On October 10, 2023 the Director of the Center for International Affairs brought Faculty members and students from the School of Distant Learning at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and the School of Accountancy and Finance paid a courtesy visit to Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President of Walailak University at Honor Hall, on the occasion they have collaboratively organized WU-USM SDG Workshop 2023, held from 9 to October 13 at WU, to advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Four SDGs the workshop strongly focuses on are SDG1 No Poverty, SDG3 Good Health and Well-being, SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation, for which WU was ranked 52nd globally in 2023 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings; and SDG7 Affordable and Clean Energy.

Dr. Sumiyyah Sabar from the School of Distant Learning at USM, who led the team of 20 staff and students, said the two schools have been working together to achieve the SDGs after the dean of her school visited WU and discovered many potential collaborative projects.

“We have discussed with Dr. Trairong (WU) whom I have been in contact with, and he told me many projects related to the community and the environment conducted here at Walailak. We are very interested in learning and exploring opportunities for collaborations,” she said.

Initiated by Assistant Professor Dr.Trairong Swatdikun, a lecturer from WU’s School of Finance, the workshop covers a wide range of activities, including sharing lectures sessions on SDGs, visiting Office of the Royal Development Projects Board in Pak Phanang district, engaging in cultural and heritage activities in Nakhon Si Thammarat city center, conducting case studies on successful SDGs practices at Nai Thung fisherman village in Thasala district, Visiting Hat Khanom–Mu Ko Thale Tai National Park, and networking session with potential collaborators.