Walailak University Partners with 33 Leading Organizations through MOU to Advance Cooperative Education and Develop Graduates for the Labor Market
On 8 June 2026, Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President of Walailak University, signed Memorandums of Understanding on Cooperative and Work-Integrated Education (CWIE) with executives from 33 leading organizations in Bangkok and its surrounding provinces.
The partnership aims to enhance students’ capabilities through hands-on workplace learning and prepare graduates to meet the evolving demands of the labor market. Executives from Walailak University and the participating organizations witnessed the signing ceremony, held at Ballroom 3, Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel, Bangkok.
Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Dr. Sombat stated that the University has adopted a proactive policy to produce high-quality graduates for the labor market. A key element of this policy is the implementation of an extended eight-month cooperative education model, which gives students sufficient time to understand organizational culture and develop advanced professional skills through challenging work assignments.
“We firmly believe that eight months is the ideal period for students to develop genuine expertise in their chosen fields. This enables them to enter the workforce immediately after graduation and aligns with the University’s goal of producing a highly competent workforce capable of driving the country’s economy,” Professor Dr. Sombat said.
The MOU brought together 33 leading organizations, including five-star hotels such as Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Bangkok, Capella Bangkok, Aman Nai Lert Bangkok, Park Hyatt Bangkok, Andaz Bangkok, and Marriott. Participating public companies included Major Cineplex Group, Forth Corporation, and Somboon Advance Technology. Leading organizations in information technology, logistics, and related industries also joined the partnership, including CDG Group, Gosoft, IMPACT Exhibition Management, and CMA CGM.
Mr. Ekdanai Seedahla, a private-sector representative from allnex (Thailand) Co., Ltd., commended the capabilities of Walailak University students, noting that they possess strong academic foundations and demonstrate a high level of enthusiasm for learning new things. When assigned important projects, they are able to respond quickly and work effectively—qualities highly valued by employers.
Meanwhile, Mr. Panuwat Attaprapas and Dr. Phatnattachat Chatsiraphon, executive representatives from GIS Group, stated that the eight-month cooperative education policy provides mutual benefits for both students and employers. The extended placement allows students to experience the entire work process, confront real-world challenges, and develop problem-solving skills that cannot be acquired from textbooks alone. At the same time, organizations have an opportunity to thoroughly assess students’ potential before considering them for future employment.
Walailak University is currently recognized as one of Thailand’s leading institutions in cooperative education. The University introduced the cooperative education system in 2001 and extended its placement period from four to eight months beginning in the 2019 academic year. It now maintains a network of more than 2,700 partner organizations in Thailand and overseas. In the 2026 fiscal year, more than 2,500 students are undertaking cooperative education placements.
