“The President of the University Council of PSU holds a position of great honor and dignity. Above all, it is a role entrusted with the vital mission of driving our university forward toward advancement and excellence in all dimensions.”
An exclusive interview with Prof. Dr. Sanit Aksornkoae, following his royal appointment as President of the University Council of Prince of Songkla University on March 20, 2025. In this capacity, Prof. Dr. Sanit reaffirms his commitment to steering the University toward continued advancement and enhanced recognition at the national and international levels.
• The Primary Role of the Prince of Songkla University Council
: A fundamental responsibility of the university council is to ensure that all operations strictly adhere to the Prince of Songkla University Act. This includes policy formulation and supervisory oversight, which are core duties of the Council. Equally important is our shared commitment to guiding the University toward national and international prominence. This progress must be systematic and begin with self-development, grounded in the guiding principle bestowed by His Royal Highness Prince Mahidol Adulyadej: "Our Soul is for the benefit of mankind." This philosophy should be embedded in both our work and our way of life. By prioritizing the well-being of others in all our actions, I believe the university will truly embody the values that earn the respect and recognition of society—both within Thailand and beyond.
• Key Strengths of Prince of Songkla University
: Prince of Songkla University is equipped with four fundamental strengths that can be leveraged to achieve academic excellence and institutional advancement:
- Human Capital
The university benefits from a highly capable and ethical workforce, comprising both academic and support personnel. Their collective talent, integrity, and dedication form the essential foundation of PSU’s institutional strength. - Geographic Location and Natural Resources
PSU is situated in a region abundant in natural resources including the sea, coastlines, forests, and agricultural land. These environmental assets provide a rich and diverse foundation for education, research, and comprehensive community development. - Inter-Campus Collaboration
The university’s five campuses; Hat Yai, Pattani, Phuket, Surat Thani, and Trang, maintain strong and cohesive collaboration. This interconnectivity enhances the University’s capacity for systematic and unified development across all locations. - Shared Vision Across the University Community
All sectors within the university, from administrators and faculty to support staff, are united by a common goal: to advance the University and enhance its recognition at both the national and international levels.
Strengthening these four pillars will further enable Prince of Songkla University to progress with confidence and sustainability into the future.
• Strategic Direction for Advancing PSU in a Rapidly Changing World
: To ensure that Prince of Songkla University remains relevant and progressive in a fast-changing world, the following strategic directions are emphasized:
- Alignment with National Policies
University policies must align with the strategic direction of the Thai government, particularly through the integration of the university’s development plans with the 13th National Economic and Social Development Plan and the 20-Year National Strategy. Such alignment not only reinforces consistency with national priorities but also strengthens the foundation for future budgetary support from the government. - Responsiveness to Change
The University must proactively adapt to local, regional, national, and global changes by continuously analyzing relevant trends and dynamics. This ensures that its policies, academic programs, research, and outreach services effectively address real-world challenges, especially those within its immediate surroundings. - Community-Based Knowledge Development
PSU must be a trusted resource and partner for local communities. Faculty members across all disciplines are encouraged to engage directly with communities, sharing knowledge, supporting career development, and promoting sustainable livelihoods. The true value of the University is realized when its presence tangibly benefits the public by increasing income, enhancing occupational opportunities, and providing meaningful support.
By pursuing these approaches, PSU will not only keep pace with change but also strengthen its role as a vital contributor to national and regional development.
• Setting Strategic Goals to Elevate PSU to National and International Prominence
: I envision four core missions that Prince of Songkla University must pursue to achieve national and international recognition:
- Human Capital Development as our primary responsibility is to produce graduates who are not only knowledgeable and competent but also ethical and compassionate individuals capable of applying their expertise to benefit others and society at large.
- Research with Real-World Impact: Research should begin with the identification of problems in local communities whether among farmers, small-scale entrepreneurs, or marginalized populations. By addressing these real issues, our academic work can offer meaningful, practical, and sustainable solutions. For instance, in agriculture, research can directly improve farming methods and livelihoods.
- Academic Service to Society: The university should serve as a think tank for society, translating academic knowledge into accessible, applicable, and actionable guidance. Special emphasis should be placed on reaching out to disadvantaged and vulnerable groups to ensure inclusive development and equal opportunity.
- Preservation and Promotion of Culture: PSU has a role in nurturing students’ appreciation of Southern Thai culture, instilling pride in their heritage. By doing so, our graduates will be able to communicate and represent this cultural identity effectively on national and international platforms.
Through these four missions, developing ethical and capable graduates, conducting research grounded in societal needs, providing inclusive academic services, and preserving cultural identity. Prince of Songkla University will not only fulfill its responsibilities to the nation but also position itself for lasting recognition on the global stage. When our graduates excel, our research delivers real impact, and our engagement earns public trust, these are the true indicators of our success and sustainability at both national and international levels.
• Strategies to Promote Outstanding Research and Innovation
: Prince of Songkla University, with its five campuses located in resource-rich areas, is uniquely positioned to conduct research that adds value to the region’s key economic assets particularly rubber and palm oil, which are vital to the national economy. PSU has distinguished itself in the development of medical products derived from natural rubber, as well as in research related to herbal medicine, marine resources, and other forms of agriculture. These research initiatives directly address the needs of local communities and contribute to national development. Nonetheless, one of the ongoing challenges is strengthening the linkage between research outputs and the private sector. In response, the University has established the PSU Holding Company to more effectively facilitate the commercialization of research and innovation, ensuring that research outcomes not only generate academic impact but also create tangible economic and societal value.
• How PSU Will Adapt to the Changing Global Landscape
: Prince of Songkla University must begin its transformation from within. All levels of personnel must be aware of the profound changes occurring globally, particularly concerning environmental issues and climate change. The University must adopt a more resource-conscious and eco-friendly approach, aligning itself with the national agenda to become a green university with reduced carbon emissions. Moreover, in response to the projected decline in government funding, the university must embrace the philosophy of sufficient economy, reduce expenditures while develop new sources of revenue. Equally essential is fostering a culture of collaboration grounded in mutual understanding, open-mindedness, and regular dialogue between working groups and University leadership. These practices are vital to ensuring PSU’s steady and sustainable advancement into the future.
• A Message to PSU Faculty, Students, and Alumni
: I would like to encourage everyone to take pride in being a part of Prince of Songkla University, an institution that stands as the largest and most prominent university in southern Thailand. For over five decades, PSU has produced high-quality graduates who have gone on to serve society with distinction across various sectors, including government, politics, and private enterprise. The university has also contributed significantly through impactful research that has benefited both local communities and the nation. I urge all members of the PSU community at every level to recognize the value of their roles in driving the University forward. Let us work together as one family, fostering mutual understanding and offering support to one another. A strong and united university will, in turn, radiate its strength and goodwill into society with dignity and pride.