Blog Article: PSU and UiTM Strengthen Ties through Dialogue on Student Development and Collaboration
Lavanya S
Prince of Songkla University, Pattani Campus, and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Cawangan Kelantan came together in Pattani to discuss student development, academic collaboration, and new opportunities for exchange programs, setting the stage for deeper cross-border cooperation.
Prince of Songkla University, Pattani Campus, played host to a significant exchange of ideas when a delegation from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Cawangan Kelantan visited on August 15, 2025. The meeting, held at the Vijarnsupakit Meeting Floor of the Pattani Campus building, was attended by senior representatives from both universities. Leading the PSU team were Assistant Professor Dr. Atchai Ueanantasan, Vice President of Pattani Campus; Associate Professor Dr. Montira Leelakriangsak, Vice President for Academic Affairs; and Assistant Professor Dr. Bodin Walate, Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations. Also present was Assistant Professor Dr. Woraphak Maitriphan, Assistant President for Research and Social Affairs, alongside faculty representatives from Humanities and Social Sciences, Communication Arts, and Science and Technology.
The UiTM delegation was led by Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Nasir bin Ismail, Vice Rector of Academic Affairs, and Mr. Meer Zhar Farouk Amir Razli, Vice Rector of Student Affairs, who brought with them both academic and student-focused perspectives. Their visit was not only about strengthening institutional ties but also about understanding how PSU manages its unique blend of academic, community, and entrepreneurial initiatives.
The discussions opened with Dr. Farook from UiTM raising questions about PSU’s management structure, particularly how the university oversees three schools under one system while maintaining quality and accessibility. A lively exchange followed on PSU’s open-door policy, which allows community markets to be held on campus throughout the week. These markets, attended by both internal and external vendors, have become an important feature of campus life. PSU leaders explained that beyond serving the community, these markets provide students with opportunities to engage in business, learn financial literacy, and generate income. With around 70 percent of PSU students relying on student loans, these initiatives were presented as practical ways to build real-world financial skills and resilience.
Dr. Bordin emphasized that each faculty designs its own programs to encourage entrepreneurship, while partnerships with 7-Eleven, Amazon Café, and Lotus Supermarket further open doors for student internships and revenue streams for the university. Dr. Montira added that PSU has placed strong emphasis on preparing students not only for traditional employment but also for creative industries and cultural sectors, giving them a wider perspective on career pathways.
The discussion then moved toward the possibility of deeper collaboration. Dr. Warid from UiTM shared that UiTM annually hosts six international interns and suggested a structured internship exchange program with PSU. UiTM is committed to providing accommodation, border transportation, and medical check-up support for PSU students, while participants would be responsible for food, visa, and personal costs. This exchange, the delegation noted, would enhance cultural understanding while building student adaptability.
Both institutions also extended invitations to each other’s upcoming events. UiTM welcomed PSU to participate in its International Relations Fest in October, while PSU invited UiTM students to join the International Fest at Pattani on August 29. Further discussions touched upon a joint Youth Leadership Camp designed to explore multiculturalism and language exchange, highlighting PSU’s Thai Language Learning Program as a model for quick cultural adaptation.
Beyond student-centered initiatives, both universities spoke about academic cooperation, including journal development, collaborative research, and joint student projects. The meeting concluded with an agreement to pursue detailed proposals for internship exchanges, confirmed participation in upcoming festivals, and a shared interest in developing leadership and academic platforms that would benefit both campuses.
Through this dialogue, PSU and UiTM reaffirmed their commitment to not only building academic excellence but also nurturing student growth in ways that blend classroom learning with practical, cultural, and entrepreneurial experiences. What began as a formal meeting evolved into a forward-looking exchange of ideas that underscored the shared vision of the two institutions: preparing students to thrive in a rapidly changing world while deepening the bonds of regional cooperation.
