Bangkok: On the occasion of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's 72nd birthday, she established the "Nan Provincial Higher Education Institute". In a gesture to honor her commitment to education and regional development, the Cabinet has approved the principle of setting up this institute. The initiative will see the transformation of Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna Nan into a pioneering model university equipped for regional development and international standards, under the guiding vision of being a "small university with high quality."
According to Thai News Agency, Professor Dr. Yotsanun Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), announced the Cabinet's approval after a meeting, highlighting the significance of this move. The proposal, which was put forth by MHESI, aims to elevate Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, Nan Campus, to a state-supervised institution, supported by a legislative framework currently in drafting.
The establishment of the Nan Provincial Higher Education Institute serves as a tribute to Princess Sirindhorn's longstanding commitment to the region, reflecting her aspirations in educational development, natural resource conservation, and enhancing the quality of life in Nan Province. This institution is envisioned as a critical mechanism for fostering knowledge, research, and innovation to address local challenges and to sustainably develop the area. It will focus on producing human resources that align with the country's future development needs, all while functioning as a 'small but high-quality university.'
Professor Dr. Yotsanan clarified that this initiative is not about creating a new university but upgrading the existing Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, Nan Campus. The campus, already recognized for its strong research and regional development capabilities, will be enhanced to fulfill its mission more effectively. This transformation aims to make it a model innovative university with international standards, furthering its role in regional development.
The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation has already conducted thorough feasibility studies and project planning, whilst gathering input from various stakeholders, including government agencies, local authorities, the public, and academic communities. The initiative has also secured approval from key agencies such as the Civil Service Commission and the National Economic and Social Development Council, among others.
Following the Cabinet's approval, MHESI will accelerate the drafting of legislation to formally establish the Nan Provincial Higher Education Institute. This includes delineating the institute's administrative structure, human resource strategies, and its approach to research and regional development. The objective is for this institution to serve as a model for Thai higher education reform, significantly contributing to the economic, social, environmental, and overall quality of life improvements in Nan province and its surrounding areas.