In the centre of Bangkok, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand’s oldest and most prestigious academic institution, is making strides towards internationalisation. Home to about 3,200 foreign students from over 41,000 enrollees, the university is increasingly opening its doors to the world.

 

Professor Parichart Sthapitanonda, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Social Outreach, highlighted the university's commitment to global mobility. “Attracting students globally is now more challenging,” she stated. The university introduced a 3+1 programme in its Faculty of Law, allowing students to study three years in Bangkok and one year abroad, gaining dual degrees.

 

Despite topping Thailand's academic reputation for 14 years, based on QS World University Rankings, Chulalongkorn faces fierce regional competition. Across the border, Malaysia's Universiti Malaya mirrors this ambition. Professor Yahaya Bin Ahmad stressed the importance of international exposure, “Our undergraduates must travel abroad at least once before graduation,” he noted, with plans for financial aid and student exchanges with Chulalongkorn.

 

Traditionally dominated by Western institutions, the global education landscape is shifting, with eyes turning eastwards. Southeast Asia, once a secondary player, is gaining traction, offering affordability, safety, cultural richness, and competitive academic programmes.

 

In the 2024 Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings, 19 Thai universities were recognised, with Chulalongkorn ranked 117th in Asia. Meanwhile, Malaysia saw Universiti Malaya break into the Top 60 of the QS World University Rankings by 2021.

 

Janelle Torres from ISC Research noted partnerships between ASEAN universities and global industries. “Universities are forming strategic partnerships to boost their presence in high-impact journals,” she said. Thai universities have aligned with global ranking criteria, expanding English-taught programmes to attract international students, particularly from China, India, the Middle East, and Africa.

 

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) exemplifies the drive for international engagement. Ranked 158th by QS in 2024 and climbing to 134th in projections, UPM hosted over 3,200 international students in 2024 alone. Head of Mobility, Muhammad Syafiq Farhan Boo Omar Boo, discussed their student-led programmes that foster leadership and independence.

 

The flow of students within the ASEAN region is strong, with institutions in Singapore and Malaysia attracting many due to the wide use of English. Students from Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand often seek education in countries with more robust systems and international opportunities.

 

Malaysia’s Education Blueprint (2015–2025) showcases its aim to become an education hub, promoting international campuses and English instruction. In Singapore, an early initiative aimed to make it a leading education hub by attracting global students. Such efforts bring talent into these countries, often leading students to pursue further studies or employment locally.

 

It’s a similar story at Chulalongkorn University, which is striving to retain and recruit top academic staff, emphasising increased research output and global reputation. “Rankings are tools to improve our institution,” added Professor Parichart. The university plans to host more high-profile figures, having recently welcomed AI expert Andrew Ng.

 

As Chulalongkorn University continues its pursuit of academic excellence and international collaboration, it positions itself as a beacon of higher learning amidst a transforming educational landscape in Southeast Asia. This evolution not only enhances regional prestige but also cements the university’s place on the global stage.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-08-14

 

"The global education landscape is shifting"....Yes, it is...Several friends of mine in the states who teach at small colleges tell me enrollment has crashed (from local and international sources). Getting visas for int. students is very difficult with many demands to maintain-if they can get one at all. Interesting times!

19 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

In the centre of Bangkok, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand’s oldest and most prestigious academic institution, is making strides towards internationalisation. Home to about 3,200 foreign students from over 41,000 enrollees, the university is increasingly opening its doors to the world.

If only Thailand would do the same.

Reality is that many good / very good Thai unis already have well established exchange programs with good universities in Europe, (especially Germany), UK, other parts of Asia, Australia and NZ and Sth America.  Many of these exchange agreements have been in place for 20 or more years.

 

 

Higher Educational institutions in Thailand would love to have more international students for reputational and financial reasons. When I did my masters at a local business school (linked to Chula) the rule was everyone had to speak English - locals and foreigners, students and teachers. It seemed to be reverting last time I was there, with some Thai teachers answering Thai students in Thai.

When I asked a class did they every learn critical thinking they looked very confused. Nope.

It is all well and good to dream of being international institution but putting it into practice is quite difficult.

...Please Be Careful Throwing Around The Term 'Globalization'...(?)

9 hours ago, SOTIRIOS said:

...Please Be Careful Throwing Around The Term 'Globalization'...(?)

Understood!