UPNVJ Public Relations – BANGKOK, Thailand – The National Development University “Veteran” Jakarta (UPNVJ) concluded its five-day internationalization mission in Thailand with a number of strategic achievements from its visit to Walailak University. The delegation, led by UPNVJ Rector Prof. Dr. Anter Venus, MA, Comm, mapped out opportunities for multidisciplinary collaboration that combine UPNVJ’s strengths in medicine, public health, and engineering with Walailak University’s capacity in the social sciences and governance. At the end of the visit, Friday (4/9/2026), the results of the mission were reported to the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Kingdom of Thailand and UNESCAP Hari Prabowo and the Education and Cultural Attaché of the Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok Cyti Daniela Aruan.
Walailak University was chosen as a strategic partner due to its academic alignment with nearly all faculties at UPNVJ. The campus, located in Nakhon Si Thammarat, also has a strong reputation for governance and sustainability. In the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025, Walailak ranked first among regional Thai universities and third nationally for governance, with a score of 86.4. It also ranked 268th globally in the same category.
UPNVJ Rector Prof. Dr. Anter Venus, MA, Comm., said the visit expanded the faculty's involvement in international collaboration. While the joint Walailak program previously involved only three faculties, collaboration opportunities are now open to almost all faculties due to the overlapping disciplines at both universities.
"In terms of the number of faculty involved, previously there were only three. Now, almost all faculties have opportunities because the fields we offer are also available at Walailak University," said Venus.
In addition to expanding faculty involvement, UPNVJ and Walailak University have agreed to improve the quality and diversity of existing collaborations. The established student exchange program will be directed toward establishing a double degree program.
The collaboration will also expand beyond guest lectures to include visiting professor and adjunct professor programs. The two universities will also strengthen joint publications, collaborative research, faculty and student mobility, and efforts to secure research funding from international institutions.
"We will upgrade the student exchange program to a dual degree program. The guest lecturer program will be expanded to include visiting professorships and adjunct professorships. Publications and joint research will also be strengthened, including through seeking international funding," Venus said.
According to Venus, Walailak University is a strategic starting point for UPNVJ to build a broader network of collaborations in Southern Thailand. This success will be furthered by strengthening relationships with Thaksin University, Prince of Songkla University, and other promising universities in the region.
UPNVJ will also encourage deans to directly lead follow-up on collaborations at the faculty level. This step is necessary to ensure that agreements between university leaders can be quickly translated into concrete programs for faculty, study programs, research centers, and student groups.
"Going forward, delegations will be led more by deans. The Chancellor has paved the way; faculties need to bring together lecturers and researchers with similar fields of expertise so that collaborations can be implemented quickly," he said.
This series of visits is part of UPNVJ's international transformation through nine main agendas, including international accreditation and certification, reputable publications, student exchanges, faculty mobility, international professorship programs, joint publications, collaborative research, and seeking foreign research funding. UPNVJ also enhances institutional promotion through educational exhibitions and academic forums at the ASEAN level.
Venus emphasized that UPNVJ will implement a selective internationalization strategy, prioritizing ASEAN countries. Southern Thailand is considered to have the characteristics of higher education institutions and academic fields that align with UPNVJ's development needs and offer opportunities for faster implementation of collaborations.
Reporting the visit results to the Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok is part of an effort to strengthen Indonesia's educational diplomacy in Thailand. The support of Indonesian government representatives is expected to expand networks, connect UPNVJ with potential partners, and ensure academic and research collaborations benefit both countries.
"UPNVJ must truly go global. Therefore, all internationalization programs must not stop at visits or document signings. Collaboration must result in knowledge exchange, joint research, publications, academic mobility, and tangible benefits for the community," Venus concluded.
Work Relatives
---------------------------------
Writer: Disa Prihantini | Language Coordinator : F. Noor