Khon Kaen University (KKU), in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), convened a serious worldwide diplomatic discussion board to showcase the mixing of northeastern Thai (Isan) knowledge with science, know-how, and innovation on the worldwide stage.
KHON KAEN, THAILAND – On 29 January 2026, Khon Kaen University (KKU), in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), hosted the “Diplomacy and International Partnership Forum on Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation 2026.” The discussion board was held beneath the theme, “Science and Technology for Regional Industry Development and Local Wisdom Integration,” on the Khon Kaen University Science Park.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Ms. Pennapa Kanchana, Inspector General of MHESI, who was joined by Assistant Professor Denpong Soodphakdee, Ph.D., Vice President for Education and Digital, Khon Kaen University, who delivered the welcoming tackle. The discussion board efficiently attracted over 110 members, together with representatives from 32 embassies, executives from 15 universities, and leaders from 14 analysis establishments.
This gathering marked a important milestone in advancing “Science Diplomacy”, positioning science, know-how, and innovation as bridges for worldwide cooperation. The discussion board offered a platform for information change and enabled members to expertise first-hand the modern analysis and growth rising from Thailand’s Northeastern (Isan) area.
The Role of KKU as an Engine of Regional Innovation
Assistant Professor Denpong Soodphakdee, Ph.D., Vice President for Education and Digital, Khon Kaen University, expressed his profound honour in welcoming such distinguished and devoted people from world wide.
“The Khon Kaen University Science Park serves as a pivotal unit driving our regional development,” stated Assistant Professor Denpong. “Khon Kaen University maintains a clear commitment: our research must not merely remain confined to library shelves. We strive to push these works out into the world to create tangible, positive changes in people’s lives. We focus on generating impactful outcomes for humanity, covering aspects such as food security, smart technologies, and creating a sustainable world.”
Assistant Professor Denpong additional highlighted KKU’s distinctive id, which efficiently integrates superior know-how with native knowledge.
“What distinguishes us is our approach of leveraging the traditional wisdom of our Isan ancestors and augmenting it with modern science to empower local farmers and businesses to compete globally,” he affirmed. “We hope that this forum is not merely a single event; please view Khon Kaen University as a vital gateway leading you to the Asian region. We are perpetually open to new ideas, new friendships, and new avenues for collaboratively addressing global challenges.”
Science Diplomacy as a Mechanism for Global Collaboration
Ms. Pennapa Kanchana, Inspector General of MHESI, said that the discussion board displays the ministry’s steadfast dedication to advancing worldwide cooperation and strengthening international partnerships by the lens of Science Diplomacy.
“We firmly believe that science diplomacy is an essential mechanism for building mutual trust, fostering understanding, and promoting effective collaboration among governments, academic establishments, research organisations, and all sectoral stakeholders,” Ms. Kanchana defined. “It allows us to collectively confront shared challenges and drive sustainable development.”
The resolution to host the occasion in Khon Kaen and the Northeastern area goals to reveal how science, know-how, and innovation can robustly drive industrial growth whereas harmoniously conserving and selling native information, tradition, and conventional knowledge.
The Inspector General concluded by noting that the discussion board serves as an open platform for change amongst policymakers, diplomats, researchers, and practitioners to pursue future cooperative alternatives, share experience, and set up sturdy alliances. “We sincerely hope that the connections forged here will lead to concrete cooperation and long-term friendships between Thailand and its international partners, based on mutual benefit and shared goals.”
Showcasing Regional Advancement
Following the opening ceremony, the tutorial part commenced with Associate Professor Teerawat Laonapakul, Ph.D., Deputy Director of the Khon Kaen University Science Park, presenting on “The Role of the Regional Science Park and the Northeastern Science Parks.” His presentation mirrored the numerous position of the Science Park as a centre for R&D, know-how switch, and help for key regional trade clusters.
This was adopted by a lecture on the “Agri-Food Industry and Technology for the Advancement of the Northeast Region,” delivered by Professor Jintanaporn Wattanathorn, Ph.D., Director of the Research Institute for Human High Performance and Health Promotion (HHP&HP), Khon Kaen University, alongside Ms. Lallalit Sukontarattanasuk, Managing Director of Lallalit Agrifoods Co., Ltd. They offered an summary of agri-food trade growth within the area achieved by the mixing of science, know-how, and innovation, and shared sensible experiences concerning the business utilisation of analysis.
In the afternoon, delegation members had been divided into three teams to tour Khon Kaen University’s key innovation services:
- Food Pilot Plant: A facility devoted to producing next-generation meals merchandise.
- KKUVolts Battery and New Energy Science and Technology Factory: An important part driving the clear vitality revolution.
- Industrial Insects Pilot Production Plant: Showcasing sustainable approaches to future meals manufacturing.
The day concluded with a go to to the Isan Agricultural Fair 2026, a serious exhibition highlighting agricultural innovation, analysis, and the appliance of native knowledge in sustainable agribusiness. On the next day, the delegation continued its programme with a go to to Mahasarakham University.
The “Diplomacy and International Partnership Forum on Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation 2026” featured representatives from 32 embassies spanning Europe, Asia, ASEAN, and different international areas, together with quite a few ambassadors and deputy heads of diplomatic missions. Participants additionally included vice presidents and assistant presidents from 15 main universities throughout Thailand, and representatives from 14 strategic analysis institutes and authorities companies, such because the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), the Program Management Unit on Area Based Development (PMU-A), and the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA). The discussion board targeted intensely on integrating scientific, technological, and innovation information with native knowledge to create sustainable influence.