The Center for Digital Technology Gathers Feedback from Academic Staff to Develop a Digital Action Plan for Walailak University (Years 2025-2028)
On Tuesday, June 18, 2567, the Digital Technology Center held a meeting to gather feedback from stakeholders, including academic staff, to collaboratively define directions and create a digital action plan for Walailak University (years 2025-2028). Professor Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, acting on behalf of the university president, chaired the opening session. The meeting took place in Room Phattharathammaporn, 9th floor, Building B, Walailak University Medical Center. Dr. Thimaporn Petchkaew, Deputy Director of the Digital Technology Center, welcomed the participants, and Dr. Nichanan Kittipatnabawon, Assistant Vice President, presented the report.
Professor Sombat emphasized the critical importance of developing a digital action plan to guide Walailak University toward becoming a digital-ready institution-one that can effectively respond to the rapid changes in the digital era. The university’s digital direction includes enhancing information technology infrastructure to support all aspects of operations, particularly digital teaching and learning. Innovation and data-driven decision-making are also key drivers for effective university management. Additionally, we aim to develop digital skills among students and staff, enabling them to proficiently use technology and adapt to rapid technological changes. In the field of artificial intelligence (AI), we intend to integrate AI to enhance teaching, examination processes, and overall operational efficiency.
Furthermore, AI can assist in analysis and trend prediction, leading to more accurate strategic decision-making. The meeting to gather feedback from stakeholders across all university sectors provides an excellent opportunity to collaboratively create a flexible and comprehensive digital action plan-one that can adapt to diverse needs and accommodate future technological changes. Our goal is to achieve the vision set forth.”
Assistant Professor Nichanan Kittipatnabawon, Deputy Vice President, stated that in the past, Walailak University has been implementing a 4-year digital technology development plan (from 2020 to 2024). The goal was to prepare the foundational network infrastructure to support the university’s information technology system, aiming to transform into a smart university. The ten key areas of focus included:
- Smart IT Infrastructure
- Smart Organization
- Smart Learning
- Smart Classroom
- Smart Life & Health
- Smart Hospital
- Smart Transportation
- Smart Security
- Smart Green University
- Smart Farming
As the current plan concludes in 2024, it is now time to review the existing plan and create a new digital action plan for Walailak University (years 2025-2028). This updated plan will guide the university’s operations and lead it toward digital leadership. To ensure comprehensive and practical planning, feedback from all university stakeholders is essential. The planning process involves dividing participants into seven groups:
- Deputy Vice Presidents and Assistant Directors
- Directors of Centers, Institutes, and Parks
- Academic Staff Group (including Deans, Faculty, and Administrative Staff)
- Professional and General Administrative Staff Group
- Information Staff Group at Walailak University Medical Center
- Student Representatives (including student organization leaders)
- The Center for Digital Technology Staff
Assistant Professor Nichanan emphasized that this meeting specifically targets the academic staff group, with 31 participants from 20 different units. The main objectives are to define the university’s direction for digital development, covering infrastructure, information technology, digital skills for students and staff, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance operational efficiency. The outcome will be a clear and effective digital action plan that aligns with the university’s vision.
