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Walailak University, through its Center for Digital Innovation, launched a training program titled "Transforming Higher Education Administration through Artificial Intelligence: AI Skills for Higher Education Administration in the Age of AI". The initiative aims to strengthen the capabilities of the university's senior and mid-level executives in applying AI to support policy decision-making, strategic planning, and organizational development as the university advances toward becoming a sustainable digital university.

The training brought together 65 participants, including senior executives such as the President, Vice Presidents, Assistants to the President, Deans, and directors of centers, institutes, parks, and the Walailak University Demonstration School, as well as mid-level executives such as heads of divisions, units, and offices. The event was held at the Pattarathammaporn Chamber, Walailak University Hospital.

Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President of Walailak University, presided over the opening ceremony and delivered key policy remarks. He highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in the digital era, describing AI as an essential tool for saving time in gathering the vast pool of knowledge available worldwide, and noted that executives and staff can use AI as a knowledge base to quickly search for advances across various fields. At the same time, he cautioned that information generated by AI should not be adopted entirely without critical evaluation. Instead, it should serve as a starting point for further analysis, refinement, and development — an approach that would yield the greatest benefit for university administration.



Professor Dr. Sombat added that Walailak University places strong emphasis on raising the quality of its education, having tasked its curriculum development committee with using AI to review and enhance academic programs, ensuring that all curricula remain up to date. The university has also mandated that AI-related content be integrated into every curriculum, laying the foundation for students to build the skills and awareness needed to use the technology responsibly.

Toward the end of his remarks, the President also encouraged faculty members to help guide and monitor students' use of AI, cautioning against directly copying AI-generated answers, which could lead to a form of intellectual complacency. Instead, he urged that students be encouraged to use AI as a tool for research and the exploration of new knowledge, while remaining open to diverse analytical perspectives. He emphasized that AI should be taught to students as a foundation for developing initiative, building on ideas, and creating innovations — equipping Walailak University students with broad, up-to-date knowledge and genuine readiness to compete in the future.



Assistant Professor Dr. Nichnan Kittiphattanabawon, Assistant to the President for Information and Digital Innovation, outlined the objectives of the training. She noted that artificial intelligence now plays a critical role in driving organizational change worldwide, particularly for higher education institutions facing a range of challenges. The program was therefore designed to build knowledge, understanding, and AI skills among executives, enabling them to apply AI in organizational management, data analysis, communication, and strategic planning as the university moves toward becoming a sustainable digital organization — while also fostering awareness of ethics, security, and appropriate governance in AI use.

The two-day training program runs from July 20–21, 2026, and features Dr. Sukyuen Thepthong, an expert in AI transformation, as the lead trainer. The program combines lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on workshops using generative AI tools, equipping executives to apply these skills in supporting policy decisions and improving operational efficiency.

The training is part of Walailak University's ongoing efforts to advance its vision of becoming a Digital University across multiple dimensions. These include developing information systems and applying AI in administrative operations, as well as strengthening organizational data management through systems such as the Human Resource Management System (HRMS) for personnel administration and the Performance Based Planning (PBP) system for tracking budgets and strategic indicators. The university also prioritizes data security through its Security Operations Center (SOC), which monitors cyber threats, and continues to provide ongoing digital and AI skills training for staff to improve operational efficiency and strengthen cybersecurity awareness. Together with the development of other information systems, these efforts support Walailak University's goal of becoming "a modern, fast-moving, and secure organization, genuinely ready to compete in the age of artificial intelligence."