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition in 2020.

[Photo: Prof Kong at Thammasat University with Rector Gasinee Witoonchart, Vice-Rector for International Affairs Kitti Prasirtsuk, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation Siriwan Suebnukam, Faculty of Commerce and Accountacy Dean Pipop Udorn, College of Interdisciplinary Studies Dean Decha Sungkawan, and other Thammasat representatives.]

Prof Kong’s visit to Thailand underscores SMU’s commitment to forging quality partnerships and building deep relations with leading universities in the region and beyond.

[Featured photo: SMU President Professor Lily Kong with Chulalongkorn University counterpart, Professor Bundhit Eua-arporn.]