On 22 March 2022, a delegation from the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), led by Assistant Minister Mr. Danuch Tanterdthit, visited PSU to follow up on its New Growth Engine Project curriculum. The delegation was warmly received by PSU President Asst. Prof. Dr. Niwat Keawpradub, along with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wandee Suttharangsee, Director of the Office of Education and Learning Innovation, and the management team. Lecturers responsible for the programs have also joined the welcoming and reporting event held at the President’s Office Building of PSU’s Hat Yai Campus, and online.
Mr. Danuch explained that the New Growth Engine Project is a sandbox that has been in operation for a period of time, continuously providing opportunities to improve manpower for the country. He then expressed his gratitude to entrepreneurs for their cooperation with PSU to develop the curriculum of the PSU New Growth Engine Project.
PSU President Dr. Niwat revealed that PSU has been paying close attention to the New Growth Engine Project to be able to produce manpower. Besides offering courses to join the project, PSU has also adapted its academic program to Outcome-based education (OBE) standards at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Some programs have been converted to CWIE programs, such as a Bachelor of Arts program, Aviation and Hospitality Industry Management program, Bachelor of Science, Technology and Food Industry management. Some programs require students to participate in cooperative education (work-integrated learning), such as the Bachelor of Political Science program, while other courses can be converted into full modules, such as Bachelor of Arts Community Studies, Bachelor of Science, Agricultural Innovation and Management Program, Bachelor of Architecture, etc., which are taught in collaboration with enterprises and civil society.
This visit and follow-up to the PSU New Growth Engine Project has enhanced the understanding between MHESI and the university regarding building manpower with a high potential both academically and professionally, in order to keep up with the demands of working in new industries to the New S-Curve, and become a key engine in driving the economy (New Growth Engines), to increase the country's competitiveness internationally.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wandee presented an overview of the PSU New Growth Engine Project since 2018 until present, focusing on eight selected courses. In fiscal year 2020/2023, three more courses join the selection: Intelligent Electronics Course for Electric Vehicle Industry; Certificate Course for Elderly Caregivers; and Halal Business System Management Course.
