Professor Dr. Wiles Phurivat, President of Chulalongkorn University, revealed that Chulalongkorn University is the only founding member from Thailand. Being elected as President of the AUA marks the first time a Thai higher education institution has ascended to the top leadership of a continental university alliance. This reflects the trust from Asia's leading universities in Chulalongkorn University's vision, leadership, and potential to help shape the future of education in Asia.
At the forum, Professor Dr. Wiles was honored to present his vision on Future University Governance Models to top executives from leading Asian universities. He proposed reforms to university governance structures to meet the demands of the modern world, focusing on management innovation, collaboration with industry, social impact, and elevating universities as key drivers for sustainable development of nations, the region, and the world.
Furthermore, his appointment as President of the AUA reflects Professor Dr. Wiles Phurivat’s ongoing international recognition as a leader in Thai higher education. He currently holds several important roles including President of the Council of University Presidents of Thailand (CUPT), President of the Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL), and President of the Asia-Europe Meeting Lifelong Learning Hub (ASEM LLL Hub) for the 2025–2030 term.
Thus, his role as President of the Asian Universities Alliance for 2027–2029 is not only a milestone achievement for Chulalongkorn University but also a significant landmark for Thai higher education on the global stage. It highlights Thailand’s potential as a center for cooperation in education, science, technology, innovation, and sustainable development within Asia.
Acts of Kindness: Ms. Pojanee Kongkalai, Assistant General Manager of Personal Banking, Mr. Apiwat Punnopakorn, Vice President and Public Relations Manager, Ms. Tansawan Jansai, Vice President and Metropolitan Area 1 Manager, and Mr. Suwit Intharachalem, Vice President of Public Relations at Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited, donated 100,000 baht to support the production of commemorative T-shirts for World Blood Donor Day for the 15th consecutive year. This year, the National Blood Centre of the Thai Red Cross Society created a special collection for World Blood Donor Day on 14th June.
These shirts are distributed to donors during World Blood Donor Week from 8-14 June 2026. Ms. Piyanun Kumrong, Assistant Director of Blood Donation and Corporate Image, and Ms. Kawiwat Kunaphat, Head of Donor Recruitment and Corporate Communications at the National Blood Centre, Thai Red Cross Society, received the donation. Buoyed by Bangkok Bank’s volunteers, they helped distribute commemorative shirts, facilitated the donation process, and guided blood donors at the National Blood Centre on Henri Dunant Road, Bangkok.
Award of Recognition Mister D.I.Y. Holding (Thailand) Public Company Limited, a leader in retail home improvement and lifestyle products, received a plaque of appreciation from the Faculty of Management at Kasetsart University, Sriracha Campus. The award recognizes the company’s dedicated support of education and university activities for more than three years, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the faculty’s establishment. Mr. Anupap Kongmalai, Executive Vice President of Marketing for Mister D.I.Y. Thailand, accepted the plaque, which was presented by Professor Dr. Jumphot Borirat, Dean of the Faculty of Management.