Prince of Songkla University (PSU) and Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on academic cooperation to promote graduate education, research, and innovation, and to develop government personnel with expertise in Data Science to support Thailand’s sustainable economic and social development.
The signing ceremony was held at the NESDC Press Conference Room, building 5, and was attended by senior executives from both institutions. Mr. Danucha Pichayanan, Secretary-General of NESDC, delivered the welcoming remarks, while Prof. Dr. Sanit Aksornkoae, Chairman of the Prince of Songkla University Council, expressed congratulations. The MOU was signed by Ms. Sasithorn Plattadej, Deputy Secretary-General of NESDC, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Thakerng Wongsirichot, Vice President for Academic and International Affairs, PSU. The agreement is effective for three years (25 December 2025 – 25 December 2028).
Following the signing, a special lecture on “Data Science for National Economic and Social Development Planning” was delivered, along with a presentation on PSU graduate programs by Prof. Dr. Mitchai Chongcheawchamnan, Dean of the Graduate School, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Petcharat Suriyachai, Director of the Data Science School, PSU.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Thakerng Wongsirichot stated that the key objective of the collaboration is to accelerate the development of graduate-level data science professionals, a critical skill area for NESDC. The programs are designed for working professionals and offered in a fully online (learn-from-anywhere) module-based format, allowing flexible learning schedules while maintaining academic rigor through thesis-based research. He added that PSU plans to expand cooperation to MBA programs and other disciplines across its five campuses to support future workforce development.
Prof. Dr. Sanit Aksornkoae emphasized that the strength of this partnership lies in integrating policy expertise from NESDC with PSU’s regional knowledge base, supported by 37 faculties covering economic, social, and resource dimensions. He highlighted that effective policymaking must be grounded in accurate grassroots data and underscored that the core priorities of Thailand’s 13th and 14th National Economic and Social Development Plans are human capital development and research-driven innovation, areas in which PSU is fully committed to supporting NESDC.
Under the MOU, Prince of Songkla University will provide scholarships for NESDC personnel at the graduate level, promote staff exchange, study visits, and training programs, and collaborate on area-based development initiatives to strengthen communities and sustainability. NESDC will facilitate information dissemination and the selection of qualified personnel to participate in the programs.
This collaboration marks an important milestone in linking government agencies and higher education institutions to build high-quality human resources and apply academic knowledge to drive Thailand’s economic and social development.
Photo and news: National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) / Graduate School, Prince of Songkla University
