webfact Posted September 9, 2021 Share Posted September 9, 2021 By Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal Two days ago there was big news that caused quite a stir. Due to the downturn from the impact of Covid-19, Chulalongkorn University granted a concession to Central Group (CPN) to be the manager of Siam Block A which includes the historic Scala Theater. CPN said that they would do their utmost to protect the theater while redeveloping the area around it into another shopping mall. The business community questioned CPN’s move to redevelop such a small piece of land. But what has gone unreported is the current tenants who have developed businesses and staked their livelihoods to buildings around Scala who are not being forced out or not having their leases renewed. Those who are choosing to stay have been met with high rent costs. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/32443/opinion-chulalongkorn-acting-less-like-institute-of-higher-learning-and-more-like-a-big-business/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2021-09-09 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whale Posted September 9, 2021 Share Posted September 9, 2021 No surprise as they have been also turned into a "consultant company" with their faculty. There are even consultancy office on the campus which are part of the university, my eldest worked for their civil construction consultancy for a while before heading overseas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Cipher Posted September 9, 2021 Share Posted September 9, 2021 Lol. Which university is not trying to maximize revenue these days? Schools in North America have been doing it for years. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
new2here Posted September 9, 2021 Share Posted September 9, 2021 to me, i think it’s true AND correct. Their PMCU arm (Property Management Chulalongkorn University) really does have an obligation to achieve the highest returns for the larger university and be good stewards of the property owned by CU. Does Chula act like a business? I’m sure it does in some aspects… and unless a university is solely a state funded institution - meaning all of its operating expenses are state-funded, then i would expect a university operate in a fiscally prudent manner, to include how their manage their non-core real estate assets — CONSISTENT with its larger mission - to educate.. IMHO, to educate and to also operate in a fiscally prudent manner are not mutually exclusive goals, but if done right, can be complementary to each other. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hotchilli Posted September 9, 2021 Share Posted September 9, 2021 Most universities are big businesses, no surprises there. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benmart Posted September 9, 2021 Share Posted September 9, 2021 6 hours ago, The Cipher said: Lol. Which university is not trying to maximize revenue these days? Schools in North America have been doing it for years. This article seems to be about Thailand. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Cipher Posted September 9, 2021 Share Posted September 9, 2021 Quote This article seems to be about Thailand. Sure. But its helpful to place the actions of this institution in the context of broader global trends. The article is about a university beginning to act more like a business than an institution concerned primarily with education. But Chula isn't pioneering any new ground here, they're just floating in the direction the winds have been blowing for years now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrJ2U Posted September 9, 2021 Share Posted September 9, 2021 7 hours ago, Benmart said: This article seems to be about Thailand. In general. Universities everywhere need to maximize profits including Thailand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bangon04 Posted September 10, 2021 Share Posted September 10, 2021 remind me... who is the major shareholder in Chula? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zzaa09 Posted September 11, 2021 Share Posted September 11, 2021 On 9/8/2021 at 8:27 PM, The Cipher said: Lol. Which university is not trying to maximize revenue these days? Schools in North America have been doing it for years. And in the process, completely miss the picture of what a university exist for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now