PSU hosts the 27th CIO Digital University Forum (DUF), supporting Thai higher education's digital transformation
Prince of Songkla University (PSU), through the Office of Digital Innovation and Intelligent Systems, hosted the 27th CIO Digital University Forum (DUF), bringing together higher education leaders to help shape the direction and strategies for the digital transformation of Thai universities. The forum was held as part of “PSU Cybersecurity, AI & Data Privacy 2026.” Asst. Prof. Dr. Niwat Keawpradub, President of Prince of Songkla University, presided over the opening ceremony, while Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thakerng Wongsirichot, Vice President for Academic and International Affairs, delivered the welcoming remarks. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rattasit Sukhahuta, Chair of the CIO Digital Forum, also attended the ceremony. The event took place at the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne International Convention Center, PSU Hat Yai Campus, from 9 to 10 July 2026.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Niwat Keawpradub said that the 27th CIO Digital University Forum marked an important milestone and served as a national platform for collaboration. It provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives, knowledge, and valuable experience in shaping the direction and strategies for the digital transformation of Thai higher education institutions. He noted that, amid the rapid pace of technological change, the application of artificial intelligence to transform education and university administration, together with stronger cybersecurity and the protection of personal data, has become increasingly important. These are key challenges that information technology leaders must address together by developing appropriate standards and identifying effective practices.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thakerng Wongsirichot added that digital technology and artificial intelligence play an important role in university development across all areas, including administration, teaching and learning, research, and academic services. At the same time, higher education institutions must work together to address challenges related to cybersecurity, personal data protection, and the responsible governance of AI. He said the forum offered a valuable opportunity for information technology leaders from higher education institutions across Thailand to exchange experiences, share good practices, and strengthen collaborative networks. These efforts will help advance Thailand’s digital universities, enabling them to keep pace with global change and respond to the future needs of society.
In addition to exhibition booths where supporting organizations presented technologies and high-tech solutions, the event featured a wide range of knowledge-sharing activities and discussions. Highlights included the panel discussion “The Role of Thai Universities in the AI Transformation,” featuring academics from universities across Thailand; a lecture on “AI Governance in Healthcare”; and presentations on various topics by representatives from leading companies participating in the event. The programme also featured the “Cisco Security Capture the Flag” cybersecurity competition, which drew enthusiastic participation from school and university students representing various educational institutions.