PSU welcomes FIU to strengthen academic collaboration and expand international study opportunities
Prince of Songkla University (PSU) welcomed Prof. Dr. Khokiat Kengskool, Director of International Programs for Southeast Asia at Florida International University (FIU), USA, during his visit to PSU on 25-26 February 2026. The visit aimed to discuss concrete strategies for strengthening academic collaboration between the two institutions while expanding international education and research opportunities for students and faculty members.
On 25 February 2026, Dr. Khokiat visited PSU Phuket Campus, where he was welcomed by Dr. Taksina Sripracha, Assistant President for International Affairs, representing the Vice President of the Phuket Campus. During the meeting, both parties discussed campus-level collaboration with a focus on building academic networks and promoting student exchange programs.
During the same visit, Dr. Khokiat met with representatives from the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism and held discussions with Mr. Colin Gallagher, Assistant Dean for International Affairs. The discussions centered on student mobility, enhancing experiential learning linked to the hospitality and tourism industries, and developing practical skills for students. He also toured the PSU Airlines Simulation Laboratory, a mock aircraft cabin used to train students in in-flight services, including passenger reception, safety demonstrations, and food and beverage service, providing hands-on experience for careers in the aviation industry.
The FIU delegation also visited the College of Computing, where they were welcomed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aziz Nanthamorrpong, Dean of the College. The visit included discussions on potential collaboration in computer engineering and related research, followed by an information session introducing FIU's doctoral programs to students and faculty members.
On 26 February 2026, Dr. Khokiat visited PSU Hat Yai Campus, where he was warmly received by the PSU President, Asst. Prof. Dr. Niwat Keawpradub, together with the University Executive Board. The meeting focused on strengthening institutional partnerships and expanding academic collaboration between the two universities.
The
delegation subsequently visited the Faculty of Medicine, where they were
welcomed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sumitra Prathep and the faculty's executive
team. The visit featured presentations on the faculty’s work in Biomedical
Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, as well as discussions with
students about opportunities for international study and collaborative
research.
At the Faculty of Engineering, the delegation was welcomed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Saengsuree Vasupongaiya, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, and the faculty's executive team. FIU presented an overview of its academic programs and discussed opportunities for student exchange, joint research initiatives, and collaborative academic activities in engineering. An information session on scholarships and graduate study opportunities at FIU was also organized for students.
In addition, Dr. Khokiat met Asst. Prof. Dr. Jantra Promnoi, Assistant Dean for Learning Resources and International Affairs at the Faculty of Nursing, to discuss the implementation of Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) activities in nursing education, aiming to promote virtual cross-border learning between the two institutions.
This visit reflects the strong and growing partnership between Prince of Songkla University and Florida International University and marks another significant milestone in advancing international academic collaboration. The partnership is expected to create greater opportunities for education, student and faculty exchanges, and collaborative research, benefiting both institutions in a sustainable and meaningful way.