On July 24-25, 2024, Prince of Songkla University (PSU), Pattani Campus, hosted the 4th IMT-GT University Network (UNINET) meeting, aimed at strengthening cooperation in education, research, and innovation among universities in the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) region. The event brought together 32 academic leaders from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, highlighting the importance of regional collaboration.
Assistant Professor Dr. Thakerng Wongsirichot, Vice President for Academic Affairs and International Affairs at PSU and the IMT-GT UNINET coordinator for Thailand, officially opened the meeting. He emphasized the strategic significance of PSU's Pattani Campus, known for its cultural diversity, environmental richness, and academic excellence, as an ideal venue for fostering international collaboration.
Assistant Professor Dr. Attachai Ueranantasun, Vice President for Pattani Campus, warmly welcomed the participants, expressing his honor in hosting the meeting. He highlighted PSU Pattani Campus's role as an educational hub within the culturally rich IMT-GT region, contributing to the development and dissemination of knowledge that supports strategic growth and economic progress.
The meeting, led by Datuk Dr. Shahrin Bin Sahib, Chairman of the IMT-GT University Network (UNINET), focused on strategic plans to strengthen educational collaboration. Discussions emphasized enhancing partnerships between UNINET and IMT-GT Working Groups, promoting academic cooperation, increasing student mobility within the region, and ensuring sustainable financial management for future initiatives.
High-level representatives attended the meeting, including two Rectors and six Vice Rectors from Indonesia, one Vice Chancellor and six Deans from Malaysia, and two Vice Presidents from Thailand, underscoring the significance of this collaborative platform.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment to advancing educational excellence, research, and capacity building within the IMT-GT region, positioning UNINET as a key player in promoting sustainable development through academic collaboration.
During the two-day event, delegates explored the cultural and historical landmarks of Pattani, including visits to the historic Old Palace in Yaring, which showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Malay people, and the Ancient City in Yarang, one of the largest historical sites in Southern Thailand.
The 4th IMT-GT University Network (UNINET) meeting marked another significant step toward strengthening academic ties and promoting regional growth through collaborative education, research, and innovation.