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Month: January 2025

Marimekko and its Sustainable Growth

Posted on by Editorial Team

“We want to create products that will stand the test of time, both in terms of aesthetics and longevity,” Tiina Alahuhta-Kasko tells QS Insights during a trip to Aalto University School of Business in the heart of Helsinki.

Alahuhta-Kasko is of course speaking of beloved Finnish design house Marimekko, which she became CEO of in 2016, having previously held the role of CMO at the age of 30, with her career at the organisation now spanning more than two decades.

She says: “I found an organisation that aligned with my values.”

Founded in 1951, Marimekko has become so ingrained with Finnish culture, it’s hard to imagine a time before the brand existed.

Alahuhta-Kasko encapsulates this beautifully, noting it would be difficult to enter a home in Finland without finding a piece of clothing, textiles or crockery from Marimekko – often with the Unikko design, created in 1964 and is still one of Marimekko’s most loved prints.

“Our founder, Armi Ratia, had actually forbidden Marimekko designers from creating floral prints, because she felt that flowers would always be more beautiful in nature.

“But this famous Marimekko designer, Maija Isola, felt strongly about creating something inspired by flowers, and she did something completely different from the small, romantic flower prints that everybody else was doing then. She created Unikko, an avant-garde, simplified expression of a flower, and that completely changed our founder’s mind,” Alahuhta-Kasko told The PEAK Magazine.

Today, however, Marimekko´s print archive boasts over 3,500 prints and counting as it continues to add new artworks from artists from a variety of disciplines into its roster.

But Marimekko has been brightening up the lives of customers with its bold artistic prints and colours since the beginning, with Alahuhta-Kasko noting that Marimekko was born to re-energize and bring optimism to people after the difficult time period in Finland.

Alahuhta-Kasko tells QS Insights: “Marimekko´s design wasn’t about chasing fashion; 1950s Finland was a poor country.

“There is a saying in Finland, that if you do not have much money to spare, you should only invest in good quality. Since the beginning, Marimekko’s design philosophy has been based on timeless, functional and high-quality products that bring people long-lasting joy.”

Sustainability is at the heart of Marimekko’s design philosophy and operations and the company believes that in the future, timeless and high-quality products will be made in balance with the environment in line with the principles of the circular economy.

Alahuhta-Kasko says Marimekko is making a determined transition from traditional materials to certified, organic, and recycled materials and focuses also on the recyclability of its products. “Sustainability starts at the designers board.

“Design choices, such as materials, play a crucial role. We create long-lasting products, both aesthetically and in terms of durability. Marimekko products are bestsellers in the second cycle market, especially in Finland and Sweden, with items still being used even from the 1960s,” Alahuhta-Kasko says.

An example of Marimekko’s commitment to supporting innovation is the organisation’s pilot project with Origin by Ocean, which tested substituting Marimekko’s current synthetic thickener with Origin by Ocean algae-based thickener within the print paste.

The company says testing the use of bio-based thickeners in the printing process helps them toward their goal of reducing the amount of chemicals used in their supply chain.

Marimekko is committed to continuously driving innovation in technologies, materials, and business models through collaborations to lead the entire industry forward and reach their ambitious long-term vision of leaving no trace.

Read the full article on QS Insights Magazine.

Tokyo University of Science researchers develop a green tea-based adhesive films for treating Oral Mucositis

Posted on by Tokyo University of Science

Oral mucositis is a painful condition in which the mucous membranes inside the mouth become inflamed. To help alleviate this, researchers at the Tokyo University of Science (TUS) have developed a mucoadhesive film using xyloglucan and antioxidant-rich green tea extract containing catechins. With its strong adhesive properties, the film directly adheres to the affected area. Made from accessible ingredients, this solution could provide localized relief and improve the quality of life for patients.

Green tea shines as a natural powerhouse of antioxidants, with catechins leading the charge among its polyphenols, which protect cells from oxidative stress. These powerful compounds neutralize harmful free radicals generated during cancer treatment. The anti-inflammatory properties of green tea can alleviate oral mucositis, a painful inflammation of the mouth lining often caused by chemotherapy and radiation.

Building on these benefits, researchers at the Tokyo University of Science (TUS), Japan, have explored the potential of tea catechins in developing a novel treatment for oral mucositis that minimizes patient discomfort. Their findings were made available online on January 14, 2025 and published in Volume 10 and Issue 1 of ACS Omega on December 19, 2024. The research team, led by Professor Takehisa Hanawa, included Assistant Professor Kaoru Hirose, Ms. Rieko Nitto, and Mr. Shotaro Yokota from TUS, in collaboration with Dr. Yayoi Kawano (former lecturer at TUS, now Professor at Nagoya City University, Japan), as well as Dr. Akira Tabuchi, Ms. Yumeo Suzuki, and Dr. Kazuhiko Yamatoya from MP Gokyo Food & Chemical Co., Ltd., Japan.

In line with TUS’s commitment to advancing research that supports the UN  Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the team sought to develop an innovative and accessible treatment for oral mucositis, aligning with SDG 3 (good health and well-being) and SDG 9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure).

“Our goal was to create a formulation for oral mucositis that patients could use
easily and comfortably, helping to prevent the decline in quality of life and difficulties
with eating caused by cancer treatments,” explains Prof. Hanawa.

Oral mucositis, a common and painful side effect of cancer treatments, affecting 30–40% of the patients, results from damage to rapidly dividing mucosal cells. This condition causes significant discomfort and interference with vital activities, such as eating and sleeping. To address this, the researchers designed a thin mucoadhesive film enriched with tea catechins, which can be applied directly to affected areas for prolonged relief. This film
is a thin, flexible material that adheres to the inside of the mouth to deliver active ingredients, like medications, directly to the affected area. It offers a more convenient,
inexpensive, and user-friendly alternative to mucoadhesive tablets, which often have limited usability.

The films were prepared by combining xyloglucan (Xylo), a water-soluble polymer extracted from tamarind seeds, with green tea extract (TE) which contains over 75% catechins, including more than 40% epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Xylo is a natural gelling agent, commonly used as a food thickener. It forms a structure similar to the mucin network in the mouth, giving the film its mucoadhesive properties. Given the easy availability, usage as food additive, and low cost of TE, which contains EGCG as well as various catechins, it was selected as a gelling agent for Xylo in this study. The researchers examined how Xylo and TE gelled together and explored the physical and chemical properties of the gels and
films they produced.

The researchers developed two types of films: hydrogels, prepared by drying Xylo/TE solutions at 4 °C for 24 hours, and xerogels, which were dried for seven days, resulting in firmer, drier films. The hydrogel, however, transitioned into a liquid-like state at skin surface temperatures (35–37 °C) and became weak, breaking with just a small amount of pressure. In contrast, the xerogel films demonstrated better mucoadhesive properties, withstanding up to ten times more force and performing similarly to commercially available oral mucoadhesive films.

To test the adhesive strength of the xerogel, the researchers simulated oral conditions using mucin disks coated with artificial saliva. The film was pressed onto the disk with a plunger, and the force required to detach it was measured. The films adhered well, with detachment forces matching or exceeding those of over-the-counter products. The team also examined the release of EGCG by soaking the films in water, discovering that higher concentrations of Xylo facilitated greater EGCG release over time, highlighting their potential as mucoadhesive films.

“Xylo/TE xerogel films demonstrated high strength, hydrogel-like properties due to rapid water absorption, and adhesion forces comparable to commercial films,” says Prof. Hanawa. The team is now focused on enhancing the film’s design and evaluating its safety and efficacy through cell-based experiments, advancing toward a promising solution for oral mucositis.

Thammasat and University of Bristol launch “Double Degree” programs in Political Science

Posted on by Thammasat University

The Faculty of Political Science at Thammasat University has reached a collaborative agreement with the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom to initiate a joint ‘Double Degree’ programs comprising two curricula: (1) a program with the School of Sociology,
Politics and International Studies, which allows Master’s degree students enrolled in the MIR program at Thammasat University who have completed 18 credits to study for an additional year at the University of Bristol, thereby obtaining two Master’s degrees from both institutions; and (2) a program with the School for Policy Studies, which admits final-year undergraduate students from both the regular curriculum and the BIR program of the Faculty of Political Science at Thammasat University, as well as Master’s degree students from the MIR program who have completed 18 credits, to further their studies at the University of Bristol to earn an MSc in Public Policy. For both programs, the University of Bristol offers a 10% tuition fee discount.

The University of Bristol is a leading educational institution in the United Kingdom, currently ranked 54th in the world according to the QS World University Rankings 2025.

During the signing ceremony of this cooperation agreement, Associate Professor Dr. Puli Fuwongcharoen, Dean of the Faculty of Political Science, and Associate Professor Dr. Jittipat Poonkham, Deputy Dean for Academic Affairs and International Relations, engaged in discussions with representatives from the University of Bristol, led by Jessica Carwardine, Deputy Head of Partnerships and Relations, along with Dr. Caryn Peiffer and Gabrielle Osborne, prior to the signing of the cooperation agreement. They also met with interested students to introduce the University of Bristol and the newly launched Double Degree programs.

Associate Professor Dr. Puli Fuwongcharoen, Dean of the Faculty of Political Science at
Thammasat University, expressed that the Faculty of Political Science at Thammasat University is striving to become a leading political science hub in Southeast Asia. Its recent partnership with the University of Bristol, establishing a Double Degree program, is part of a broader strategy to boost international collaboration. This includes research initiatives, staff exchanges, and joint academic activities, reflecting the Faculty’s commitment to achieving global recognition.

Associate Professor Dr. Jitipat Poonkham, Deputy Dean for Academic Affairs and International Relations, who oversees negotiations with the University of Bristol, stated that the Double Degree program with the University of Bristol aims to provide Thammasat political science students with enhanced learning opportunities, including access to world-class faculty and dual degrees. This initiative is key to strengthening the program’s international reputation and expanding students’ horizons. The collaboration was made possible by the dedicated efforts of the international and external relations team.

Chula President elected as the new Chairperson of the Council of University Presidents of Thailand

Posted on by Chulalongkorn University

Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, has been elected as the new Chairperson of the Council of University Presidents of Thailand (CUPT), effective January 1, 2025, for a two-year term.

As the newly elected Chairperson of CUPT, Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat has outlined strategic plans to unite university presidents across Thailand to strengthen the country’s education system. His initiatives aim to elevate Thai education standards to an international level and attract more international students, contributing to the overall benefit of the nation.

The Council of University Presidents of Thailand (CUPT) was established as a collaborative effort among the presidents of state universities and higher education institutions in Thailand. Its objectives include coordinating inter-university cooperation to enhance educational quality, provide academic services, and oversee the centralized admission system for higher education institutions.

Kharkiv Polytechnic develops cooperation with the University of Slovakia under the Erasmus+ program

Posted on by National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute»

Scientists of Kharkiv Polytechnic joined the international week of the Erasmus + program, dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the Bratislava University of Economics and Management (Slovakia).  They took part in workshops and discussions on the topic «Innovative Horizons: Integrating Global Connectivity and Artificial Intelligence into Modern University Education». Teachers of NTU «KhPI» gave lectures and practical classes, shared their experience of implementing modern digital tools in the educational process, and presented the Innovation Campus and Startup Center «Spark» projects at NTU «KhPI». During the events, the issues of continuing cooperation and resumption of the double degree program between NTU «KhPI» and the University of Bratislava were discussed. The event brought together teachers and researchers from universities in Ukraine, Slovakia, Portugal, Bulgaria and Georgia.

Professor of the Department of System analysis and information-analytical technologies Tetyana Aleksandrova, Head of the Department of Information Systems and Technologies Olena Nikulina, Head of the Project Management in Information Technology Department Marina Grinchenko, and Coordinator of Academic Mobility and Double Degree Programs between NTU «KhPI» and Bratislava University of Economics and Management (BUEM, Slovakia) Oksana Ivashchenko, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Software Engineering and Management Intelligent Technologies, took part in the event Erasmus+.The event was dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the University of Bratislava.

Scientists from the Educational and Scientific Institute of Computer Science and Information Technologies of NTU «KhPI» joined workshops and discussions on the topic «Innovative Horizons: Integration of Global Connectivity and Artificial Intelligence into Modern University Education». For example, Marina Grinchenko,, a professor at the NTU «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute», told her foreign colleagues about the introduction of modern digital tools into the educational process of Kharkiv Polytechnic. She noted that one of the key steps was the introduction of the MS Office 365 corporate system, which provides the university with a multifunctional environment for on-line education. For her part, Professor Olena Nikulina presented the «Innovation Campus of NTU «KhPI», the first and only project in Ukraine based on a state higher education institution that combines IT training, an entrepreneurship school, and coworking. Ivan Lysenko, a student of NTU «KhPI», shared his practical experience of studying and implementing his own projects within this program.

Professors of NTU «KhPI» conducted lectures and practical classes for students of the University of Bratislava. Thus, one of the lectures by Professor Tetyana Aleksandrova was devoted to the project of the Startup Center «Spark» of NTU «KhPI», whose activities are aimed at forming innovative thinking among students, teachers and young scientists, and creating favorable conditions for launching startups. The lecture by Marina Grinchenko, a researcher at NTU «KhPI», was about «Project Life Cycle, Risk Management in Projects». She emphasized the importance of clear planning and control at each stage of the project, and gave examples of startup implementation.  For her part, lecturer Olena Nikulina spoke about the development of Use Case Diagrams and Interaction Diagrams. The lesson was held in the format of a game: management students acted as customers of the software application, and IT students, under the guidance of the NTU «KhPI» lecturer, developed diagrams using the Unified Modeling Language. As a result, the software functionality necessary for marketers was created. The participants of the Erasmus+ program – students of Kharkiv Polytechnic Hanna Guba and Ivan Lysenko – took an active part in this exciting event.

Pedro Pinheiro, President of the Lisbon School of Accounting and Administration, University of Lisbon Luciada (Portugal), Doctor of Philosophy in Management, held an interesting workshop dedicated the using of new integrated digital artificial intelligence (AI) tools to increase student engagement and improve learning outcomes. An agreement was reached between the scientist and NTU «KhPI» scientists on further cooperation. Soon, for example, Pedro Pinheiro will give a lecture on «AI-based tools for increasing research productivity» for postgraduate students of NTU «KhPI».

One of the important events of the visit of the Kharkiv Polytechnic teachers to BUEM was their meeting with the rector of this higher educational institution PhD MBA institution, Associate Professor Lubos Tsybak. They discussed the continuation of work under the Erasmus+ program and the resumption of the double degree project between NTU «KhPI» and BUEM. The Rector of Bratislava University of Economics and Management awarded Kharkiv Polytechnic «for the development of innovative activities in higher education and long-term cooperation in the field of science and education».

This event was held according to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 17 «Partnerships for the goals»).

The International Week  of Erasmus+ program took place on 25-29 November, 2024 at the Bratislava University of Economics and Management (Slovakia). The event was dedicated to the 20th anniversary of this higher education institution.

Over the two decades of its existence, Bratislava University of Economics and Management has graduated more than 20,000 students. The cooperation between NTU «KhPI» and BUEM began in 2018. In 2019, an agreement was signed to open a joint master’s program. Six students of Kharkiv Polytechnic have already received diplomas from the two partner universities and are working in Slovak and international IT companies.

Since 2021, cooperation under the Erasmus+ program has been implemented: four Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute teachers have participated in short-term exchanges, one graduate student has completed an internship, and seven students have joined this program.

Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute sets up partnership with Institut Polytechnique de Paris

Posted on by Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute

Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute has formed a scientific partnership with Institut Polytechnique de Paris, encompassing six prestigious French engineering schools: École Polytechnique, École nationale des ponts et chaussées (ENPC), ENSTA Paris, ENSAE Paris, Télécom Paris, and Télécom SudParis.

The cooperation begins in the area of research and development of artificial intelligence, which is of great relevance to both Ukraine and the whole world. Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute has great traditions and achievements in this domain. For instance, Prof. Oleksii Ivakhnenko, the first head of the Department of Computer Science, developed the world’s first algorithm for training deep multilayer neural networks, being at the outset of the modern understanding of AI.

 One of the key components of cooperation with the Institut Polytechnique de Paris is joint research projects and investigations that aim to benefit not only both institutions but also society at large. The level of such research clarifies the understanding of both medium-term future in particular and the problems of technological singularity in general.

 French partners fully understand that only prompt and ingenious solutions can be an asymmetric response to the challenges Ukraine faces during the ongoing full-scale invasion. The scientific community at Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute laser focuses its efforts on developing engineering and technological responses to these challenges.

 Prominent scientific schools should share their experience, insights and visions. This partnership is important to both institutions and will play a vital role in the development of artificial intelligence in the years to come.

Lingnan AI expert Prof. Xin Yao elected Fellow of the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering

Posted on by Editorial Team

Prof. Xin Yao, Vice-President (Research and Innovation) and Tong Tin Sun Chair Professor of Machine Learning at Lingnan University, has been elected a Fellow of the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering (HKAE) for 2024. The induction ceremony for the 11 new Fellows was held on January 20, 2025. Prof. Yao is the third Lingnan scholar to receive this honor, following Prof. S. Joe Qin and Prof. Sam Kwong Tak-wu.

Prof S. Joe Qin, President of Lingnan University, remarked, “Prof. Xin Yao, a widely recognized leader in Artificial Intelligence, is among the world-class scholars Lingnan University has successfully recruited. He is also the fourth member of the Lingnan faculty elected to the Academy in just over a year, underscoring the quality of our faculty. To nurture interdisciplinary talent, we plan to construct our first dedicated science building on campus, providing additional research offices and laboratories to support teaching and learning comprehensively. We believe these initiatives, led by Prof. Xin Yao and other distinguished scholars, will catalyze innovation and guide Lingnan toward becoming a comprehensive university in arts and sciences in the digital era. Our aim is to contribute to establishing Hong Kong as an international hub for higher education and support sustainable development in society.”

Upon receiving this prestigious award, Prof. Xin Yao stated, “Data science and AI are rapidly advancing global industries. I believe that Artificial Intelligence will be prevalent in the future, and innovation in technology is closely linked to the development of human resources. I look forward to collaborating with other HKAE Fellows to explore and expand the application of AI, generating greater value for the community. Through the Lingnan University Institute for Advanced Study (LUIAS), I aim to forge partnerships with leading global researchers to address urgent societal challenges. We also aspire to nurture students who are innovative talents and critical thinkers regarding the social implications of technological advancements.”

Prof. Xin Yao is a distinguished international scholar in Artificial Intelligence, having engaged in research on computational intelligence across various fields, including smart logistics and biology. He has taught at multiple renowned institutions, including the Southern University of Science and Technology and the University of Birmingham. He was the first Chinese recipient of the 2020 IEEE Frank Rosenblatt Award and has been listed among Highly Cited Researchers in 2016, 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024. Since 2021, he has consistently ranked among Stanford University’s World’s Top 2% Scientists in AI and Image Processing.

Founded in 1994, the HKAE promotes collaboration, innovation, and excellence in engineering and contributes to societal advancement and the development of Hong Kong. In addition to supporting education and research, the HKAE conducts policy research and provides expert advice to the government and other organizations in engineering-related fields.

Building the safety net

Posted on by Editorial Team

‘What happens in university, stays in university’. A phrase that has been adapted to various contexts, but its relevance is disturbingly accurate regarding student safety. Alarmingly, 90 percent of students who experienced sexual assault in university did not report the incident to the police, according to findings by Harvard Magazine and the Office for Students.

Harassment, whether it’s unwanted touching, street catcalling or sexual comments, creates an environment of intimidation and humiliation for targeted individuals. Despite the academic and social support universities provide, students – particularly women and non-binary individuals – remain vulnerable. The Office for Students in the UK found that 20 percent of students reported experiencing unwanted sexual behaviour, with women being more than twice as likely to report harassment than men (27 percent compared to 12 percent).

“75 percent of prospective students said ‘safety and a welcoming place’ for international students is one of their top five most important factors when choosing a town or city to study in.”

Annie, a student from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, shared her harrowing experience in the 2015 documentary The Hunting Ground. She recounted that before classes even started, she and her friend was sexually assaulted. The university administrator’s response to her was shocking, comparing rape to a football game and suggesting she consider what she could have done differently.

This crime seems to be a playing field in which victim-blaming thrives and has a silencing effect on survivors. It was reported that many students choose not to report incidents due to a lack of confidence in the support systems, with only 12 percent of those experiencing harassment formally reporting it to their universities Office for Students, underscoring the need for greater awareness and proactive measures. Around the world, students are speaking up on these issues and are even taking matters into their own hands. While institutions are finding themselves having to balance facilitating if it’s worth protecting the brand of the university or ensuring safety and security first.

This calls into question the efficacy of university policies on sexual misconduct. Are current measures robust enough? Are universities doing enough to prevent these incidents from occurring, or are they merely reacting after the fact?

Cry for help

Strut Safe was founded by five Edinburgh University students in the wake of the horrific murders of Sarah Everard and Sabina Nessa. Starting out in the capital city, it soon expanded UK-wide, offering a helpline that people can phone when they are walking home.

The rise in public rhetoric that targets people of marginalised genders – including women, non-binary people, trans people and intersex people – corresponds with a reported rise in feelings of insecurity while walking alone at night, Strut Safe data shows.

“Our call numbers usually go up after the clocks go back in the autumn, when the sun goes down earlier, and students are coming home in the dark,” Strut Safe’s Director of Communications Rho Chung tells QS Insights Magazine.

When thinking about what factors are commonly responsible, “Time of day/night, street lighting and identity have all been shown to factor into the decision to change one’s behaviour to feel safer.”

Not only do we need institutions to be aware of these factors, but they should also be working more thoroughly with transport professionals, urban planners, decision-makers and law enforcers, which all have an essential role to play in influencing societal change.

According to the QS International Student Survey 2024, 75 percent of prospective students said ‘safety and a welcoming place’ for international students is one of their top five most important factors when choosing a town or city to study in. Notably, this was a more popular choice among female respondents (80 percent) than their male counterparts (72 percent).

Additionally, 49 percent of prospective female students identified ‘safety’ as one of their main concerns when studying abroad, surpassing the 42 percent response from male students.

These findings highlight the critical need for students to feel exceptionally safe when entering new territories, particularly among female students, who share this global concern. Universities must swiftly develop a comprehensive understanding of the factors that impact and influence safety and recognise when these concerns are most likely to arise.

Effective measures might be simpler than expected. Chung notes that most callers, often in transit, are just seeking a “friendly chat.” For those with additional needs, trained volunteers can recommend alternative or more suitable services. “If calling us helps someone feel safer, then Strut Safe has done its job.”

Read the full article on QS Insights Magazine.

UiTM embarks on an internationalisation project in Japan for academic exchanges and collaborations

Posted on by Syazliyati Ibrahim

A team of four university lecturers from UiTM Kedah Branch, Malaysia, embarked on an academic visit to Japan from 22 September 2024 until 1 October 2024 as part of an internationalisation project aimed at fostering cross-cultural academic exchanges and collaborations. The delegation, representing Special Interest Group – Public Interest Centre of Excellence (SIG PICE) and Academy of Language Studies, UiTM Kedah Branch, Malaysia, visited three key locations in Japan: Tokyo, Akita, and Osaka. The lecturers are Puan Syazliyati Ibrahim as the project leader, Puan Syakirah Mohammed, Puan Mazlifa Md Daud and Puan Robekhah Harun. The initiative was organised to seek inte ational linkages, strengthen institutional partnerships, and promote cultural understanding between their home university and Japanese counterparts.

The visit commenced in Tokyo, where the lecturers had a meeting with the officers at the Malaysian Embassy to Japan. The delegates were entertained by the officers who are Encik Anwar Udzir (Deputy Chief Mission), Encik Imran Yussof (Counsellor-Education) and Puan Nora Azlinda Jaapar (Counsellor). Since Tokyo serves as a hub for networking and setting the foundation for long-term collaborative projects, the university lecturers sought practical advice and suggestions on how to further strengthen imminent international linkages with other universities in Japan.

The next stop was Akita, a city renowned for its innovative approach to rural education and community development. The lecturers visited Akita International University, where they were introduced to unique programs designed to bridge the gap between urban and rural education, and they had the opportunity to observe immersive cultural experiences provided to intrnational students. The serene setting of Akita also allowed for meaningful exchanges on how regional universities can contribute to the global academic landscape. The university lecturers also presented their lectures on internationalisation efforts, critical thinking teaching approaches and community service projects to the post-graduate students from the Graduate School of Global Communication and Language. The lecturers were warmly welcomed by the International Collaboration Officer, Mr. Travis Senzaki and the Dean of Graduate School of Global Communication and Language, Professor Hiroki Uchida. A meeting was also held to discuss future collaborations between the two institutions.

The journey concluded in Osaka, a bustling city known for its vibrant academic and cultural scene. In Osaka, the lecturers attended a meeting with the representatives of Japan Da’wah Centre, Encik Zulkarnain Hasan Basri (President) and Cik Siti Zakira Imana Abdul Rahman (Staff).

The meeting explored collaborative opportunities in student exchange programmes especially inte ship opportunities for UiTM students. The meeting also discussed the impending Memorandum of Agreement to be signed by both organisations to promote the learning of Japanese language and Arabic language in Malaysia and Japan. The academic visit to Japan was hailed as a resounding success, with the lecturers expressing optimism about the potential for future partnerships and the enriched perspectives gained through the experience.

Chula President leads vision for an AI-driven future in education

Posted on by Chulalongkorn University

On December 20, 2024, Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, delivered a keynote speech at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation titled “Revolutionizing Learning: The AI-Powered Future of Education”. The event, organized by Chulalongkorn University’s Risk Management Center in collaboration with the National Higher Education Strategic Center and the Digital University Network, aimed at exchanging experiences and best practices as well as to deepen technological understanding and foster cooperation while promoting a risk-aware culture in universities. The goal is to prepare Thai universities to become leaders in AI innovation in the region.

In his speech, Professor Dr. Wilert emphasized that the AI-driven future of education presents both challenges and opportunities for higher education. With artificial intelligence (AI) and big data reshaping the landscape of knowledge, universities must go beyond simply transferring information to students. Instead, they must reimagine themselves as dynamic learning hubs focused on “creating learning experiences” that address the needs of the future. This transformation involves prioritizing experiential learning, interdisciplinary integration, and developing diverse, future-ready skills.

Key Insights from the Speech
1. Personalized Learning Pathways: Curiosity as a Starting Point

AI enables institutions to assess individual student potential with greater depth, paving the way for Personalized Learning Pathways. By tapping into each student’s curiosity and unique interests, universities can unlock hidden talents and foster meaningful growth. To achieve this, learning environments must encourage exploration, experimentation, and inquiry, creating experiences that go beyond traditional classroom settings.

2. The New Role of Faculty: From Teachers to Intellectual Facilitators

Faculty members must shift their role from being mere dispensers of knowledge to Intellectual Facilitators. This involves inspiring critical thinking, posing challenging questions, and guiding students toward the practical application of their learning. By focusing on individual strengths and interests, educators can nurture deeper, more impactful learning.

3. Integrating Life Skills with Technology

In an AI-driven world, technical expertise in fields like AI and Big Data is essential—but not enough. Graduates must also possess critical Life Skills, such as analytical thinking, creativity, adaptability, problem-solving, and a strong ethical foundation. Universities have the responsibility to integrate these skills alongside technological education to prepare students for an unpredictable and rapidly evolving future.

4. The Evolving Value of Higher Education in the AI Era

While the relevance of degrees in today’s world is often debated, universities remain vital in shaping well-rounded individuals. By integrating diverse disciplines—science, technology, social sciences, and humanities—universities equip students to tackle the complex challenges of the modern world. These institutions serve as critical spaces for self-discovery, talent development, and interdisciplinary problem-solving.

Chulalongkorn University: Leading the AI Transformation

Transitioning into the AI era is more than adopting new technology—it’s about reimagining education. Chulalongkorn University is committed to creating an environment where students’ curiosity is sparked, their identities are explored, and their skills are honed to adapt to the digital age.

With the vision to become “Chulalongkorn: The University of AI,” the university seeks to develop graduates with diverse competencies, a strong ethical foundation, and the ability to lead themselves and society toward sustainable success.

“Curiosity and self-discovery are the cornerstones of lifelong learning. They form the bridge to a future where risks are transformed into opportunities for success.”

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/209112/