A delegation from the College of Graduate Studies (CGS), Walailak University, met ECHO EDUCATION Co., Ltd. in Khon Kaen on 7 August 2026 to explore a possible partnership on international student recruitment. The group was led by Assoc Prof Dr Apirak Payaka, Acting Vice Dean, with Asst Prof Dr Wachiraporn Poungjinda, Assistant Dean for International Affairs, Asst Prof Dr Darunee Bunkrong, Assistant Dean for Chinese Strategic Graduate Studies and Educational Cooperation, and CGS officers.

Chinese students seeking a master’s degree were identified as the main target group. The chief proposal was a new business-oriented programme aimed at applicants who already run a company or come from a commercial background, though the meeting agreed that market demand should be tested before any curriculum is designed.

Promotion was the second theme. Participants favoured an international campaign directed at China, combining online outreach with events that put staff in front of prospective students, and raised the possibility of joint recruitment activities in China with ECHO EDUCATION.

The third was the College’s own readiness. Teaching staff would need to be brought into the discussion early, both to support Chinese students and to adapt their teaching. The ideas now go to management for consideration, after which a joint working group would agree a timeline and review progress.

Written by: Peeardon Siriwchit