Bangkok: Chulalongkorn University has addressed concerns surrounding the relevance of scholarships to recipients' future careers, emphasizing the broader purpose of these educational grants.
According to Thai News Agency, the university's Rector, Professor Dr. Vilelert Poorivat, highlighted that questioning whether scholarship recipients work in fields unrelated to their studies reflects a limited viewpoint. Scholarships, he explained, are not merely about imparting knowledge but are intended to cultivate human capital and life skills.
Yesterday, at The INTANIA Forum: SURVIVING UNDER THE NEW WORLD ORDER, Professor Dr. Vilelert spoke about the evolving role of universities. Organized by the Alumni Association of the Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, the forum was attended by notable figures such as the Prime Minister and the Governor of the Bank of Thailand. The event focused on Thailand's challenges under a new global context. Dr. Vilelert stated that universities today must adapt to changes and equip graduates with problem-solving abilities, emphasizing that knowledge alone becomes outdated over time.
Professor Dr. Vilelert further explained that the achievements of Chulalongkorn University students are on par with international standards. The university aims to provide a transformative experience through research, innovation, and improving students' quality of life. This approach, he noted, is the essence of modern education, and it underscores the importance of developing human capital to build a better nation.
Chulalongkorn University offers various scholarships, including the Chulalongkorn Rural Scholarship, which was awarded to Mr. Bowornthat Pengsuk (Hlun Solo), among others. These scholarships are designed to empower graduates with life skills, allowing them to improve their lives and the lives of their families. Professor Dr. Vilelert addressed social media concerns about Mr. Bowornthat's scholarship in political science not aligning with his career as an influencer. He clarified that the purpose of scholarships extends beyond academic knowledge to include problem-solving, life skills, and mindset changes.
The university's role, as articulated by the Rector, is to empower individuals to become creators and developers, capable of utilizing artificial intelligence and other advancements. Chulalongkorn University is committed to enhancing the quality of life, fostering better family and career development, and serving as a hub for cultivating intelligence and innovation.