SKKU Joins Hands with KAIST and Leading Thai Universities to Drive Innovation for the Future Society

- Co-hosted the “4th International Symposium on 

Multilateral Innovation for Future Society” in Chiang Mai, Thailand

- Shared research achievements across six key fields including 

nano, AI, and healthcare, and strengthened cooperation in attracting global talent

▲ (From left) Prof. Choncharoen Sawangrat (CMU), Prof. Pitiwat Wattanachai (CMU), Prof. Choongsik Bae (KAIST), Vice President Thatchavee Leelawat (MU), Prof. Won Ho Choi (KAIST), President Pongruk Sribanditmongkol (CMU), President Jibeom Yoo, Director Winita Punyodom (CMU), Director Minhyo Cho, Dean Taeseong Kim, Dean Thongchai Fongsmootr (CMU)

SKKU, together with KAIST, Chiang Mai University in Thailand, and Mahidol University, co-hosted the “4th International Symposium on Multilateral Innovation for Future Society” from January 27 to 29 in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

This international symposium  was organized to address rapidly changing social challenges facing the global community. Through this event, four leading universities representing Korea and Thailand came together to explore directions for multilateral innovation and to build a sustainable framework for academic and research cooperation.

▲President Jibeom Yoo delivering congratulatory remarks at the opening ceremony

President Jibeom Yoo, who attended the opening ceremony, stated, “This symposium is a highly meaningful occasion that concretizes practical models of inter-university collaboration to address the complex challenges faced by future societies.” He added, “As we co-host this event representing Korea together with KAIST, I hope that academic exchange between Korea and Thailand will continue to expand in the years ahead.”

▲ (From left) Prof. Soohyung Park (KAIST), President Jibeom Yoo, President Pongruk Sribanditmongkol (CMU), Vice President Thatchavee Leelawat (MU), Prof. Pitiwat Wattanachai (CMU)

At the symposium, a large number of faculty members from both countries participated, operating a total of six core sessions: plasma physics, advanced materials, healthcare and bio, sustainable energy, artificial intelligence, and age-tech and global cooperation. Each session focused on future technologies closely related to daily life and facilitated in-depth discussions on the role universities should play amid social transformation.

▲ Prof. Jin Woong Kim delivering the keynote address

In particular, professors from SKKU in the fields of mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, and nano science and technology presented world-class research achievements. In his keynote address, Prof. Jin Woong Kim of the Department of Chemical Engineering introduced a novel antioxidant platform that utilizes ultra-small nanoscale materials to maintain long-lasting efficacy even in water, drawing significant attention. This research has the potential to be developed into technologies for purifying contaminated water or safeguarding human health, generating strong interest among participants.

On the final day of the event, January 29, SKKU and KAIST jointly held an information session for Thai graduate students. During the session, Our University introduced its outstanding research environment and international joint research programs, presenting diverse pathways for talented Thai students to pursue their research aspirations in Korea.

Through this symposium, SKKU moved beyond individual collaborations with Thai universities and completed a broad multilateral research network involving KAIST and major universities across Asia. Going forward, SKKU plans to continue conducting innovative research that contributes to the advancement of human society, serving as a hub for global research collaboration.