Walailak University Partners with 85 Employers to Host “WU Coop Day 2026,” Highlighting Its Eight-Month Cooperative Education Model to Produce Work-Ready Graduates
Walailak University (WU) reaffirmed its excellence in cooperative education by hosting “Walailak University Cooperative Education Day (WU Coop Day & Job Fair) for Fiscal Year 2026.” The event brought together 85 leading employers to recruit “high-competency graduates” while recognizing partner organizations for their contributions to advancing the University’s cooperative education initiatives.
On 28 January 2026, the Center for Cooperative Education and Career Development, Walailak University, organized the event as a platform connecting the University’s high-quality graduates with employers nationwide. The Job Fair provided students with opportunities to participate in real job interviews with leading organizations.
Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President of Walailak University, presided over the opening ceremony, while Assistant Professor Dr. Padungsak Suksa-Ard, Vice President for Cooperative Education and Central Administration, delivered the welcoming report. Also in attendance were Dr. Attanan Tachopisalwong, Director of the Center for Cooperative Education and Career Development; University executives, faculty members, staff, and students; representatives from participating organizations; and members of the Southern CWIE Network. The event was held at the Main Auditorium, Thaiburi Building.
Professor Dr. Sombat spoke about the University’s policy and vision behind the event, noting that the enthusiastic participation of employers and students reflected the success of strong academic and professional collaboration. Walailak University has a strong commitment to producing “High-Competency Graduates” who possess both strong academic knowledge and practical expertise.
“We have taken the bold step of becoming the first university in Thailand to reform teaching and learning by implementing an eight-month cooperative education program across all academic programs. This extended period of intensive workplace experience enables students to understand the full work process, produce tangible results, and develop themselves into graduates who are ready to work immediately—a quality most sought after by today’s employers,” Professor Dr. Sombat said.
Professor Dr. Sombat also expressed his appreciation to JOBBKK.com for supporting the event. He commended all award-winning organizations as valued “educational partners” and encouraged students to make the most of the opportunity to demonstrate their potential and pursue successful career paths.
Assistant Professor Dr. Padungsak provided further details about the event, explaining that it was designed to connect high-quality graduates with employers nationwide while recognizing the contributions of the University’s partner organizations.
This year’s activities included recruitment booths operated by 85 leading organizations, COOP Matching sessions, and academic knowledge-sharing activities aimed at strengthening collaboration between faculty members and employers.
Awards were also presented to outstanding partner organizations. Three organizations received the 2026 Outstanding Cooperative Education and CWIE Establishment Awards:
- Large Enterprise Category: Nantawan Co., Ltd.
- Medium-Sized Enterprise Category: Aika Hatyai Co., Ltd.
- Small Enterprise Category: CRC Sports Co., Ltd. (Hat Yai Branch)
In addition, 16 organizations received the Coop Best Partnership Award, while seven organizations were recognized for their contributions to the Cooperative Education Development Fund.
Assistant Professor Dr. Padungsak added that the event was also supported by educational institutions from the Upper and Lower Southern CWIE Networks. A total of 84 staff members and students from five institutions participated in the knowledge-sharing activities: Southern College of Technology, Suratthani Rajabhat University, Songkhla Rajabhat University, Yala Rajabhat University, and Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (Trang Campus).