Following its 65th anniversary celebration on February 4, 2025, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) announced its “65 Years of Wisdom: Crafting Sustainable Futures” vision. This initiative aims to transform the university into a full-fledged “Lifelong Learning University,” providing accessible educational opportunities for everyone, regardless of age, career, or social status. The vision promotes equity in education, research, and innovation to support sustainable societal development, all under the concept of “Excellent, Affordable, Fair and Transparent Higher Education for All.” This will be achieved through three key systems: “OneKMUTT”, “Learning Journey”, and “Credit Bank”, which allow learners to customize their educational paths based on their interests.
On August 25, 2025, at the Learning Exchange Building, KMUTT hosted the “Presidential Dialogue and Educational Fair 2025.” Held under the theme “Sustainable Future for Higher Education,” the event aimed to promote collaboration between KMUTT, its network universities, and other international government-affiliated education partner organizations such as the embassies, Campus France, British Council, DAAD, JASSO, Taiwan Education Center, etc.
The morning session of the event featured keynote addresses by three distinguished speakers, each offering unique insights into lifelong learning initiatives across Asia:
- Dr. Ir. Edy Priyono, from the Presidential Staff Office of Indonesia, presented on the implementation of large-scale lifelong learning programs in Indonesia.
- Dr. Atsuko K. Yamazaki, from Digital Hollywood University, Japan, discussed innovative approaches to skills and competency assessment.
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bundit Thipakorn, from KMUTT, shared foundational strategies for embedding lifelong learning within institutional frameworks.
The afternoon roundtable discussion centered on national and institutional approaches to lifelong learning. The session featured spotlight presentations from both domestic and international delegates, followed by moderated discussions. These dialogues aimed to identify shared priorities and develop actionable pathways for collaboration with global partners in advancing lifelong learning initiatives.
The roundtable discussion was officially opened by Asst. Prof. Dr. Prasert Kanthamanon, Senior Vice President for Administration, who presented KMUTT’s vision for lifelong learning. Joining the session were our distinguished keynotes from the morning session, KMUTT executive members, other international university executives, and representatives from higher education institutions, government agencies, and embassies.
The primary objectives of the dialogue were to exchange in-depth insights with KMUTT partners, explore global collaboration opportunities, and identify shared priorities to shape a long-term vision. The discussions also covered interesting topics such as the frameworks and policies of various international institutions, the implementation of micro-credentials and non-degree programs, the establishment of online and hybrid learning, and the evolving role of universities in adult and continuing education. Participants also discussed international cooperation and how national policies could facilitate such partnerships.
The event concluded successfully, with KMUTT expressing its readiness to drive international lifelong learning policies to broaden educational opportunities for the Thai people and build a sustainable future for education. The Education Fair, held simultaneously with the Presidential Dialogue on August 25, also provided a valuable platform for KMUTT students, staff, and the public to seek advice from representatives and experts and explore programs from over leading universities and educational organization from countries like Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, Australia, the European Union, and the United States.
