Institute for Research and Development in Teaching Profession for ASEAN, Khon Kaen University (IRDTP-KKU) showcased its achievements in regional teacher development at the 11th UNESCO UNITWIN International Conference, reinforcing its role as a key collaborative hub in Southeast Asia.

The virtual conference, themed "Global Collaboration in Teacher Education: Practices and Challenges," was hosted by Korea National University of Education (KNUE) on November 6-7, 2025. The event served as a major platform for representatives from six partner universities across the region to share successes and discuss challenges in teacher development amid rapid global changes.

IRDTP-KKU played a prominent role, with two key representatives presenting on Thailand's educational strategies and progress. Assistant Professor Dr. Phongthanat Sae-joo, the institute's director, presented on "The Achievements and Outcomes of the UNITWIN Program in Khon Kaen," highlighting tangible results in teacher development, learning innovation, research, and the creation of a regional cooperation network.

Additionally, high-performance researcher Associate Professor Dr. Maitree Inprasitha delivered a presentation titled "Overview of the National Curriculum or Recent Educational Policies in Thailand," outlining the country's educational policy direction and key issues for the future of teacher development in Thailand.

The conference builds on a strong partnership established through the UNESCO-KNUE UNITWIN PROGRAM, which began in 2019. Supported by UNESCO, the program aims to advance Sustainable Development Goals related to quality education (SDG4) and partnerships (SDG17). The network includes six institutions from five countries:
• Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (Indonesia)
• Khon Kaen University (Thailand)
• Souphanouvong University (Laos)
• Vietnam National University – University of Education (Vietnam)
• Mahidol University, Kanchanaburi Campus (Thailand)
• University of the Philippines, Diliman (Philippines)

This collaboration has reportedly made a significant impact on teacher development, knowledge exchange, joint research, and capacity building for educational personnel throughout Southeast Asia.

Participation in the conference underscores the role of Khon Kaen University and its Institute for Research and Development in Teaching Profession for ASEAN (IRDTP-KKU) as a regional hub for teacher development cooperation. This aligns with the university's core strategy of elevating its academic quality to an international standard.

The tangible impacts of this involvement include:
• Enhancing the quality of teacher training and professional development throughout the ASEAN region.
• Building a strong and sustainable network of educational allies.
• Driving research and education policies that address future needs.
• Strengthening Khon Kaen University's position as a center for educational innovation and collaboration.

The event was not merely a platform for knowledge exchange but also a significant step in advancing the region's educational systems. It affirmed Khon Kaen University's capacity to help shape the direction of teacher development on an international stage.

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