From 24 to 27 September 2025, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) organized the international seminar featuring special lectures from Moulay Ismaïl University (UMI), Morocco. The seminar is part of our collaborative project under the MOU between STOU and UMI, reflecting our longstanding friendship and partnership, which follows the goals including knowledge exchange, joint webinars, joint research projects, and joint academic activities. Furthermore, the seminar featured a special lecture from experts in the field. On this occasion professors from UMI also visited the schools to discussed possible collaboration with each school, where they were participated as a special lecturer.
The international seminar was hosted by 3 schools of STOU: the School of Science and Technology, the School of Agriculture and Cooperatives, and the School of Economics.
The School of Science and Technology
The seminar was presided over by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Acting Vice-President for Academic Services, Arts and Culture Preservation, and International Affairs and featured a report delivered by Asst. Prof. Dr. Poom Juasiripukdee,
Dean of the School of Science and Technology.
Special lecture on “Product Design and Sustainable Manufacturing Systems: Insight from Morocco, Innovation and Global Trends”
Speaker: Prof. Dr. Abdelmajid Ait Taleb from Moulay Ismaïl University
The international seminar provides significant benefits;
- Fostering International Academic Collaboration
- Knowledge and Experience Exchange
- Curriculum Development Support
- Promoting Joint Research
- International Dissemination of Work
- Raising Academic Quality and Enhancing International Profile
The School of Agriculture and Cooperatives
The seminar was presided over by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Acting Vice-President for Academic Services,
Arts and Culture Preservation.
Special lecture on “Rural Youth in Morocco: Aspirations, Challenges, and Role in Agricultural Sustainability”
Speaker: Prof. Dr. Zhour Bouzidi from Moulay IsmaÏl University
Another special lecture on “Agricultural Sustainability and Development: Insight from Thailand
Speaker: Asst. Prof. Dr. Narat Rattanacharoen from School of agriculture and Cooperatives, STOU
Besides, STOU also provided a study visit at Organ by Smart Nine Farm for knowledge exchange.
The School of Economics
The seminar was presided over by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Acting Vice-President for Academic Services, Arts and Culture Preservation.
Special lecture on “Development of Agro-industry for Sustainability: Lesson from North Africa and ASEAN Countries”
Speaker: Prof. Dr. Mohamed Ait Hou from Moulay Ismaïl University
Moreover, the School of Economics, led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Padcharee Phasuk, Dean of the School, together with the visiting professor from UMI, held a fruitful discussion that culminated in the establishment of a Framework for Academic Collaboration for 2026. They also proposed the establishment of a Joint Coordination Committee to enhance international cooperation, which will focus on the following areas:
- Exchange of Academic Staff
- Joint Organization of International Academic Conferences
- Joint Development of a Master’s Program in Economics
These activities represent a significant step that reflects the long-standing friendship and cooperation between the two institutions, as well as future collaborations.
