The International Strategy and Global Affairs Division, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, advanced an intensive and continuous internationalization agenda throughout August 2026. Its work transformed international cooperation from institutional frameworks into real activities and measurable outcomes through partnership development, international learning platforms, connections with global employers, and tangible opportunities for academic and cross-cultural exchange.
Throughout the month, the Division delivered initiatives spanning Global Exposure, International Student Engagement, Global Employability, Strategic Partnership Development, International Academic Collaboration, and Partner Activation. Every initiative was designed to create direct value for students and staff while strengthening the international capacity and visibility of both the Faculty and the University.
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—as participants, contributors, and organizers.
The initiative not only broadened students’ experience but also forged a tangible connection among DMU, SSRU, and international organizations. It provided meaningful global exposure through learning, communication, and collaboration 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 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 formed an important part of the Faculty’s support for international students. It was designed to create a positive experience throughout their exchange period under the International Student Engagement approach, while strengthening continuity in institutional relations and opening pathways for new forms of future cooperation.
Connecting Students with a Global Employer and Building 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 students directly with an International Employer Network and strengthened their Global Employability. It supported their readiness in language, communication, professional presence, and understanding of global workplace culture, while opening pathways to future internship and employment 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 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. The initiative inspired young people to express their views confidently and use the power of communication to help shape the future. Competition winners earned the opportunity to present SDG-related topics at the United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok—an important experience connecting a youth competition with an international platform.
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, while demonstrating the role of a Thai higher education institution in promoting English communication and sustainability awareness among the next generation.
Accelerating Strategic Partnerships with Overseas Universities
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 discussions focused on transforming institutional relations into actionable programs and activities, including student and faculty exchanges, academic events, language education development, and international experiences for students.
The Division also attended the IIE Global Partners Reception to 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 connections and identifying areas of cooperation to designing joint implementation pathways. The central objective is to ensure that institutional relationships generate activities, collaboration, and outcomes capable of creating lasting value.
From MOU to Active Partnership: Tangible Results between SSRU and Pangasinan State University
A major partnership outcome in August 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.
Flying Officer Dr. Pirada introduced participants to basic Thai, everyday communication, and Thai culture through participatory learning activities. Participants were able to practice the Thai language and understand the relationship between language and culture in the ASEAN context under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.”
The activity provides a clear example of “advancing cooperation from MOU to Active Partnership.” The relationship between SSRU and PSU was activated through a real academic initiative with active participants and tangible international knowledge exchange. It also created an opportunity for a Faculty lecturer to demonstrate expertise and contribute to an international academic activity.
Driving Internationalization through Partnerships that Deliver
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 Active Partnerships that generate real activities, participants, learning experiences, and outcomes capable of further development.
From providing students with Global Exposure on an international stage and strengthening International Student Engagement, to building Global Employability through a connection with a global employer, enhancing Global Visibility through Future Voices Thailand 2026, developing Strategic Partnerships with overseas universities, and activating a partnership through an academic initiative between SSRU and Pangasinan State University, every mission has contributed to one shared goal: creating an international learning environment and preparing students and staff to work, learn, and live confidently in a global context.
The International Strategy and Global Affairs Division, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, will continue to strengthen its partner network and transform cooperation into Academic Collaboration, Faculty Mobility, Student Mobility, and International Activities. Through this continued effort, the Faculty will advance its internationalization agenda from Partnership to Impact—creating tangible, meaningful, and sustainable outcomes on the international stage.