Thimphu, Bhutan – Walailak University (WU) President, Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, led a delegation to Bhutan from May 24-30, 2025, to significantly strengthen academic and research collaborations with key Bhutanese institutions. The visit, meticulously coordinated by His Majesty’s Secretariat through Ms. Ugyen Pem, Chief of the Youth Welfare and Education Office, included meetings with five prominent organizations.

The delegation received a warm welcome from His Majesty’s Secretariat officials, including Deputy Royal Chamberlain Namgay Rinchen and Deputy Royal Chamberlain Kunzang Dorji, as well as the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) Vice Chancellor, Mr. Chewang Rinzin.

On May 26, during meetings with His Majesty’s Secretariat and the Royal University of Bhutan, Walailak University presented its offerings through a video, highlighting exciting opportunities for student mobility and research collaboration. President Prof. Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong also announced a generous scholarship program for qualified Bhutanese students, including:

• Three undergraduate scholarships for the 2026 academic year in International Veterinary Medicine, International Dentistry, and International Medical Technology (Allied Health Sciences).
• Graduate scholarships for eligible Bhutanese students meeting Walailak University’s graduate scholarship criteria.
• Semester exchange programs through Walailak University International College.

The afternoon meeting with RUB on May 26 saw Vice Chancellor Mr. Chewang Rinzin and faculty from four colleges – the College of Science and Technology, Jigme Namgyel Engineering College, Gyalpozhing College of Information and Technology, and Gedu College of Business Studies – present their academic programs.

A key outcome of the discussions with RUB was their strong interest in developing double degree programs with Walailak University (two years at RUB and two years at WU), or a five-year combined Bachelor’s and Master’s degree. Discussions regarding the double degree curriculum were initiated by Ms. Patnarin Supakorn, Director of the International Affairs Centre, with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Worawun Chansarn, Dean of the School of Agricultural Technology and Food Industry, who was part of the delegation. Further discussions on this will continue with the College of Natural Resources during the May 29 meeting.

The development of double degree programs with universities keen to send students to Walailak University is seen as a crucial step in boosting Walailak University’s global ranking, particularly in the “International Outlook – International Students” category. Deans of all schools are encouraged to explore and develop double degree programs with Bhutanese institutions.

The President’s visit also included meetings with:
May 27: Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan (KGUMSB) – Acting President.
May 28: His Majesty’s Secretariat-led cultural program at Bhutan’s former capital of Punakha.
May 29: College of Natural Resources – President.
May 30: Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Skills Development – Mr. Dasho Tshewant Chophel Dorji.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Patnarin Supakorn will continue to coordinate with the Deans of Health Sciences schools at Walailak University to explore and develop collaborations with Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan.

The Walailak University delegation was deeply appreciative of the exceptional hospitality and support provided by Ms. Ugyen Pem and His Majesty’s Secretariat throughout their visit to Bhutan. The two other members of the delegation were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Worawun Chansarn, Dean of the School of Agricultural Technology and Food Industry, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Patnarin Supakorn, Director of the Center for International Affairs.