On 6 June 2026, administrators and faculty members from the School of Business and Communication Arts, University of Phayao, led by Dr. Nittaya Boonchum, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Corporate Communication, and International Engagement; Dr. Piyapong Supanyo, Associate Dean for Research, Innovation, and Network Development; Assistant Professor Dr. Thariga Pholloke, Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs and Quality Assurance; together with program chairs and faculty members, participated in the 16th Cooperative and Work Integrated Education Day (CWIE DAY 2026) under the theme “CWIE 5.0 for Entrepreneurial Society: Innovation, Resilience, and Lifelong Learning.” The event was held at Maharaj Conference Halls 1 and 2, King Naresuan the Great International Convention and Exhibition Center, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok Province.
The event was jointly organized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), through the Office of the Permanent Secretary, in collaboration with the Lower Northern CWIE Network. Its primary objective was to promote the development of a highly competent workforce capable of responding to the evolving economic and social landscape of the twenty-first century, while strengthening collaboration between higher education institutions and industry partners in advancing Cooperative and Work Integrated Education (CWIE).
The program featured a wide range of academic and professional activities, including special lectures on national workforce development strategies, panel discussions and experience-sharing sessions among higher education institutions, industry representatives, and recipients of the National Outstanding CWIE Awards. The event also showcased CWIE exhibitions highlighting exemplary practices and innovations, as well as a Matching Platform designed to foster partnerships between universities and industry sectors. These activities serve as an important mechanism for bridging classroom learning with authentic workplace experiences.
The School’s participation reflects its strong commitment to enhancing educational quality through an Outcome-Based Education (OBE) approach and developing graduates equipped with professional competencies, future skills, and the adaptability required in an increasingly dynamic world of work. Through experiential learning and meaningful engagement with industry partners, CWIE serves as a key educational model for preparing graduates to thrive in a rapidly changing environment.
Furthermore, establishing collaborative networks with government agencies, private-sector organizations, and professional bodies plays a vital role in ensuring that academic programs remain responsive to labor market demands. Such partnerships support the development of graduates who possess entrepreneurial mindsets, innovative capabilities, and the professional competencies necessary to create value for society and contribute to national economic development.
This initiative aligns closely with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, through the promotion of lifelong learning and future-ready competencies; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, through the development of a highly skilled workforce that meets labor market needs; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, through the promotion of innovation and entrepreneurship education; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through strengthening collaboration among educational institutions, industry partners, and public-sector organizations in advancing human capital development.
Participation in the 16th CWIE DAY provided an important platform for knowledge exchange, the dissemination of best practices, and the expansion of academic and professional networks. These opportunities contribute significantly to enhancing educational quality and producing graduates who are well prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future, while supporting sustainable social and economic development in the long term.