The International Strategy and Global Affairs Division, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, pursued an intensive and continuous internationalization agenda throughout August 2026. Its work transformed international cooperation from institutional frameworks into tangible activities and real-world outcomes through partnership development, international learning platforms, connections between students and global businesses, academic and research collaboration, and meaningful opportunities for cross-cultural exchange.
The Division’s work during the month covered multiple dimensions, including Global Exposure, International Student Engagement, Global Employability, Global Visibility, Strategic Partnership Development, International Academic Collaboration and International Research Output. The overarching goal was to move international cooperation beyond networks and formal agreements toward a process of Partnership → Engagement → Collaboration → Tangible Outcomes that continuously creates value for students, staff, and the Faculty.
Empowering Students to Step onto the Global Stage
On 3 August 2026, the Division accompanied two exchange students from De Montfort University (DMU), United Kingdom—Mr. Yash Sharma and Ms. Srhya Lalh—together with Mr. Thawin Phlaiwang, a fourth-year English major at Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, to participate as Student Speakers at the International Forum for Sustainable Futures held at the United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok. Students from the Business English Program were also given the opportunity to attend, exchange perspectives, and learn directly from an international forum.
On this significant occasion, the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences served as Moderator, while Dr. Charlotte Amalie Aca-ac Yuson, a lecturer in the Business English Program, served as Co-organizer. Their involvement reflected the proactive roles of the Faculty’s students and staff on the international stage—from learning and contributing perspectives to helping organize the event.
The initiative not only broadened students’ experience but also created tangible connections among DMU, SSRU, and international organizations. It provided meaningful Global Exposure through learning, presentations, and communication with people from diverse national and cultural backgrounds.
Strengthening International Student Engagement and Partner Relations
On 7 August 2026, the Division organized the Farewell Reception for DMU Students at the Nibha Room to express its appreciation and foster positive relations between exchange students from De Montfort University and Faculty personnel. M.R. Soraj Visuthi was honored as a guest speaker and experience-sharing contributor during the event.
The reception reflected the Faculty’s commitment to supporting international students and creating a positive exchange experience through its International Student Engagement approach. It also strengthened the continuity of relations between SSRU and DMU and supported the long-term development of institutional cooperation.
Connecting Students with Global Employers and Advancing International Career Readiness
On 14 August 2026, the Division and the Business English Program jointly organized Career Talk: FedEx. Executives and representatives from FedEx—Bhubingphanad Wilai, Manager Customer Experience; Sasiwong Rattanapong, Manager People Operations; and Suttimon Inchamnan, People Operations Specialist – Senior—shared first-hand professional experience covering job application preparation, working in an international organization, and the skills required in today’s global business environment.
The event connected student learning directly with an International Employer Network and strengthened Global Employability, while opening pathways for internship cooperation and future career opportunities in international organizations.
Building Global Visibility through Future Voices Thailand 2026
On 18 August 2026, the Division co-organized Future Voices Thailand 2026 – English Speech Contest in collaboration with EnglishScore and the Sustainable Development Council (SDC). The competition provided primary and secondary school students with a national platform to demonstrate their English-language ability, communication skills, and understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Participants developed their English communication skills through sustainability issues of global importance. Winners from each competition level earned the opportunity to present SDG-related topics at the United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok—an important experience connecting a national youth platform with an international stage.
Future Voices Thailand 2026 was therefore more than a youth development platform. It became a strategic mechanism for enhancing the Global Visibility of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University through cooperation with international organizations and partners.
Developing Strategic Partnerships and Expanding International Cooperation Networks
From 24–27 August 2026, the Division continued to expand and strengthen its international partner network. It welcomed and held discussions with representatives from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), University Muhammadiyah Malaysia (UMAM), and Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages, Taiwan, to explore and develop cooperation in Student Mobility, Academic Collaboration, Language Education, and International Activities.
The Division also attended the IIE Global Partners Reception to build and expand connections with the Institute of International Education (IIE) and other international network partners. In addition, meetings were held with EduHeart Knowledge Network and Publishing, Inc.; Thu Duc College, Vietnam; and Pangasinan State University, the Philippines, in preparation for an international academic conference.
These initiatives demonstrate the Division’s systematic approach to partnership development—from establishing relationships and exploring opportunities to designing Joint Activities and Collaborative Outcomes capable of generating lasting value.
International Research Collaboration: From Institutional Networks to Joint Publication
Another significant outcome of the Faculty’s internationalization agenda was the development of research collaboration between Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU), China, and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University (FHS–SSRU), leading to a jointly authored publication in an international academic journal.
The research article “Mapping Evolutionary Stages and Exploring Institutional Logics in Sino-UK Cooperative Higher Education: Integrating Social Network Analysis and Critical Discourse Analysis” by Zhou, T., Lieungnapar, A., & Tian, W. (2026), was published in VOICES AND VISIONS: Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 9(2), 17–37.
The publication represents a tangible outcome of International Research Collaboration and demonstrates how institutional relationships can evolve into Joint Research Output and Joint Publication, strengthening the Faculty’s international academic network and research capacity.
From MOU to Active Partnership: Tangible Outcomes between SSRU and Pangasinan State University
A clear example of Partner Activation took place on 28 August 2026, when Pangasinan State University (PSU), the Philippines—an institutional partner of the Faculty—invited Flying Officer Dr. Pirada Anuwech, a lecturer in the Business English Program, to serve as a speaker for the online ASEAN Language and Cultural Exchange under the 2026 ASEAN Month Celebration.
During the activity, Flying Officer Dr. Pirada introduced participants to basic Thai, everyday communication, and Thai culture through participatory learning. Participants were able to practice the Thai language and explore the relationship between language and culture in the ASEAN context under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.”
The activity clearly reflected the approach of “advancing cooperation from MOU to Active Partnership” in tangible terms. The relationship between SSRU and PSU was activated through a real academic initiative, creating an opportunity for a Faculty lecturer to contribute to an international platform while laying the foundation for future Academic Collaboration, Faculty Mobility, and Student Mobility.
Partnership → Engagement → Collaboration → Tangible Outcomes
The body of work delivered throughout August 2026 reflects the proactive approach of the International Strategy and Global Affairs Division. It is committed to moving institutional relationships beyond MOU frameworks toward cooperation that delivers real outcomes—from Global Exposure for students, International Student Engagement, and Global Employability to Global Visibility, Strategic Partnerships, International Research Collaboration, and Partner Activation.
Every initiative was designed to generate participation, exchange, and outcomes capable of further development. Together, they reflect the role of the International Strategy and Global Affairs Division as a Strategic Internationalization Unit connecting Partners, People, Activities, and Outcomes to advance the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, as an internationally connected Faculty with active partnerships, demonstrable achievements, and tangible impact.
The International Strategy and Global Affairs Division will continue to transform its partner network into Academic Collaboration, Joint Research, Joint Publication, Faculty Mobility, Student Mobility, and International Activities—turning International Partnerships into International Impact and advancing the Faculty’s internationalization agenda sustainably.