On October 17, 2026, Research and Academic Service Center for Engineering (RACE), School of Engineering, University of Phayao, led by Assistant Professor Dr. Erawin Thavorn, Associate Dean for Research and Academic Services, together with Associate Professor Dr. Aphisak Witthayaprapakorn, Director of the Research and Academic Service Center for Engineering, and RACE staff, met with representatives of AppliCAD Public Company Limited to discuss the renewal of their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on academic cooperation and explore opportunities to expand collaboration between academia and industry. The meeting took place at AppliCAD Public Company Limited.
The discussions primarily focused on strengthening cooperation in work-integrated education, with an emphasis on bridging academic knowledge and practical experience in industrial settings. This collaborative approach aims to provide engineering students with enhanced opportunities to develop professional competencies, acquire proficiency in emerging technologies, and cultivate skills aligned with the evolving requirements of industry. Such initiatives are expected to strengthen students' professional capabilities, enhance their employability, and prepare them for successful careers in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven labour market.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on expanding collaboration in academic services, particularly through the application of clean energy technologies and automated control systems. These areas of cooperation are intended to facilitate the transfer of engineering knowledge and innovations into practical applications while strengthening the technological capabilities of industrial enterprises, local organisations, and communities. By promoting knowledge exchange and technology adoption, the partnership seeks to enhance their capacity to respond effectively and sustainably to ongoing technological transformations.
Furthermore, the School of Engineering explored opportunities to promote industrial study visits and exchanges of technological expertise and practical experience, enabling students and academic personnel to gain direct exposure to advanced technologies and innovations employed in industrial operations. The knowledge and insights acquired through these activities will contribute to the continuous improvement of teaching and learning practices, academic service initiatives, and hands-on skills development programmes. These efforts are expected to strengthen the School's capacity to produce engineering graduates who possess both sound theoretical foundations and practical proficiency, equipping them to navigate technological advancements and meet the changing workforce demands of modern industry.
This initiative underscores the School of Engineering, University of Phayao's commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships between higher education institutions and the private sector. Through sustained academic and industrial collaboration, the School seeks to enhance educational quality, develop a highly competent engineering workforce, and promote the practical application of engineering knowledge for the benefit of industry and society. These efforts are closely aligned with the School's vision “To Become a Leading Engineering Learning Hub for Industry and Communities ”