In the dynamic landscape of career oriented learning, Siam University stands out as a pioneer of comprehensive education in Thailand. Late Dr. Narong Mongkhonvanit laid the foundation of Siam University in 1965 to integrate the best language education resources worldwide.
Siam University is a globally recognized institution for its cooperative education and problem-based learning. It offers great academic opportunities in the health sciences, engineering and technology, social sciences, humanities, and liberal arts and sciences. Its unwavering commitment to excellence and industry integration has positioned the university as a beacon of innovative learning. It boasts 15,000+ students from over 52 countries and over 1000 international students, providing truly multicultural learning experiences. Siam University comprises 15 schools offering a broad variety of undergraduate, graduate, and lifelong education programs.
Located in southwest Bangkok, Siam University’s 20-building campus features first-class academic and social facilities designed to cater to the specific needs of student life. The institution’s core mission is to respond to the needs of the region by providing quality education and producing graduates with academic excellence, high professional skills, and strong moral values.
A Glance at the Institution’s Profile
Since Siam University is a fully accredited institution of higher learning, its alumni are eligible for the same advantages as graduates from state universities. Siam University received approval to grant the degree in 1973. In 1983, it became Thailand’s fifth private university and was granted university status.
Since its inception, Siam University has produced over 95,000 graduates in various fields of specialization. The faculty members of foreign programs are primarily native English speakers from Europe and America who have been carefully chosen among talented experts. Alums of Siam University currently occupy prominent positions in business, industry, academia, and the public sector across the world. Its academic collaboration with 100 leading universities and institutions from 52 countries offers unique possibilities for students and exchange faculties who wish to transfer from or to Siam University or who wish to undertake research projects.
Facilitating the Exchange of Knowledge, Education, and Resources Between Regions
The collaborations between the Center for Innovation at Siam University and institutes in other countries serve as a gateway for Asian institutes, facilitating the exchange of knowledge, education, and resources between the two regions. Nowadays, people are more likely to travel to the East than the West, whether for educational purposes, to establish a business, or to build a foundation. Additionally, it offers the opportunity for cross-cultural learning.
The strategic location of Thailand as a country is a hub for trade-related businesses, which is one of the reasons they have populations from various backgrounds and ethnicities. When talking about strategic location, Siam University is also located in a very accessible area in Bangkok, Thailand. The team at Siam University has been dedicated to cultivating positive relations with the community. Through their collaboration, they serve as Southeast Asia’s gateway and road, making it easier for and other partners to enter this dynamic region.
The Key Driving Force to Keep Students at the Forefront
Siam University does not focus on language education but uses English as a medium of instruction for international students. The university equips students with three key pillars to ensure that its programs stay at the forefront:
- Employability for cooperative education and practical hands-on experience with work-integrated learning (WIL): The faculty members in international programs are carefully chosen from qualified scholars who are native English speakers hailing from Europe or America. Presently, Siam University alumni hold key positions in business, industry, as well as in the academic and public sectors, both nationally and internationally.
- Diversity with international students: more than 1200 students from 52 countries: Siam University’s academic partnerships with 100 top universities and organizations provide unique opportunities for exchange faculty members and students who want to work on research projects or transfer from or to Siam University.
- Sustainability: Siam University also works with community development projects to establish best practices and serve as a living laboratory for sustainable cities and communities.
Striving for Notable Growth and Opportunities for Learners
Siam University’s Co-operative Education Program provides students the opportunity to work and gain hands-on experience in their ideal company, which is a major part of work-integrated learning. Students tend to take inspiration from these learnings and apply them to their nations. The university also has a dedicated team of expert faculty members with great expertise and knowledge in cutting-edge technology. They impart knowledge to kids, educating them about improvements and how to take advantage of them.
Siam University maintains strong collaborations with industry-leading tech companies such as Western Digital, Amazon, Microsoft, etc., providing students with valuable opportunities to gain practical experience and insights.
Nurturing an Innovative and Unique Work Culture
A key component of work-integrated learning at Siam University is the Cooperative Education Program, which gives students the chance to work and obtain practical experience in the firm of their choice. The team actively engages with the community surrounding the university, leveraging collaborative networks to inspire creativity and facilitate knowledge exchange.
Additionally, the organization offers a specifically creative environment where students may develop and polish their concepts, along with channels for creative project pitches to attract attention and funding. The University Business Incubator (UBI), which provides resources and networking opportunities, also acts as a center for fostering entrepreneurial endeavors. Through initiatives like cooperative education, the team reinvents traditional learning paradigms, integrating real-world experiences into academic pursuits, thereby attracting investment and fostering sustainable growth within its innovation ecosystem.
Navigating the Significant Challenges and Opportunities
The major challenge for Siam University is keeping teaching and learning relevant amidst business disruptions and rapid technological advancements. To make students professional and capable, they should not only get the knowledge but also the skills to continuously update their knowledge independently. Siam University addresses this challenge with its general education curriculum, emphasizing critical thinking, adaptability, and lifelong learning skills.
Additionally, internationalization acts as a catalyst in this process by providing students with diverse and global perspectives and practices. In light of the upcoming difficulties, the team will also have the opportunity to collaborate with institutions to prepare students to better meet the demands of this ever-evolving world.
Planning for a remarkable future
Spearheading the university in the position of CEO, Pornchai Mongkhonvanit aspires to create Siam University as a learning system that transcends disciplinary boundaries, empowering students to pursue their passions across various fields of study. It offers students the opportunity for lifelong learning and upskilling through micro-credentials, ensuring that education extends beyond the confines of the campus. The goal is to inspire innovation by giving students the resources and encouragement they need to turn their knowledge into original concepts.
“Since we understand the positive effects of excellent health on both the individual and the economy, we would like to concentrate on using AI for health and wellbeing in terms of sustainability. Additionally, we are committed to supporting education by forming alliances with organizations such as Global Academy, which allows students diverse perspectives and opportunities to learn from anywhere,” the leading man adds.
